Preparing the Site

The 2012 ABANA Conference is well underway for the setup crew and the demonstrators are working feverishly to finalize their preparation for the big event.

It was the day before the conference started, but Nathan "I am not an artist" Robertson had a dozen blacksmiths ringing anvils in his hammer making class.  Just so nice, as you walk onto the grounds, to see forges aglow, hear hammers pounding.

Nathan is on the right in the photo above

Take some time before you leave to head over to the Apex Gallery at the school of mining.  Ellen Durkan's exhibit looks at the hard side of women's fashion with larger-than-life wire and iron sculptures of dresses and shoes that look like they could have come out of an ancient torture chamber or off the pages of a new-age comic book.  If you need another inducement the gallery is air conditioned.

Ran into Eric Green, he of the well-tended mustache, who noted that he'd been to every conference since Albany.  We figured that went back about twenty years.  Let us know what your earliest ABANA conference was by commenting below.

Conference Gallery - Reception Tuesday July 17, 2012

The Gallery  in the Fine Arts Building at the Central States Fairgrounds will be open to the public to showcase the work of our members.

If you're attending the conference (or even if you aren't) please consider submitting an example or two of your work to the gallery.

We're not only looking for items to display but also donated items for the conference auction.

Click here to download the Gallery Application Package: Gallery Application and Agreement

There will also be a “walk-in” area along with tables will be available there for business card exchange and for participants to display their portfolios.

Apex Gallery

Located at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology will have a gallery reception on Tuesday July 17, 2012.

Ellen Durkan from Delaware will be the featured artist: EllenDurkan.com

Some examples of Ellen's Work:
    

Rapid City Area Info

Click on Map to View Full Size

Click on Map to View Full Size

ABANA 2012 Conference is almost here!

We will be at the Central States Fairgrounds in Rapid City, South Dakota this week - July 18-21, 2012

The Conference will start in: 02 Days, 20 Hours, 34 Minutes, and 51 Seconds from NOW!!! See you soon!!

Opening ceremonies will be on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at the Central States Fairgrounds. We will also use some facilities at the adjacent South Dakota School of Mines and Technology for lectures and a focused exhibit at the Apex gallery on campus.

2012 ABANA Conference Schedule (Rapid City, SD)

Conference Schedule of Events 

(click on the table below to view larger)

Thursday through Saturday will be full days of forging demonstrations and excitement ABANA style. Saturday will conclude with a banquet and the conference auction. The site is within a few miles of thousands of reasonably priced hotel rooms and amazing family recreation opportunities. Camping and RV hook-ups will be available on site, as well as dorm room accommodations will be available at the School of Mines.

ABANA Conference Opening Demonstration Announcement

In furthering ABANA's goal of perpetuating the noble art of blacksmithing, by promoting blacksmithing to youth, we have added a "Youth Showcase" Demonstration to our slate of Opening Demonstrations on Wednesday evening.  Alec Steele, Daniel Riffe, and Kainon Baumer make up an international striking team which will put on both an entertaining and educational show to help open our 2012 conference. This team of three teens, all exceptionally talented behind the anvil through the tutelage of Brian Brazeal, will show what they know in dramatic form.    This is a first for these three young men and for ABANA as well. Young, old, beginner, and veteran smith will all walk away from this demo with a smile on their face, new techniques in hand, and comforted by the thought that blacksmithing is staying alive in their youthful hands. Bring your family in for this demonstration. It may even inspire your own youngsters to come out to the shop, or inspire you to recruit a few enthusiastic youths in your area who want to learn blacksmithing!   ABANA is taking an active role in supporting our youth through the development of our youth membership and now in this showcase demonstration. We are focused on preserving the traditions of the blacksmith through study of the past and the preservation of future smiths in the sharing of knowledge, skills, and experience. Come and be a part of history and ABANA's future at this Opening Demonstration at the 2012 Conference. Only 5 Days Left to Register and Save $50.00    The 2012 ABANA Conference is almost here.  Register before June 20th and save $50.00.  After June 20, 2012 a $50.00 late registration fee will be added to the registration cost.    ABANA 2012 Conference  July 18 - 21, 2012  Central States Fairgrounds  800 San Francisco St.  Rapid City South Dakota 57701 ABANA 2012 Conference Information Register Now   (before 20 June) to avoid the $50.00 Late Fee   Registration Fee - $275 Per Person - $225 for ABANA Members   After June 20, 2012:  Registration Fee - $325 Per Person - $275 for ABANA Members    Family members - $25 each for Spouse and Children 12- 17 (Under 12 Free) Day Passes - $75.00 - Available at the Gate Your ABANA Membership ID is required to Register at the Member Rate.   Don't know have you ID?    Have it sent to you by email:  Get Membership ID  Or Call the Central Office (423)913-1022 Register Now!  I can't make it  If you don't want to register online, you can also: Download a Registration Form and mail it along with your payment to the ABANA Central Office.

Artist-Blacksmith's Association of North America | 259 Muddy Fork Road | Jonesborough | TN | 37659

Winning ABANA Conference Poster Announced!

Congratulations to Rob Fertner for  creating this year's winning conference poster! Rob recieved 2 free passes to the conference

The 2012 ABANA Conference is almost here.  Register before Jun3 20th and save $50.00.  After June 20, 2012 a $50.00 late registration fee will be added to the registration cost. Register Now  Conference Deomonstrator Update:   Due to health concerns, Ed Caffery will not be attending and demonstrating at the conference. Please keep him in your thoughts for a speedy recovery. For updates visit his blog:    http://themontanabladesmith.blogspot.com/  ABANA 2012 Conference  July 18 - 21, 2012  Central States Fairgrounds  800 San Francisco St.  Rapid City South Dakota 57701    ABANA 2012 Conference Information Register Now (before 20 June) to avoid the $50.00 Late Fee   Registration Fee - $275 Per Person - $225 for ABANA Members   After June 20, 2012:  Registration Fee - $325 Per Person - $275 for ABANA Members    Family members - $25 each for Spouse and Children 12- 17 (Under 12 Free) Day Passes - $75.00 - Available at the Gate Your ABANA Membership ID is required to Register at the Member Rate.   Don't know have you ID?    Have it sent to you by email:  Get Membership ID  Or Call the Central Office (423)913-1022 Register Now!  I can't make it  If you don't want to register online, you can also Download a Registration Form and mail it along with your payment to the ABANA Central Office.

Artist-Blacksmith's Association of North America | 259 Muddy Fork Road | Jonesborough | TN | 37659