August 2023 Volume 5

INDUSTRY NEWS

Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America Announces 50th Anniversary Celebration & 2024 Conference

Professional blacksmiths, hobbyists, students, and the merely curious will descend upon Johnstown, Pennsylvania, June 6-9, 2024. The Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America (ABANA) is 50 years old, and the ensuing celebration will culminate in the 50th Anniversary Celebration & Conference focusing on the theme “Share the Craft”. ABANA was founded in 1973 during a gathering of blacksmiths at a living history museum in Georgia. At the time, those present wished to preserve the craft of blacksmithing by connecting with other smiths across North America, trading tips, and sharing information. That same spirit lives on in ABANA today as we focus on preserving and promoting the forging arts through online and in-person education, exhibitions, conferences, and more. The 50th Anniversary Celebration & Conference will feature world-class forging demonstrations and lectures, a top-notch education team giving demos of the National Curriculum, hands

on forging opportunities, a team forging competition, the return of the ABANA Ring Project, an auction and raffle, family programs, food, fun, and more! We’re also excited to partner with the Forging Industry Educational and Research Foundation to bring a children’s clay forging activity to the event. The team forging competition will be one of the highlights as teams of 4 smiths will compete, not only for bragging rights but also for prize money. First place earns $1,000 while 2nd and 3rd places will win $600 and $400 respectively. If you think you’ve got what it takes to compete, grab your favorite forging friends, and visit abana. org (or scan the QR Code from our ad) to get all the details on the competition. From Facebook and Instagram, to YouTube and our website, we want to connect with forging enthusiasts around the world. Join us next summer in Johnstown, PA for a celebration and conference that’s been 50 years in the making!

FIA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2023 46