ABANA

The Artist Blacksmith's Association of North America (ABANA) was established in 1973 and has become the major force in the renaissance of American blacksmithing.

Focusing primarily on the contemporary and traditional artistic uses of forged iron, the organization publishes a quarterly illustrated magazine The Anvil's Ring and sponsors a biennial conference bringing together major figures in blacksmithing from around the nation and the world.

For more information about ABANA, visit their web site at: http://www.abana.org 

Prairie Black Smiths Association is a regional chapter of the Artist Blacksmith's Association of North America (ABANA). PBA is an association of hobbyists and professional smiths in Nebraska and surrounding states, organized to promote the craft of blacksmithing; share of tips, techniques and resources; and to provide information about traditional and contemporary uses of forged iron to the general public.

If you are interested in more information, arranging for a demonstration at an activity, or learning the blacksmithing craft; please contact the PBA. A membership form is located in this brochure.

PBA web site: http://pba.abana-chapter.com  

The Blacksmithing Renaissance

Throughout history, the blacksmith played a vital role in his community. His ability to create and repair tools, hardware, utensils and decorative ironwork was a necessary element in every field of human endeavor. The industrial revolution and subsequent technological advances eliminated the blacksmith's role in everyday life and industry. He was replaced by the welder, the machinist, and the technology of modern mass production. Anvils, forges and hand tools become rusty from disuse. A few aging men carried on the centuries-old traditions, often taking their knowledge to the grave.

The late 1960's brought to many people a new awareness of the value of the old ways. Working independently , many sought to learn the all-but-forgotten crafts, including blacksmithing. Forges, long cold were relit; the smell of coal smoke again drifted through the American neighborhoods as a new generation of smiths polished their anvils with hot steel and hammer blows.

In 1973, a small group of these new smiths met in Lumpkin, Georgia and formed the Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America. As the name implies, the organization's primary focus was on traditional and contemporary artistic uses of forged iron. Slowly the organization grew until it emerged as a major force in American crafts.

ABANA continues to grow, and to spread information about ironwork to schools, architects, designers and builders. Blacksmithing is a part of the curriculum of a growing number of universities, art schools and craft centers.

ABANA has been recognizing regional chapters to foster more frequent meetings of interested ironworkers. Nebraska and its surrounding states had a rich heritage of agricultural blacksmithing. The prairie smiths were indispensable members of pioneer communities, but like their fellows in other areas, they too were replaced by modern technology.

But on the plains, as in other parts of the country a rekindling of interest has occurred, fostered by workshops and meetings of interested smiths. In 1985 the Prairie Blacksmiths Association (PBA) was formed to promote the craft of blacksmithing in Nebraska and surrounding states. In 1986 the PBA became a regional chapter of ABANA. PBA presently has meetings every other month with members and guests sharing techniques and ideas. PBA smiths demonstrate blacksmithing at numerous festivals and events throughout the state. An annual two day meeting is held with a nationally known blacksmith demonstrating old  and new blacksmithing techniques.

Prairie Blacksmith's Association

The PBA was established in 1985 by a group of Nebraska smiths looking for ways to meet others with an interest in ironwork, to share information and techniques, and to promote the craft of blacksmithing. It has become a regional chapter of ABANA and maintains a yearly calendar of meeting, events and demonstrations.

PBA members range from beginning hobbyist smiths through professional blacksmiths, farriers, welders, and machinists. PBA welcomes anyone with interest in the craft, whatever the level of his or her skills.

PBA holds at least 6 meetings each year at various locations around the state. Programs include workshop instruction, individual forge work, artistic design, and show and tell demonstrations. PBA is building a library of instructional materials for member use. The annual meeting usually has a demonstration by a nationally known blacksmith. Newsletters with upcoming event notices; how-to articles; blacksmithing tips and techniques; and PBA news are published regularly.

PBA member smiths provide demonstrations for schools, fairs, community celebrations, and other activities throughout the state to promote public interest and understanding of blacksmithing.

You are invited to become a PBA member by  submitting the application form on the reverse side of this page. Then you are encouraged to come learn blacksmithing skills with hands-on experience of the craft.