[TheForge] Education

Tue Mar 11 01:35:00 2003

Aaron:

There are a number of good choices out there among schools. I attended the John C. Campbell Folk School for a five-day class and I found the experience and instruction excellent. They have about 40 classes a year at all skill levels in a shop with 12 student stations. The instructors are all seasoned smiths with good teaching skils (or they don't get invited back). Go online and find a class that meets your interests. The dorm is comfortable, the food in the dining hall superior and the view on the walk from your dorm to the shop as picturesque as you could ask for. All things considered (instruction, tuition, lodging and food) in my opinion it is near impossible to find a better experience that Campbell. Also, the hosts are very gracious and hospitable. Do I sound biased, lol!

You also have Ironfest coming up at the end of May in Dallas (Grapevine). It is three days of great demostrations and instruction in a variety of techniques. It is cheap and a great opportunity to rub elbows with a bunch of full-time and part-time smiths.   

I've attended a bunch of events in three states over the last 8 years, and they can be very informative. Look at HABAIRON.org and look at all the links to ABANA affiliates around the country. Go attend a demonstration or two near you.

Remember: "Sketch everything on paper before you think about lighting your forge, strike while the iron is hot, stay out of the black heat, it is always harder the first time you do something and it is harder when you go home and try what the demonstrators just made look easy."

Happy forging,
Reynolds

Aaron R Williams wrote:

> Hello group,
>
> Got a question.  I am looking for a formal education in old school
> blacksmithing.  I have found many schools that have blacksmithing in
> their art departments and in relation to jewelry making.  Would any one
> have any ideas where I might look.  I have the school listing from the
> ABANA web sight and have found a few others but not quite what I am
> looking for.  Any suggestions?
>
> Aaron

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