A word of explanation for new members who may not be acquainted with ABANA. The Artist Blacksmith Association of North America is the parent organization of the Guild of Metalsmiths. The Guild of Metalsmiths is one of 51 chapters in the U.S. and Canada. Every other year ABANA holds a four day conference which highlights many demonstrators from around the world, slide lectures, tailgate sales and socializing. The 1998conference will be held on a college campus in aAshville, North Carolina. George Dixon is in charge of the1998 ABANA Conference. He began his blacksmithing career in Duluth,Minnesota. From there worked for a number of years as the shop foreman at the nationally prominent Samuel Yellin shop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Now having attained national prominence, he lives and works in Ashville, North Carolina. He has never lost his Minnesota connection as he is still a lover of lutefisk.
Here is just a sample of the many 1998 ABANA activities.
1. Our own Guild of Metalsmith member John Yust will serve on a panel asking the question, "What architects want to know from blacksmiths." As you know,John is an architect by occupation and a blacksmith by avocation.
2. Brian Russell from England will demonstrate traditional forge work.
3. Susan Hutcheson will demonstrate small forged ironwork.
Why, might you ask, is this notice given to you almost two years in advance? The answer is simple. So you may start right now planning to attend the 1998 ABANA Conference.
Watch this space in every issue of Metalsmith for the next two years. A new and different notice will present more information about the 1998 ABANA Conference. To paraphrase those immortal words. "All the more to whet your appetite my dear."