Welcome to the

ONTARIO ARTIST BLACKSMITH ASSOCIATION (OABA)

Website

The association is a chapter of the

ARTIST BLACKSMITH ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA (ABANA)

The ONTARIO ARTIST BLACKSMITH ASSOCIATION was established in 1982 to:

• promote blacksmithing as a high quality, creative craft and affordable art form which has a growing place in modern society.
• to serve as an organization for blacksmiths in Ontario particularly, but not exclusively
• those who make it their profession.
• promote an exchange of creative ideas.
• provide an opportunity for teaching and learning about specific techniques of blacksmithing.
• provide a supportive network of communications for all members.
• The Ontario Artist Blacksmith Association is an affiliate of ABANA, the Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America.
• OABA is a group of professional and part time blacksmiths, as well as others, who are interested in the field. Some members have a great deal of experience, while others have only a little. All members are welcome participants in practical workshops which are held at members' forges or at other professional forges.

FEES: Annual membership fees of $35.

WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO BE A MEMBER !!!

We were all beginners at one time so please join in.

BENEFITS
The benefits of membership in the Association are many.

• an update of activities through the bi-monthly newsletter.
• a membership list that identifies the whereabouts of others with the same interests.
• a communication network that allows for valuable information, supply needs, trade, sell, and swap.
• what's coming up - conventions, conferences, hammer-ins, courses, etc.
• a newsletter that provides information and how to.
• a web site that features member's work and shop listings
• monthly meetings with interface, exchange of ideas and fellowship.
• access to the Association's library.
• periodic basic blacksmithing instruction. The more experienced members are more than willing to pass on what they know to all members.
• Costs of meetings and materials are subsidized in part by the Association.
• Blacksmithing is a fascinating subject: logical yet mysterious; elementary in its importance to the development of civilization, yet highly sophisticated in its practice. To most, the blacksmith is epitomized by sheer brute strength but such an epitome misses the mark widely. Brains, imagination, and the power of visualization are far more important than brawn to the smith. The secret of success in the trade is really intellect and this must have been true of its beginnings.
  Through demonstrations and practice the basics of blacksmithing are learned.
• Wanted: Submissions for the Iron Trillium. Pictures of your projects, forge, meetings and people.
• 
  Please send us an Email ...
• Contact the Ontario Artist Blacksmith Association (Bob Cook)