The 2015 Madness Is Coming!

Plan now to attend our 38th annual Fall Conference to be held at the Little Log House Antique Power Show grounds just south of Hastings, Minnesota from September 19 through September 21, 2014. Follow the Google map link to see the location.

The 2015 Conference Brochure (pdf) is available to download and print to share with those who may be interested. Use the registration form in the brochure to register for the conference.

We have contracted with two well-known names in metalsmithing to demonstrate their abilities at our conference. They are Lucian Avery of northern Vermont, and Tim Cisneros of Alameda, California.

Lucian Avery started blacksmithing in 1992 by making his own tools for gardening, woodworking, and blacksmithing. Lately he has come to espeically enjoy making early American door latches and hinges. He says, “I have chosen to continue emphasizing old-fashioned craftsmanship and handwork.” Lucian will also lead a pre-conference class on Suffolk latches and strap hinges. Registration is now open for that class here.

Tim Cisneros makes his livelihood through working full time as a blacksmith. His distinctive style has developed slowly and steadily over the years. His work has a timeless, classic look, its form following its intended function. Tim will be demonstrating sculpture.

Our list of family activities will keep all members of the family busy…

Broom Making Class
Making a decorative broom to use by a fireplace or to hang as a decoration. 9 AM Saturday.
Mark Jackson (612-730-6246)  $20 material fee. He supplies all the materials and brings plenty of the special tooling that is needed for this craft.

Earring Making Class
Earrings with semi-precious stones. Bring your knitting and crochetting project questions too. Sheri can help! Sheri Stanaitis, Saturday 1:00 pm, $15.

Magnetic art
Design and build magnetic/ferrous creations (blacksmith legos!). Jesse Gavin, free class.

Found Art
The hay wagon out back is always loaded with metal shapes just waiting for the “found art artist” in you to appear and put it all together!!!  You find the parts and do the designing. If you have spare “parts” lying around your abode, bring them along. There’s always room on the hay wagon for more!
Then Herb Fick and company will weld whatever you find on the trailer into your art creation.  Open to all ages. Free! All day Saturday. This activity is a favorite. Come and create something wonderful.

To register for any of these classes, contact Sheri Stanaitis at 715-698-2895 or email her at spaco@baldwin-telecom.net

Special Event:
Design and build a unique metal bell. Contest open to all Guild members. Must be made of metal. All entries must be donated to the Saturday auction. Auction price will determine winners. Cash prizes will be awarded: 1st $100, 2nd $60, 3rd $40.

• Bring an example of your work to exhibit in the Gallery. This is one of the highlights of the conference. Everyone loves to look. Feel free to bring previously displayed items to show our new members. Gallery items will be registered in and out.
• Tailgating is encouraged! We request a donation to the Saturday night auction.
• PLEASE BRING ITEMS FOR THE AUCTION!!! As is our tradition, we again will hold a live auction on Saturday evening. Please bring items that you have made or things that have fallen from your favor and are destined to become another’s treasure. Please remember that at this auction, we garner most of our operating capital, so be generous.
• During the day on Saturday, our silent auction will be held. The silent auction will be oriented mainly toward older tools and materials.

The Guild of Metalsmiths is fortunate to be able to hold the conference in such charming surroundings. We extend our gratitude to Steve and Sylvia Bauer for the opportunity to hold our event at this location. Thank you!

TGOM Conference Registration
Conference:  $35.00 per family
One Day Only: $20.00 per family
Meal Ticket:  $35.00 per person (4 meals) Meal ticket  orders due by Sept. 1, 2015
Event T-shirt (S-5XL) size, $16 each with or without pocket. T-shirt orders due by Sept. 1, 2015

For further information or to volunteer, call:
Martin Pansch: 612-599-4762, blacksmithingyeti@gmail.com
Mark Lockwood, 763-535-1787