Pennsylvania Artist Blacksmiths' Association

 

 

About Us

Who are We? - We're a group of approximately 200 men and women from all over Pennsylvania andsurrounding states. Some members are professional blacksmiths or metal workers, others are artists or hobbyists. People of any level of skill are welcome, they just need a love for metal.

Meetings - We have a meeting at different locations around Pennsylvania about every other month. The group meets together at a member's shop for a demonstration by the host member or a guest blacksmith. However, demonstrations aren't the only thing to do at the meetings. The day starts at about 9 AM (free coffee and donuts) with the demonstration, followed by a trade item exchange before lunch. The trade item is voluntary, participants bring a predetermined item and draw names of others to exchange what each has made. After lunch we have a group business meeting to keep the members up to date, followed by more demonstrations. Throughout the day, everyone is free to check out the Iron in the Hat items (IITH= donated items from members, can be almost anything) and chat with other attendees.

Classes - In between our regular meetings, informal hammer-ins are sometimes held by members. Several professionals from our group also teach classes or workshops throughout the year.

Newsletter and Member Directory - PABA sends out the Pennsylvania Striker bimonthly, opposite the meeting dates. The newsletter contains important information. You can fmd meeting dates, calendar events, lists of upcoming classes or workshops, classified ads, how-to articles and shop tips in every issue. Every April we produce a current Membership Directory. This booklet contains the names and contact information for all the current PABA members. (Newly joined members are found in the Striker) Towns where members are from are highlighted to make it easy to find a person close to you

About the organization: The Pennsylvania Artist Blacksmith Association is a 50 1 (C)(3 ) non-profit corporation. Members strive to improve their skills and advance the knowledge of blacksmithing in its many forms. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in blacksmith or metal work. Dues are $25 per calendar year.

 

For more information contact:

President: Andy Molinaro
40 North 2nd St., Stroudsburg, PA 18360; 570-476-7950 andrew@artisansoftheanvil.com

Vice President: Stephen Gensheimer
P.O. Box 133, Rosemont, NJ 08556; email- sgensh@comcast.net

Treasurer: Jeff McComsey
124 W Franklin St, Strasburg, PA 17579; 717-687-9242 jemcoforge@verizon.net

Secretary: Ann Lee

Newsletter Editor: Keith Eckman