The Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America (ABANA) is a community of blacksmiths, artisans, and enthusiasts dedicated to the preservation and advancement of blacksmithing as both a profession and a hobby. We strive to provide opportunities for individuals and local affiliate organizations to further their blacksmithing education, strengthen their skills, and hone their craft. Showcasing the rich and vibrant work of modern smiths, while providing historical context, is central to our mission as we work to increase awareness of the art and craft amongst design professionals, architects, and the public.
The Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing technical skills and design excellence in the blacksmith community.
We offer educational workshops, technical and art publications, grants, awards, conferences, and exhibitions honoring the metal arts.
Learn More
Board of Directors
Committees
ABANA Elections
Bylaws
Financials
ABANA has set a National Standard for Blacksmith Education: The National Curriculum teaches three skill levels of blacksmithing using traditional projects.
Level I Level II Level III Instructors
ABANA provides you with a wealth of educational information through our Publications and here on our website.
Getting Started: Blacksmithing 101
Controlled Hand Forging Lessons
Blacksmith’s Journal Articles
ABANA offers educational Grants for individuals pursuing either individual classes or a blacksmith degree program.
Grant Options
The Anvil’s Ring is ABANA’s primary publication, issued quarterly to members, filled with sixty pages of interesting articles, tips, historical notes, photos of members’ work, supplier ads, book reviews and event information.
Hammer’s Blow is issued to members quarterly. In it you will find twenty four pages of How-to Articles, From the Editor, Notices, and Classified Ads. This educational counterpart to The Anvil’s Ring gives you that extra instruction you need.
Looking to advertise with us? The Anvil’s Ring and The Hammer’s Blow, premier publications of the Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America, delivers your message quarterly to the blacksmith community, which is comprised of professionals, amateurs and artists.
Local affiliates are the life-blood of the blacksmithing community. There are approximately 90 ABANA affiliate groups around the globe and we encourage you to seek out one close to you and to join!
Find an Affiliate
This section is aimed at the leadership of the various ABANA Affiliate Organizations. Our collection of information and resources are to help support your organization and keep communication flowing.
Resources for Affiliate Leadership
It is time to choose your meals and a few other items for the ABANA UK Trip! Every traveler must complete the questionnaire (meaning members and significant others submit separately).
The following meals are included in the price of your trip. Please make your selections.
The V&A Museum has asked if there are any items that the group would like to see during the visit. Take a look at the catalog of items and list a few items you'd be interested in seeing up close and personal. (Please remember that there are no guarantees the item(s) you pick will be shown.)
During the Historic Ironwork Conference in Hereford, there are a few opportunities to do some hands-on forging. They are prioritizing the ABANA visitors and would like to know in advance those who are interested. Hands-on forging opportunities will take place during the talks listed on the conference schedule.
PO Box 318, Prairie Grove, AR 72753
Phone: 1 (844) FORGE ON (367-4366)
Email: info@abana.org
