Short on funds - COME FOR A DAY

- The CanIRON 8 organizing team did its best to offer a high quality conference, yet attempt to keep the registration cost as low as we could.

But we all realize that not everyone can manage to attend the full four days.

Remember that you can purchase a single day admission pass at the registration desk!
This is ideal for those who may not be able to get time off work, have family commitments on this holiday weekend, or are just tight on funds.

A one day pass costs $85 (+ HST)
OABA members get a $10 discount

Here's what is happening - day by day:
Click on this to get a full size copy you can print off

Its not too late to make plans for attending on FRIDAY - when programming runs from 9 am to 9:30 pm. This is by far our most information packed day of CanIRON 8

Hope to see you there!

Getting to CanIRON 8

- We hope you are coming!

Fergus Ontario is just north of the city of Guelph, to the west of Toronto.

The main access highway is Number 6 - which runs straight through town. It also takes you within about four blocks of the Wellington County Sportsplex site.


The 'dirt simple' directions are :
* Get to Highway 6, take it into Fergus.
* Bleyside Ave crosses Highway 6 at on the south side of Fergus. Turn east on to Bleyside.
* The CanIRON 8 site is the Centre Welllington Community Sportsplex, a large complex on your right hand side, about 1 km along Bleyside.
* The main CanIRON 8 grounds are to the rear - follow the banners (and smell of coal smoke!).

If you need more detailed directions, check the information prepared for you on the CanIRON 8 Maps & Directions page.

Hope to see you soon!

Hands On WORKSHOPS

- Remember that CanIRON 8 offers registered members not only the chance to SEE - but also to DO.

HANDS ON WORKSHOPS

This separate area (the red & white tent) has one 'masters' forge plus six additional forge work stations. These stations have a coal forge, anvil and basic set of hand tools.)

1) Three hour long sessions run Thursday afternoon, plus both morning & afternoon of Friday / Saturday, plus Sunday morning.
2) Those interested should already have basic level forge skills as a minimum. Although some basic level tools are available, those wishing to participate are strongly suggested to bring their own personal hand tools. Forge suitable clothing and safety glasses are a requirement.
3) Participants will be chosen by lottery before each session. Names will be drawn from those submitted, to occur after the evening meal, the night before a particular session. Those names will also be posted on the central notice board.
The exception will be Jake Powning's session on Thursday afternoon. Those interested should gather at the Workshop area for the class start at 1:30. The draw will take place at that time.

Of course others will be free to observe these sessions from outside the rope line.


Jake Powning

Thursday : 1:30 - 4:30

Basic Bladesmithing

6 students, intermediate level

Mike McCarthy

Friday : 9 - 12

Laminating for Tool Making

6 students, intermediate level (forge welding experience not required)

Kelly Smyth

Friday : 1:30 - 4:30

Forging Tongs

6 students, basic level

Brian Russell

Saturday : 9 - 12

Gate Elements 1

6 students, intermediate level (different class than Gate 2)

Paul Allen

Saturday : 1:30 - 4:30

Forging an Acanthus Leaf

6 students, basic level, a materials fee may apply

Brian Russell

Sunday : 9 - 12

Gate Elements 2 / Assemble

6 students, intermediate level (different class than Gate 1)


In the evenings (Thurs/Fri/Sat) The SIX work stations will be available for pick up work, inspiration, or just plain messing around. There will be teaching supervision provided in the evenings from 7 - 9 pm only.�

Come see - What is FREE !

Click for the larger version!

the Gallery - See and Be Seen!

The Gallery at CanIRON 8 is one of the best ways to show all your peers and everyone else who attends – INCLUDING the public – just what you’ve been up to and what you can do.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, the original object must be at least five times that!

Remember that with very few exceptions, ALL submissions will be displayed (single items, not multiple of the same item unless they are significantly different in technique or design.) We have a large space, so bring your work and let everyone see what you do!
Unsure? Email me, call me, ask me.elfworks@sympatico.ca

Thinking of bringing something but it isn’t complete yet?
Send me the information you have (name etc.) and number of pieces you think you might bring. Sending me the information beforehand does not mean that you are locked into bringing it.If you bring a different piece that is fine, just so that I get an idea of who is bringing work and I can start the tags!

If your piece fits the criteria for the “Joined by Joints” (work employing mechanical joins which are not welded brazed or soldered) additional category and you want it to be a part of this put it on the card and let me know!

You need to sign your works into the gallery at the beginning so that I know I have the right creator with the right piece and out of the gallery at the end so that I know that the right person is walking away with that piece. If someone else is bringing your work, send me an email or call me and let me know who to expect as the authorized person for the work you are submitting. I will make the process as quick and simple as possible. The in will be made simpler by you having and or/sending the filled out submission card beforehand, and I’ll make the out as simple and quick as possible. Remember that early drop-off could get you media exposure as the media will be being given a walk through after our media kickoff. (This means Thursday by about 11:30am or noon.)

The signing out is important to try to be sure that the right person walks away with your piece. If you’ve sold it during its display and someone else will be picking it up, or you can’t get there to do it and are sending a friend you need to inform the gallery as we will do our best not to release the work to an unauthorized person. As you sign out your work be sure to check for messages – the public and other members will be able to leave you information, questions, requests at the gallery. All messages will be in sealed envelopes for you to pick up. All works must be picked up from the Gallery by 5pm on Sunday, July 31.

Most importantly – BRING YOUR WORK.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have already sent me information about the works they intend to bring, to encourage everyone to bring work and send me information (or questions or concerns), and to thank everyone for their help and support in this huge undertaking.

I hope you all have a great time at the conference and I look forward to seeing you and your work!

For more details, see the Gallery segment of the CanIRON 8 web site.

Kelly Probyn-Smith
Gallery Co-Ordinator

Last Minute DEMONSTRATIONS

- In case you missed the final published schedule (July 12) there were some final additions to fill the last gaps - in what was already a pretty packed demonstration schedule:

DAVID ROBERTSON - Saturday, 9 to 12 AM - 'Beyond the Basics'

David operates Hammer & Tongs, and is widely know via his membership list at artistblacksmith.com. This forge work experience goes back to the early 1980's. He is one of the best known teachers of introductory and intermediate blacksmithing in Ontario. David's demonstration session will be ideal for those who are looking to expand 'beyond the basics', illustrating more complex shaping techniques for those who have gotten serious about their blacksmithing hobby and want to progress to the next level.


MICHAEL MCCARTHY - Thursday, 8 to 9:30 PM - 'A Sculpted Head'

Mike is one of our featured demonstrators. He has offered to present an additional short session at CanIRON 8. He will be demonstrating how three dimensional punching can be used to create a specific decorative terminal, a sculpted face / head. He says the form 'looks like an old man's face to start, then you fold it over and it looks like a human head from one angle, and almost like a horses head from another.' Of certain to be of interest to those who like to work with punch work techniques.

DAVE KRITZ - Thursday, 8 to 9:30 PM - 'Copper Leaves'

Dave is a local Ontario smith. He often demonstrates to the general public, but this will be his first major to fellow blacksmiths. Dave has developed some cold working techniques using copper tubing and sheet. He will be illustrating these methods - which can make nice additions to your smaller forged projects.

ROBERT WAGNER - Sunday, 9 - 12 AM - 'the Historic Forge'

Robert will be undertaking a display and demonstration of his War of 1812 styled portable charcoal forge. This is part of our free public outreach programming. Come take a look and where blacksmithing in Ontario started - and how far we have come.


Only FIVE more days!

A look at the GROUNDS

So this is a rough to scale layout of the Sportsplex grounds - and how CanIRON 8 will be set up.

On this diagram, NORTH is the BOTTOM. The access into the complex is from the bottom of this drawing off Belyside.

Our registration desk is in the center of the Sportsplex building. There is ample parking out front, so park and come in side to sort your membership.
From there, those camping can drive back behind the building via the access roads shown on the map to either the tree covered (for tents) or open area (for RV's or tents). There are plenty of available spaces, the allocation is 'first come - first pick'.
Those staying off site, or just have day admissions (or even just watching the free public aspects) should park to the REAR of the main building.

Camping & Alternative Food

Alternative Food ?


Check Local Information - the CanIRON 8 site is mere blocks away from:

• Downtown Fergus - with pubs and a variety of sit down restaurants.

• Fast Food Strip - along highway 6 (you will drive past on your way north to the CanIRON 8 site)

• OABA is providing complimentary water and coffee. A re-useable cup or water bottle is included with your membership package - or bring your own (please!).

• Cold drinks and muffins will be available at the OABA Hospitality area.

Note that there are no other food services offered directly
on site. (Other than the Meal Plan described above.)

Camping ?

• There are TWO areas available for camping right on the CanIRON
8 grounds:

- An open field area, adjacent to the CanIRON grounds, designed for RV's or trailers (with tent use as
well). These spaces are about 20 x 40 feet, and have possible electric
and cold water hook ups. There are no direct waste hook ups, but there
is a waste dump station on site.

'Sharing' limit is one vehicle and no more than three tents.

- A forested area, set back at the rear of the Sportsplex grounds, designed for tent use only. These spaces are about 20 x 30, with only limited electric and water points
(no direct hook ups).

'Sharing' limit is one vehicle and no more than two tents.

• There are flush toilets and showers available in a building set between these two camping areas.

There are also bathrooms and showers available inside the Sportsplex building (just beside the Gallery).

• Remember that there is a POOL inside the Sportsplex, open daily for
public swim - Details

The CanIRON 8 team has also prepared a list of area hotels, motels,
B & B, and camp grounds. DOWNLOAD as a PDF

VARIOUS ITEMS OF INTEREST

A list of helpful notes compiled by our Registrar - Shirley Young

1. Lost Badges: Can be replaced at the registration desk with proper ID. Cost $5.00.

2. For assistance look for a volunteer wearing a maroon CanIron VIII T’shirt.

3. A limited supply of Conference T-shirts, caps and bucket hats can be purchased in the registration area.

4. There will be a Registration List posted in the registration area.

5. Tourist Information is included in registrant swag bags. Extra info is available at the tourism office in Fergus.

6. SAFETY FIRST – Be sure you are alert when near any of the demonstration tents. You MUST be wearing your SAFETY GLASSES when entering a demo tent otherwise you will be asked to leave. Safety glasses and earplugs are included in the registrant swag bags – please use them. Extras can be purchased at the registration area.

7. CELL PHONES - Please be considerate of others and have your cell phone off or in vibrate mode when in a seminar, demonstration area and/or workshop. As a courtesy to other attendees please move away from these areas to make and receive calls.

8. Iron-in-the-Hat draws will take place Friday and Saturday between 1:15-1:30 pm. Special Draw on Sunday at 1:15 pm.

9. Names will be drawn for the morning workshops the previous evening after dinner and for afternoon and evening workshops before lunch that day. The names will be announced as drawn and a list will be posted at the workshop tent.
Separate jars along with note pads for you to write your name for each workshop you are interested in will be available at the Hospitality Tent in the restricted area.

10. We are trying to be “green” so ask that you bring and use your own water bottles and travel mugs. Water coolers will be available in the tents to refill bottles and coffee will be available in the Hospitality Tent. There will be bottled water and pop in coolers in the Hospitality Tent at a cost of $1.00 each.

Remember a swim suit!

Did you know...
that the Wellington County Sportsplex, site of CanIRON 8, has a POOL on site?

Yup!

Public access hours are 2 - 4 pm each day, with an additional time on Friday only from 6 - 7:30 pm.

This is a 25 m pool, with a separate kids area with water slide and such. There is also a separate warm temperature (90 F) leisure pool PLUS a whirlpool bath.

There are also evening sessions for swimming lanes (six total) if you want to get into the water at the end of the day.

All this for $4.25 per session! (less for kids and seniors).

Beat that!

Remember for those camping at CanIRON 8, there is one set of showers and flush toilets between the open and tree covered camping areas, plus another set of these inside off our Cafeteria / Gallery areas.

Latest SCHEDULE

Conference Schedule
July 13 2011
Note some additions and changes (italics).

Feature Demonstration	Feature Lecture	Hands on Workshop	Public Outreach
Secondary Demonstration	Secondary Lecture / Panel	Other Activities	Logistics

	Time	Area	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY	MONDAY
			July 28	July 29	July 30	July 31	August 1
MORNING	9 - 12		Registration Opens				Packing Down
		Gallery	Work Accepted	Members Only	Members Only	Members Only
		Public Demo	Iron Smelt	OABA Project	OABA Project	Historic Forge
		Demo A		Paul Allen Scrollwork for Acanthus Leaf	David Robertson Beyond Basics	Sandra Dunn Assembling - Chair
		Demo B		Jesus Hernandez Bloom to Bar	Kelly Smyth 'Chains Over Time'	Jake Powning Bronze Casting
		Hands On		Mike McCarthy Basic Toolmaking	Brian Russell Gate Elements	Brian Russell Assembling Gate
	(9 - 10:30)	Conference		Panel : Business of Blacksmithing	Workshop : Design Tricks Darrell Markewitz	Contributed video
	(10:30 - 12)	Conference		Smithing Science Kevin Peffers		Workshop : Working the Web David Robertson
LUNCH	(12 - 1:30 )			Meal Plan	Meal Plan	Meal Plan	Site Closes
	12:30 - 1:30	Gallery		Using the INTENET Neil Peterson	Mike McCarthy 19th C Blacksmiths	currently open
	12:45 - 1:30	Caffeteria		Sandra Dunn Design from History	Jesus Hernandez Japanese Bladesmithing	currently open
AFTERNOON	1:30 - 4:30		Opening Ceremonies			Official Closing
		Gallery	Work Accepted	Public Access 'Meet the Artist'	Public Access 'Meet the Artist'	Remove Work
		Public Demo	Iron Smelt	Major Project	Major Project
		Demo A	Paul Allen Forging a Flower	Brian Russell Gate Elements	Sandra Dunn Joinery Elements
		Demo B	Mark Puigmarti Sculpting Mass 1	Mark Puigmarti Sculpting Mass 2	Jake Powning Pattern Welding
		Hands On	Jake Powning Basic Bladesmithing	Kelly Smyth Making Tongs	Paul Allen Making Acanthus Leaf	Forging Competition (public)
	(1:30 - 3 )	Conference		Panel : 'How to CanIRON'	Panel : 'Women of Steel'
	(3 - 4:30 )	Conference	Panel : Canadian Artist Blacksmiths ??	Contributed Video	Contributed video
DINNER	( 5 - 6:30 )		Opening BBQ	Meal Plan	Thank Yous Meal Plan	Equipment Pack-Up
EVENING	7 - 8	Caffeteria	Meet Demonstrators	Brian Russell Portfolio	Auction (public) 6:30 - 9
	7 - 8	Gallery		(possibly open)
	8 - 9	Caffeteria	Paul Allen Portfolio	Jake Powning Design from the Ancients	Auction (continues)
	8 - 9	Gallery	Mark Puigmarti Portfolio	Kelly Smyth Nautical Blacksmithing
	(6:30 - 9:30)	Demo A	8 - 9:30 Mike McCarthy Sculpted Head	Mike McCarthy Pipe Tomahawk
	(6:30 - 9:30)	Demo B	8-9:30 Dave Kritz Copper Leaves	Jesus Hernandez Japanese Bladesmithing
	( 6 - 10)	Hands On	Open Forge	Open Forge	Open Forge

Details of Specific Sessions:

FEATURE DEMONSTRATIONS - There will be two main areas equipped for your featured demonstrators. Details below by individual demonstrator :

Paul Allen
Thursday	1:30 - 4:30	Demo A	'Forging a Flower'	A "three dimensional flower with fire welded stem and leaves made using pure forgework techniques”.
Friday	9 - 12	Demo A	'Scrolls for Acanthus Leaves'	Illustrating making the scrollwork for mounting an acanthus leaf. (This will be a preamble to his workshop session.)
Dark Ages Recreation Company
Thursday	9 - 5	Public demo	Iron Smelt	Ongoing all day Thursday as you arrive, DARC will demonstrate the easy to build 'Econo-Norse' iron smelting furnace. Expect the bloom to be extracted about 5 pm!
Sandra Dunn
Saturday	1:30 - 4:30	Demo A	'Joinery Elements'	Forging basic elements for a chair combining wood and steel.
Sunday	9 - 12	Demo A	'Assemble a Chair'	Completion of the chair project, assembling the individual elements.
Jesus Hernandez
Friday	9 - 12	Demo B	'Bloom to Blade'	Illustrating the process of converting a raw iron bloom into a working bar, preparatory to forging a blade. This all done utilizing tools and methods from the Japanese working traditions.
Friday	6:30 - 9:30	Demo B	'Japanese Bladesmithing'	Completing the bar to blade process, including showing the process of clay coating and quenching.
Mike McCarthy
Friday	6:30 - 9:30	Demo A	'Pipe Tomahawk'	Forging a late 1700's style pipe tomahawk.
Jake Powning
Saturday	1:30 - 4:30	Demo B	'Pattern Welding'	Illustrating some of the steps that go into the creation of a composite pattern welded sword billet.
Sunday	9 - 12	Demo B	'Bronze Casting'	Showing the process making bronze decorative fittings, from carving the wax to gravity poured casting & finishing.
Mark Puigmarti
Thursday	1:30 - 4:30	Demo B	'Sculpting Mass 1'	The demonstration will focus on hand forging larger stock using simple tools. While creating components for a free form sculptural piece he will explore the possibilities of design, and describe his approach to working.
Friday	1:30 - 4:30	Demo B	'Sculpting Mass 2'	Expanding and continuing working processes with larger stock and hand tools.
David Robertson
Saturday	9 - 12	Demo A	to be determined
Brian Russell
Friday	9 - 12	Demo A	'Gate Elements'	Brian will undertake the making of a simple gate for CanIRON VIII. This demonstration session will be followed up by two hands on worshops.
Kelly Smyth
Saturday	9 - 12	Demo B	'Chains over Time'	Showing her distinctive "Chains Over Time" motif. " This is an example of how using a traditional technique found in heavy ships' hardware that with a slight turn becomes delightful & useful where only the practical existed.

HANDS ON WORKSHOPS - This separate area has one 'masters' forge plus six additional forge work stations.

1)Three hour long sessions run Thursday afternoon, plus both morning & afternoon of Friday / Saturday, plus Sunday morning.
2) Those interested should already have basic level forge skills as a minimum. Although some basic level tools are available, those wishing to participate are strongly suggested to bring their own personal hand tools. Forge suitable clothing and safety glasses are a requirement.
3) Participants will be chosen by lottery before each session. Names will be drawn from those submitted, to occur after the evening meal, the night before a particular session. Those names will also be posted on the central notice board.

Of course others will be free to observe these sessions from outside the rope line.

Paul Allen	Saturday	1:30 - 4:30	Forging an Acanthus Leaf	6 students, basic level, a materials fee may apply
Mike McCarthy	Friday	9 - 12	Laminating for Tool Making	6 students, intermediate level (forge welding experience not required)
Brian Russell	Saturday	9 - 12	Gate Elements 1	6 students, intermediate level (different class than Gate 2)
	Sunday	9 - 12	Gate Elements 2 / Assemble	6 students, intermediate level (different class than Gate 1)
Kelly Smyth	Friday	1:30 - 4:30	Forging Tongs	6 students, basic level

In the evenings (Thurs/Fri/Sat) The SIX work stations will be available for pick up work, inspiration, or just plain messing around. There will be teaching supervision provided in the evenings from 7 - 9 pm only.

FEATURE LECTURES - Sessions by our feature demonstrators, offered in either the Caffeteria or the Gallery presentation spaces :

All	Thursday	Caffeteria	7 - 8	'Meet the Demonstrators' / Panel
Paul Allen	Thursday	Caffeteria	8 - 9	Portfolio
Sandra Dunn	Friday	Caffeteria	12:45 - 1:30	'Designing from History' / the chair project
Jesus Hernandez	Saturday	Caffeteria	12:45 - 1:30	'Japanese Bladesmithing'
Mike McCarthy	Saturday	Gallery	12:45 - 1:30	'19th Century Blacksmiths'
Jake Powning	Friday	Caffeteria	8 - 9	'Design from the Ancients'
Mark Puigmarti	Thursday	Gallery	8 - 9	Portfolio
Brian Russell	Friday	Caffeteria	7 - 8	Portfolio
Kelly Smyth	Friday	Gallery	8 - 9	Nautical Blacksmithing

SECONDARY PROGRAMING - Sessions of general interest, offered by both blacksmiths and those outside our regular community.

Note - at this time there are still some empty slots still to be filled!

'How to CanIRON'	Panel	Thursday	Conference	1:30 - 3	A bull session with current and past CanIRON organizers, discussing what works - and what doesn't.
'Canadian Artist Blacksmiths ?'	Panel	Thursday	Conference	3 - 4:30	An open session to discuss the possible development of a Canadian National organization.
'Business of Blacksmithing;	Panel	Friday	Conference	9 - 10:30	An open session to network and discuss working at Blacksmithing (as a living?). Come share tips and problems.
'Smithing Science'	Kevin Peffers	Friday	Conference	10:30 - 12	An overview of how basic physics and material sciences applies to the practical shaping of metals in the forge.
'Using the Internet'	Neil Peterson	Friday	Gallery	12:45 - 1:30	A beginer's introduction to the internet, e-mail and web sites, for fun and profit (?)
'Design Tricks'	Darrell Markewitz	Saturday	Conference	9 - 10:30	Can't draw? There are tricks you can use to develop your ideas and get them down on to paper. A practical working session.
"Women of Steel'	Panel	Saturday	Conference	1:30 - 3	Women often face different problems when it comes to male dominated blacksmithing - an open bull session hosted by Kelly Smyth.
"Working the Internet'	David Robertson	Sunday	Conference	10:30 - 12	How can you use the internet to promote your work as a blacksmith? A general discussion and working session to look at what works - and what doesn't.

FORGING COMPETITION - Love it or hate it, forging competitions done on the spot between teams of participants are always a big part of any gathering of Blacksmiths! Our hope is to allow the general public to be able to observe the goings on 'from behind the ropes'. This event will take place in the Hands On area on Sunday afternoon.

AUCTION - In keeping with our mission to inform and involve the public in selected aspects of CANIRON, we are hoping to open up participation in the fund raising auction to those with fatter wallets! The Auction is scheduled for Saturday evening.

GALLERY - The best way to inform the public to what we REALLY do is to allow them access to the Gallery. Bring your best and most inspiring work, make sure you include a stack of business cards. The layout of the site at the Fergus Sportsplex is ideal in terms of both layout and large size. Security and close supervision will be provided for all the work.

OPENING BBQ SOCIAL - All registared participants are invited to join in for an informal BBQ on a Bun dinner on Thursday - hosted by OABA. (Included with your paid registration.) Come meet the other conference members!

PUBLIC DEMONSTRATIONS - A special area is being set aside, accessable to the general public, to illustrate just what Blacksmithing is all about:
Thursday - A demonstration of bloomery furnace iron smelting by members of the Dark Ages Re-creation Company.
Friday & Saturday - Work on creation of a larger artwork project, undertaken by OABA members under the direction of Dave McCord.
Sunday - 'Hammer in' style work by members of OABA, bring your protable forges!

Some things are free, but much more with Membership!

On 19/06/11 6:28 PM, John wrote:

Is it true that the iron smelt is on Thurs. only? That is my primary interest at the conference ...

The iron smelt by members of the Dark Ages Re-Creation Company will take place over the full day of Thursday 28, the opening day of CanIRON 8. The team will start the furnace build roughly 9 am, expects to be ready for the start of main sequence by noon, pulling the bloom roughly 4:30 - 5 pm.

This is a free, public outreach part of the conference. I'm expecting that I personally will be stuck running around organizing, but feature demonstrators Mike McCarthy and Jesus Hernandez are members of the "Early Iron Underground" and will be able (Mike especially) to lend a hand.

Of course you might expect that I should be plugging the full four day conference!

Jesus Hernandez, who works in the Japanese bladesmithing traditions, will be taking part of the DARC iron bloom and later demonstrating forging it down to a blade blank.


If you are interested in ancient historical methods, I think you will be interested in the (amazing) work of Jake Powning, who will be demonstrating Viking Age style pattern welding (twisted composite core), plus lecturing on his blend of Celtic and Norse designs.


There is a packed schedule of feature demonstrations, hands on workshops, lectures and panel sessions for paid registrations to CanIRON 8. One of the missions of the hosting organization, the Ontario Artist Blacksmith Association, is to inform and educate the general public about the 'art and mystery' of the blacksmith. For that reason we have included a full program of public outreach events.

Other aspects of CanIRON 8 which are being presented as FREE public access:

- Friday & Saturday (roughly 9-12 a + 1:30-4 p): Come see members of OABA, under David McCort, work on completing the Fergus Park Bench project.
- the Gallery is open daily from 1:30 - 4:30 p, including 'meet the artist' sessions
- our Auction takes place Saturday starting at 6:30 p, bid on original hand forged art pieces (plus smithing related items like tools and hands on courses)
- 'Hammer In' style demonstrations, Sunday 9 - 12 a, where members of OABA will present their skills using a range of forge equipments and working styles.
- Forging Competition, Sunday 1:30 - 4:30 p, always a lot of action and highjinks as teams of smiths (stuggle?) to make an object with limited materials and time.

For further information:

CanIRON 8 web site
Registration
Schedule

PUBLIC Auction - at CanIRON 8

- (of special interest to the Blacksmithing community)

CanIRON 8 will be hosting an auction, open FREE to the general public, on Saturday July 30, 6:30 - 9 pm.
The action will take place at Wellington County Sportsplex, Fergus Ontario.

We are seeking objects of all kinds to be sold at this auction:
- Individual value should be + $50
- Ideally items should be blacksmithing related : Tools / Forged pieces / other objects of interest
- Items DONATED to OABA will be sold to offset CanIRON's cost
- Individuals may contribute PERSONAL items for sale, subject to a 30% commission
- All sales will be 'cash and carry'
- For conference members, your registration is also your auction number

REMEMBER - With the general public in attendance, we expect prices for original hand forged work to be HIGH!�

Volunteers Needed!

Fellow Members,

As I write this there are just 46 days to the start of CanIron VIII.

For nearly two years a small group of people have put in countless volunteer hours on your behalf to organize this event. The hard work has been done for you. What we need now is for every member who is attending CanIron to help out and volunteer just a few hours of their time if they are able to. We need people to man the gates, help at the forging stations, sell tickets and especially for set up and take down. Every blacksmithing event relies on volunteers, some more than others. With this event we need more than the few who have already signed up. There are no special blacksmithing skills needed, just a willingness to help, so please get in touch with Dan Linkenheld dlinkenheld@ gmail.com or myself barbmick@xplornet.com.

Remember this is our event, no one can do it for us. It is us who will benefit from what we all put into it.

Thanks & be safe

Mick Smith

CanIRON Shirts - PRICE CHANGES

Well, the truth is that the CanIRON 8 team *did* screw up a bit here.

We had set our original price for the CanIRON 8 T-shirts based on a general quote for the cost of shirts, printing, plus a (small!) mark up. In general discussion later, it was decided to stick to a higher quality MADE IN CANADA shirt. Our goof was that the better quality does cost more, and we forgot to adjust the price accordingly.

The published pre-order price is actually slightly LESS than our COST for these Canadian Made shirts!

Starting (today) May 15, the cost for the CanIRON 8 shirts will be:

Pre-order : Before June 15
Sizes - S / M / L / XL - @ $15 each
Sizes - 2XL / 3XL - @ $18 each

At CanIRON 8 : All Sizes - @ $20 each

Note:
1) Anyone who pre-ordered EARLY will keep the 'below cost' price they have already paid!
2) The difference in price for the oversizes reflects the cost price difference from the supplier.

BALL CAPS

To date there have only been TWO pre-orders for the offered CanIRON 8 ball caps. For that reason, the organizing team has decided to CANCEL the order of hats.
Those people who did pre-order will be given a full refund of course.


The lesson is : Order Early!
Remember that pre-registration for CanIRON 8, before May 31, will save you $25 of your admission price.

Early Bird Gallery Drop May Get You Media Coverage.

For those who are planning to bring a piece and/or pieces to the Gallery to show, here is something you may want to think about. We are planning to have an Opening Ceremony Media Event on Thursday the 28^th around 1pm. We have the Mayor and the City Council of Fergus attending to accept the presentation of the Bench and do a media kickoff for the event to get their initial sound bites and a few shots for their viewers. Our publicity liason will be walking the media around after the opening ceremonies to show them some of the highlights and help get them shots of things their viewers might appreciate. One of those stops will be the GALLERY. Those who drop off their work early in the game have a chance that their pieces will get caught by the camera and get FREE MEDIA EXPOSURE. The gallery will start accepting works at 9 am and while there are no guarantees, those pieces that are dropped off early will certainly have had time to be processed and displayed to their best advantage in the hope that they WILL get media coverage and entice the buying public to come to see our Gallery.

Please make your best effort to get your pieces there early so that we can try to make you famous!

Sales at CanIRON 8 ?

Thinking about taking the opportunity to sell something to those gathered for CanIRON 8 at Fergus? Here is the lowdown on what is available to you:

Tail Gate Area

There will be an area available to paid CanIRON 8 REGISTRANTS ONLY for more casual 'tail gate' styled sales.
- Only full paid registrants can set up in this area - there is NO ADDITIONAL COST.
- Only full paid registrants will have access to the area (as customers)
- The basic space is 10 x 15 feet (a 'truck')
- Vehicles can access the area ONLY :
Thursday - 11 to 12 AM / 5 - 6 PM
Friday & Saturday - 8 to 9 AM / 5 to 6 PM
Sunday - 8 to 9 AM / 1:30 - 5 PM
NOTE : There are no other 'in and out' privileges, 'once its parked, it stays the day'
- Area will only be fenced off during stated hours, no security is provided.
- Participants can set up their own overhead booth with tables if they wish, no electric will be provided.

The Gallery

Paid registrants to CanIRON 8 can offer the objects they display in the Gallery for sale. Remember the gallery is open to the general public (free admission, 1:30 to 4:30 PM each day). Gallery staff will NOT be handling direct sales, but will collect contact information from potential purchasers. You will have to make the arrangements with the customers to complete the sales. CanIRON 8 asks that a good will honourarium of 5% of the sale be donated to the CanIRON 9 (2013) fund.

The Auction

An auction, open to the general public, will be held on Saturday from 6:30 - 9 PM. Individuals may chose to sell items via this auction. Please, only objects or tools related to blacksmithing. There will be a 30% COMMISSION off the sales price withheld by CanIRON 8. (Remember that HST will apply to these sales.)

Vendor's Spaces

There are a number of commercial vendor's spaces available in a special (outdoor) area of the CanIRON 8 grounds. These spaces are OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC (free admission) for specified hours.
- The basic space is 10 x 10 feet @ $100 (+HST) / 10 x 20 @ $150 (+HST)
- You must supply your own booth and fixtures.
- Limited provision for electric power can be arranged.
- Open hours : Thursday - 1 to 6 PM
Friday & Saturday - 9 AM to 6 PM
Sunday - 9 AM to 1:30 PM
- Set up : Thursday - 9 AM to 12 noon
- Tear down : Sunday - 1:30 to 5 PM
- Vehicle access : 8 to 9 AM / 6 to 7 PM - ONLY (no 'in and out' privileges)
- Area will be fenced off outside public hours, BUT NO SECURITY IS PROVIDED.
- Renting a vendor's space DOES NOT include membership access to the CanIRON 8 grounds.
More information on applying as a CanIRON 8 Vendor is available as a PDF download

Just want to help CanIRON 8 out?

CanIRON 8 would be more than happy to accept donations of items that will support our fundraising efforts. Small items are ideal for the popular Iron in the Hat draws, which will be taking place daily over the event. Larger items donated will be sold at the public auction. In either case, full mention of your kind support will be made verbally and on our list of supporters.
More information on becoming a Sponsor of CanIRON 8 is available as a PDF download


Sorry that there has not been too much new content here of late. We have been too busy WORKING on CanIRON 8 - to have time to just write about working!

Five Reasons to Put Something in the Gallery at CanIRON

Why should you bring your best pieces to the Gallery?

1) To show your fellow blacksmiths in the community what it is that you are up to.

No matter whether you have made your first hook or your 40th candleholder, the gallery is about showing what you are doing for all levels of smithing. Seeing something by an early smith reminds some who have been smithing longer how far they've come, and might even remind them of how exciting their first project was. Seeing the work of smiths who have been at it for a while inspires the up and coming smiths and gives them work to aspire to. Sharing ideas and the love of what we do is a large part of what the gallery is about.

2) To show the public what we do and how we do it.

Bring a work in progress, show your tooling for a specific piece - the art of blacksmithing is a bit of a mystery to the public. It has its own draws, but for someone trying to build a business, it also has its own drawbacks. The public is where people get their customers whether they are making coathooks, tables, gates or art pieces. They need to have some understanding of the amount of time, effort and work that goes into what we do. As smiths it is true that we need to sell the sizzle, but dazzle them too much with single heat tricks or quick demos and they forget that when they ask for that gate it is a lot of brainpower and manpower to make it happen. If they have a bit of an understanding of how we get from a to b it is easier for them to understand the benefits of them coming to us rather than the local garden centre for that gate.

3) To get a Gallery on your blacksmithing resume.

If you've ever toyed with trying to get a grant, get something in a gallery or even to start selling or demonstrating at a local craft show, having public showing or sales of your work is really important. Most gallery spaces won't touch an unknown artist. Remember, most galleries make their money off of sales of the artists they display. If the artist on offer can't bring in browsers or buyers, that gallery may not be around long.

4) It helps OABA in the long run.

The better the showing at the Gallery (as well as the better the attendance at the conference) the better OABA looks for any future projects we undertake. The gallery will be photographed and the number and variety of pieces will work for us in the future. The next time we want to host CanIRON, or the next time we want to bring in a demonstrator we will have the successes we create now to help us get funding for travel and other similar things. The Gallery is our largest public outreach feature at the conference and its success can make a big difference in the way that we are viewed from the outside.

5) Because it is fun and it gets feedback.

Many of us work alone most of the time. We get together from time to time to share ideas and get a new approach to problems. We can take pieces we are proud of (or photos of them) to meetings. However, there is nothing like seeing your work displayed and watching people you've never met before have a look at it for the first time. Whether it is other blacksmiths who have an understanding of or are learning the process or whether it is someone for who it is all a great mystery... it is a feeling that cannot be duplicated. (Except by doing it again!)

And remember - anyone who is attending the conference can bring any blacksmithing/metalsmithing related work to the gallery and it will be shown.

This post is actually a Kelly post, but in trying to figure out the mechanics of getting Kelly on the blog, it looks like Darrell.

Latest Schedule! Revisions and Additions

The CanIRON team has decided to shift some of the programming FORWARD over to Thursday Afternoon (from the original Sunday afternoon slots).

The two featured demonstrators this effects are Paul Allen (Forging a Flower) and Mark Puigmarti (Sculpting Mass 1)

The current schedule also includes more panel sessions, workshops and lectures in our small conference room.

Go to the CanIRON 8 Schedule on the main web site to see!

(I was having big problems getting Blogger to post up an easy to read version of the current schedule. After an hour of screwing around, I just gave up!)

Gallery - Confusion on 'competition'??

(this edited from a combination of recent letters by Darrell and Kelly)

There appears to be some misunderstanding currently about the Gallery at CanIRON 8. There were three slightly differing descriptions published, one in the Iron Trillium newsletter, one on the primary web site, and a third prepared for here on the blog. The core information had been delivered at several earlier OABA monthly meetings.
Kelly had thought that she had stated clearly that ALL works are welcome and encouraged in the Gallery. Almost all Gallery presentations have a "themed" portion to challenge its members/artists to create something within a specific set of parameters and have awarded nominal prizes for this. Perhaps the word 'competition' was the wrong word to use? It is just a system of recognition by your peers and those who are respected in the craft as a way of saying, "hey what a great job this guy did with these materials" or "what a unique way of interpreting that problem". If mere language is the problem, lets call it a 'Themed Challenge' instead.

No one is required to participate in the themed challenge, it is just an option, and if you dislike the theme then don't do a theme oriented piece... But please DO bring pieces to the gallery. Yet again - ALL WORKS WILL BE EXHIBITED - provided they fit into the space and can be moved without mechanical aid.

Once again ALL works will be displayed. Everything. Old, new, in process, experimental...

Once again, participation in the Gallery itself is NOT a competition. It is a Exhibition. It is there to display the work of the membership and all those who are visiting the conference in the hope that we can inspire both our own membership and the public, and boost our profile in the community at large.

But that does not stop us from recognizing exceptional works. This of itself is not meant to be intimidating, and hopefully good work is something we all aspire to.

There have been questions raised about the use of the term 'Traditional Joinery' to define the chosen Themed Challenge. We all are quite aware do that forge welding is a 'traditional' technique. It is simply excluded from this specific Themed Challenge for the purpose of an exercise. There needed to be a name. There needed to be definition. It is the role of the Gallery Co-Ordinator (called a curator in the art world) to set this theme.

It might also be good to remember that experience at the forge is not related to direct experience assembling effective Gallery exhibits. It was the stated intent of the CanIRON 8 organization team from day one to recruit experienced and capable individuals, then allow them to undertake their specific roles without attempting to micro-manage them.

Summery : The major points are this:

1) Anyone can bring ANY blacksmith related work they would like to display in the Gallery.
2) Its a large space, there is lots of space for lots of work.
3) You do have to be able to hand carry it through a standard door.

IN ADDITION

1) There will be some SPECIAL recognitions awarded - applied over EVERYTHING in the Gallery
2) The judges will include well known and experienced Ontario Blacksmiths, and hopefully some of the featured demonstrators. (not recruited yet)
3) There will be three awards : Best Use of Materials / Best in Show / Judges Choice
4) We hope that we can manage some actual prizes

IN EVEN MORE ADDITION

1) People can ALSO enter specific objects in a 'Theme' category - named 'Traditional Joinery'
2) This has been specifically described as 'joints which are not welded or braised'
3) Any object in this specific category must have been made AFTER the last CanIRON (August 2009)
4) What will be judged is the THEME - as DEFINED (which may just be part of a more complex object)


Blacksmithing in Ontario has grown considerably in the 30 plus years since OABA was first formed. One of biggest continuing problems is our work is not taken seriously by the artistic community at large. Those of us with (extensive) experience with modern artists and craftspeople are attempting to change this.


Kelly Probyn-Smith - Gallery Co-Ordinator / elfworks(at)sympatico.ca
Darrell Markewitz - CanIRON Team Leader / caniron(at)warehamforge.ca

If you have any questions regarding the Gallery at CanIRON 8, PLEASE contact us directly!

Revisions and Additions to SCHEDULE

Yikes! I realize that although a LOT has been happening on the CanIRON 8 front (check the web site), I have not been keeping a flow of information over here on the blog!

The thing that will be most interesting to you readers will be the refinement and additions to the conference time table. Our featured demonstrators have given us their intended presentation topics. These have been worked into the framework as best possible.

There have also been a number of short panel or workshop sessions added. Many of these are topics around the edges of blacksmithing (like using the internet to promote your work).

Its looking like a PACKED schedule! Don't fret if you see way too much stuff than you can possibly all attend. My personal philosophy is that a great conference should have more interesting sessions than a single person can fit into their weekend.

Save $$ - Beat the HST!

Register BEFORE January 31, 2011

After that date, CanIRON will be registering for the HST.
(Sorry about this, but the raw size of CanIRON requires us to at some point.)

If your registration for CanIRON is recieved before the government paperwork takes effect, you save yourself having to pay that additional 13%

Early Registrations get a cut rate of $225 + on the fee ($200 for current OABA members).
Thats a savings of $25 off the standard registration fee (before June 1), $50 less than 'at the door' (after June 1).

DOWNLOAD the REGISTRATION FORM - as a PDF file

The CanIron VIII Gallery - Theme & Things to Think About

For CanIron VIII the Gallery will be open to all who wish to participate. We are hoping that everyone will bring a piece of work, large or small to display to show everyone who you are and what you do.

The theme for the Gallery at this event is going to be “traditional joinery” and I’d like to state that this means joins which are not welded.
Now, hold on, before you get upset …

Yes, absolutely welding (especially forge welding) is a traditional form of joining two pieces together. However, I’ve decided that for the THEMED COMPETITION ONLY works with welded/brazed joins will not be eligible.

I want to make it very clear that ALL works (provided they will fit through a standard doorway and don’t require more than a couple of people to move them) will be shown. All works in the gallery with the exceptions of those created by the chosen judging panel will be eligible for certain prizes. The themed competition will be open only to new works (created since CanIron VII) that use other forms of traditional joinery – mortise and tenon, riveting etc.

What made me choose this theme? Well, I’d been thinking about it for a couple of months, trying to decide: what hadn’t seen in a while, what would get people thinking, what would get them excited, what would get them creating? Then I came across an article in an old copy of Hammer’s Blow from 2003 called Tenons and Tradition by Preston Farabow. He had taken a class on traditional joinery with Clay Spencer and while he found it frustrating at first that he couldn’t even tack weld pieces together he ended up really enjoying the way it made him think about things. In short, it inspired me.

I find that we all get into a groove and have default ways of doing things. Everyone has to worry about timelines, many have to worry about profit margins and we all have to do problem solving at every turn. This made me think about how many people would have to think again – not just the creators of larger pieces, but the people who create smaller pieces.

Whether you are making a bench or a piece of jewellery falling back on welding, brazing or soldering is something that most everyone does. They are wonderful arts in themselves and they have been around a long time. They are generally sturdy and solid and make for a joint you don’t need to worry about once the skills are developed. Once you take it away though, you are presented with an interesting group of problems. It is like taking glue out of the equation for other crafts…if you can’t do that, how would you assemble that piece?

I knew that it might create a bit of uproar from some folks, but that’s exactly what I meant it to do. I look forward to all the pieces that were made to spit in my eye!


Kelly Probyn-Smith
Gallery Co-Ordinator for CanIRON 8