FERGUS – Sparks will fly this summer when Fergus plays host to the Canadian National Blacksmith Conference from Aug. 3 to 6 at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex.
Called CanIron for short, it’s an international conference that will include demonstrations, workshops, an auction of blacksmithing tools, and a gallery displaying the work of some blacksmithing artists.
David Robertson, who belongs to the Ontario Artists Blacksmith Association, said in an interview that TV shows like Forged in Fire have really boosted interest in blacksmithing.
“Over the past 10 years, interest has really grown,” he said.
“And as a hobby, it’s hugely growing. It’s physical, it’s mental and you have fun. It’s great as a retirement hobby.
“But it also can be a career, and we’re seeing more young people go down this path.”
The conference is more for people who already have an interest in the art, as opposed to those just curious.
It costs $300 for the weekend if you purchase before June 1. After that the cost for the full conference is $350.
But there’s also a one-day option at $150 and the purchaser can pick the day they wish to attend.
The fee gets a visitor in to all the workshops and demonstrations. Non ticket holders can still attend but they are limited to just the gallery and auction.
‘You Forge It’ area
Some of the workshops are hands-on with direction from an expert. There’s also a “You Forge It” area where attendees can “play around” with different techniques and equipment.
Robertson said he’ll be a “lead hand” in the teaching area at the conference.
“Our focus really is education,” Robertson said. “We want to show how it’s done and further the craft.”
Blacksmithing has come a long way from making horseshoes and knives, he noted.
In the gallery attendees will see wrought-iron gates and fences, sculptures, knives and other weaponry – “Anything other than horseshoes,” he said.
For more information or to register visit caniron.ca. Robertson’s work can be found at artistblacksmith.com.
