The History and Purpose of the Association:
The Arizona Artist Blacksmith Association was formed in 1981 when two Phoenix Blacksmiths, Peter Sevin and Bill Callaway were discussing how a number of ABANA ( Artist Blacksmith Association of North America) Chapters across the country had regular meetings with demonstrations that aided in increasing the skill level of their members.
Peter offered his shop for a demonstration site and Bill offered to send out letters inviting interested parties (both had accumulated lists of people interested in 'Smithing' ). The first meeting was held in September of 1981; a very informal demonstration. The demonstrators included Oscar Dickerman who put on a great Industrial Forging show, Peter Sevin, Brian Hughes, Kent Gugler, Bill Callaway, and Jay Kidwell. The meeting was attended by thirty eight people, many showed an interest in meeting more often and offered to help.
The second meeting was held early in 1982 when Rolando DeLeon from Santa Fe, New Mexico was invited to Phoenix to demonstrate. An informal business meeting after the demonstration resulted in the establishment of AABA, a Chapter of ABANA.
Our Association grew rapidly. In 1986 AABA sponsored the international ABANA Conference at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. In just four years AABA had become one of the most active Chapters in ABANA.
In the past twenty years 'Smithing' techniques have been shared with all members, thus the skill levels of many of our Smiths has grown tremendously. People have taken up 'Smithing' as a hobby and some have gone from hobbyists to full time professional Blacksmiths. The contributing factors that have made our Association work are education, the willingness to share with and teach others, and our dedicated members who are willing to help with programs.
In 1998 AABA sponsored a small winter National Conference in Phoenix and in 2000 we again organized and hosted the International ABANA Conference at N.A.U. This Conference was attended by over two thousand people from all over the world. The Arizona Artist Blacksmith Association continues to grow and be a leader in the renaissance of blacksmithing.
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