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2003
Board of Directors
Les Cook
11222 Sagewillow
Houston, TX 77089-4536
281-481-2457
Richard Boswell
281-356-5205
Dave Koenig
281-855-2869
Larry Hoff
281-890-8822
James Porter
1925 Anchor Way Dickinson TX 77539
281-337-5384
Frank Walters
281-491-7328
HABA Went to Town in July
HABA went to town for the July meeting! The Houston Center for Contemporary Craft hosted a Gathering of the Guilds. On July 10 through 12, about 12 craft organizations like HABA from around Houston were demonstrating and promoting their organizations from 11 AM - 3PM. We' were outside under the shade trees with three coal forges. The address is 4848 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002. The phone number is 713-529-4848.
The HABA meeting was on Saturday at 9 a.m. See some photos at bottom of this page. Much thanks go to Dave Koenig and Lee Oates who handled the majority of the demonstrating chores!
In addition HABA was invited to be on live TV, FOX 26, July 10 to help promote the Gathering of the Guilds and the art and craft of blacksmithing. Lanny Griffith of Fox 26 News had live broadcast beginning at 6:15 AM and continued every 15 minutes until 8:45 AM. Each spot was about 30 seconds to a minute and a half. All HABA members and visitors were welcome. Contact Dave Koenig for more information at Tudorforge@cs.com or 281-855-2869. Here's what he had to say about the early morning TV spot:
" I got to the Craft Center a little after 5. The programs director was there and I started to unload the things I brought to show inside. There were three tables full.
A little after I arrived the Fox 26 truck arrived. I told the truck tec that I would have a forge going and he decided that they would film outside and informed Lanny later.
After I got everything inside I started to setup outside. I just started the fire when Albert Ramos arrived and he gave me a hand by getting the fire hot.
In the midst of that Lanny and the camerman man came outside and said two minutes to promo. We did one and then another with me making noise on the anvil.
The rest of the slots were done pretty much the same...more or less off-the-cuff.
Tim Bailey came after Albert ,did a demo with Albert's two neices, and kept an eye on what was going on inside.
At 9 when the filming was over, I loaded all the stuff from inside back in the truck. Albert and Tim had to get back to work before the TV stuff was over.
Some of the other guild people started to arrive about 9 and by 11 my truck was reloaded, the outside demo site was rearraged for the public, Verlisa Hunter, one of the artists in residence, had my swage block in her studio to sink some copper bowels and I managed something to eat.
At 11.01 a woman with two kids walked up and I talked with them for about 20 minutes. They came back later when I had the fire going again and spend more time. There seemed to be a steady stream of people in mostly one and twos stopping by. Verlisa came out and did some handson work for the first time.
By 4:30 I pulled some of my demo stuff inside, packed the rest in the truck, swept the demo area and was headed home.
A couple of people said things went well. Marilyn said the TV things came across in a positive and playful manner. I saw the bits and pieces Marilyn recorded and agree. Smithing got a plug in almost every time slot. I think HCCC was pleased with HABA's involvement yesterday.
Ann Lancaster, a director, referred to the last time 'the smiths' were there at HCCC. She was quite impressed when an elderly person approached the demo area and asked how things were going. One of us answered "Great now that I am beating on hot iron". She said I bet visitors at MFA never get that kind of response from their demonstrators. (But they do...when HABA is at Bayou Bend.)
The camera man and techniciation with Fox 26 really kept Lanny on his toes. It was obvious they are team that enjoys the work. For example, the last shot was putting a horseshow on Lanny's foot. What only the camera man and I knew was I was going to pretent to nail the shoe to his foot with a huge nail. Everyone got a good laugh out of it even Lanny.
The camerman and tec also took a lot of interest in the ironwork on the tables and what was going on outside.
According to another artist there, HCCC had a big crowd for the middle of the week so I guess the advertising and TV spots helped.
Just remembered, about mid day Charles Sherburne, HABA member and a friend stopped by too."
When & Where :
Saturday July 12, 2003 :
The Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
The address is 4848 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002. The phone number is 713-529-4848.
The schedule looks like this:
- Saturday 8:00 : Sign in and setup.
- Monthly meeting at 9:00 am.
- Start demos and sale at 9:30. Go as long as you want.
Power and water on site, and we are under shade trees.
We want as many smiths as we can get, please bring items to sell, and something for the HABA sales Table.
If you don"t want to demonstrate, come out and answer questions from onlookers.
Directions to Event
The address is 4848 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002. The phone number is 713-529-4848.
What to Bring
Chairs
Bring safety glasses with side shields. This is a requirement!
Might be very hot or wet so dress appropriately for the day and the work.
If you do not have a forge and tools, please come anyway. There will be plenty of room at some forge during the workshop and someone to lend you a hand if you need it.
You do not have to be a member to attend our meetings! Bring a Guest!
Bring your Membership Dues if you want to work at a forge and are not a current Member !
ABOUT THE EVENT
July's HABA at the Gathering of the Guilds is our regular get together with a theme and purpose. First, we love to meet and make stuff. Second, we will be practicing the art of demonstrating blacksmith methods to the public. If you are reading this you already know that hammer and anvil skills are improved with practice, and watching the really good ones goes a long way in our education. HABA represents a collection of experienced and novice blacksmiths. Some do it for the fun of it as a hobby. Others like to make items people will buy. And the professionals will do comission work.
Blacksmithing is a bit of a lost art for what was once an essential technical trade and skill. Yet it has been rebirthing during the past 20 years due to the contributions of great people and organiztions such as ABANA that tells us about those great people and their art and craft. HABA is an Affiliate of ABANA and some of our members such as Dave Koenig are very active in this worldwide organization.
So what is "demonstrating" ?
Demonstrating is showing the public how ironworking is performed. It is an educational opportunity coming and going.
It can be done as a one man show, or a a group event. Team work is effective when you can help by taking turns between the forge and the public interface. Do your homework and educate the public.
It can be done recklessly or professionally with safe practices. Obviously, we must not be reckless because someone can get hurt. The blacksmith must know how to practice and perform his work safely for himself and those around him.
Several links on this website provide useful information about demonstrating. One of these is from ABANA with guidelines for how to demonstrate. A good summary of shop safety can be found at the Appalachian Blacksmiths Association site. Refresh yourself on these good tips. Keep Safety first and last for yourself and the rest of us.
HABA events are special and a lot of effort goes into them. Here are some suggestions from experienced members:
Frank Walters likes to have a sign next to his anvil warning the public not to be too helpful in picking up his tools and metal off the ground because they may still be hot enough to injure. A shade canopy is very important outside to help you see the fire color properly.
Dave Koenig reminds us that coke fuel can pop and explode, sending hot fuels in all directions. So use coal, not coke in public! Also, don't forge weld in public for same reasons. Wear appropriate cotton clothing and leather boots.The more you share, the more you learn!
James Porter reminds us that hammers and anvils can chip, also sending out projectiles. Inspect your tools for damage! Wear eye protection when hammering and grinding.
Reynolds Cushman points out that good hammer technique is important to protect your elbows and hands from overstrains. Keep your work area clean and free from litter.
Larry Hoff reminds us to use good practice in lifting our heavy anvils. Get help with those heavy loads and protect your back, feet, and hands. Wear a hat when working outside in the direct sun.
Charlie Heathcock plans ahead and uses the proper tool for the job. Be helpful and friendly to your coworkers and public. Be sure to compliment your wife since she may sell more than you do!
Jim Wheeler says we should keep it simple.
David Bailey takes great notes and sketches when he attends demos, then learns from them in his shop.
Steve Green learns a lot by voluteering to assist the demonstrator whenever possible.
Lee Oates is always entertaining and engages the audience with stories and conversation. Make your demo fun!
Richard Boswell reminds us that you need to drink plenty of non alcoholic fluids and don't overheat yourself. Have a first-aid kit handy and know how to use it, especially burn treatments. Also, be polite and thank your hosts, and practice good work ethics.
Les Cook recommends a good barricade to keep the public at a safe distance. Think ahead and bring the tools and equipment you will need. And because of insurance requirements, you need a current HABA Membership to work at the forge and anvil in public as a HABA Demonstrator.
Have you got a favorite tip to share, or perhaps a photo of a good demonstrator (including yourself) ? Please send a note to your webmaster Richard Boswell.
Some relevent on-line links for your viewing....
Theses are some photos from the setup work party and from Saturday. Click the image to see larger photo!
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Last updates were on June 24, 2003
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