How we started
Florida Artist Blacksmith Association (FABA) dedicated to teaching and preserving the art and craft of the blacksmith. To accomplish our mission we provide members with learning opportunities throughout the state and throughout the year. FABA has six regions (see map/inset map); with few exceptions each region holds one meeting per month. Our meetings provide you with a demonstration of some aspect of our craft, a chance to meet with other blacksmiths to exchange ideas or ask questions and frequently some open forge time affording FABA members a hands-on learning opportunity. While the meetings are held regionally blacksmithing knows no boundaries, all interested members are welcome at all FABA meetings, regardless of which region you live in.
If you are not a member, you are still welcome to visit us at any meeting to observe and learn.
In addition to our monthly meetings, FABA also hosts an annual conference in October during which you’ll have the opportunity to learn from nationally and internationally renowned blacksmiths as they demonstrate their specialties. You can also sign up for numerous beginning to advanced blacksmithing and family oriented crafting classes during the 3 day event. There are tailgate sales where you might find that one unique tool you have been searching for. Or perhaps you might claim that prize during our “iron in the hat” raffle. Then, on Saturday night we hold our brief annual business meeting/elections during dinner; followed by a fantastic fundraising auction where you can bid on, and win, a wide variety of hand forged projects, related crafts projects, educational books and TOOLS – we have auctioned everything from anvils to power hammers, what treasure might you find at auction this year?
Blacksmithing is a satisfying craft, and a rewarding art. Using traditional processes with a 2,000+ year history, you can forge almost anything you can imagine, from the purely functional to the purely artistic. Come join us in the fun! Join today! (link this)
Florida Artist Blacksmith Association (FABA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit. First formed in 1984, FABA is an affiliate of the Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America (ABANA).
We're not only keeping history alive, but also passing it on to the next generation. These are skill you can't get anywhere else.
