Arkansas blacksmiths forge new future

Blacksmiths Organization of Arkansas revives old art of metal working

Dale Carter, of Little Rock and member of the Blacksmiths Organization of Arkansas, demonstrated basic blacksmithing techniques at the Tired Iron tractor show on Saturday.

Dale Carter, of Little Rock and member of the Blacksmiths Organization of Arkansas, demonstrated basic blacksmithing techniques at the Tired Iron tractor show on Saturday.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

— With fires raging and anvils ringing, the Blacksmiths Organization of Arkansas (B.O.A.), the local affiliate of the national Artist Blacksmiths’ Association of North America, opened its workshop this weekend at the Tired Iron antique tractor show in Gentry.

With over 70 active members, B.O.A. is a nonprofit organization with the mission of preserving the art of metalsmithing.

Onlookers at the Tired Iron grounds marveled as workers in leather aprons heated, twisted and banged simple steel rebar into coat hooks, fireplace tools and ornate key chains.

Though rendered nearly obsolete by the Industrial Revolution and 20th Century technology, this ancient craft has undergone a contemporary renaissance. Renewed interest is apparent in B.O.A.’s increasing membership and the fact that more than a half dozen members are under the age of 20.

“A lot of younger people come in saying, ‘I want to make a sword,’” laughs Dale Carter, who travels from Little Rock to attendB.O.A. events. “They don’t have a clue that you can’t just take a piece of metal, put it in a fire and make a sword.”

Carter and Ron Wells, B.O.A.’s president, shared a recent experience trying to recreate a piece of Damascus steel. The layered steel was a secret weapon used in the Crusades, Wells explained. Only a few decades ago did blacksmiths outside of the Arab region learn how Damascus steel was made.

“We were sitting in this restaurant talking about making Damascus,” chuckled Wells. “Someone overheard us and asked if we were going to make a sword. I laughed. I said, ‘I think we’re gonna start with a letter opener.’”

Members point out that, though often underappreciated, skills of blacksmiths are still very muchin demand.

“Everything goes back to the blacksmith’s shop,” explained Donald Mayes, of Springdale, one of the club’s members who helped to build the workshop at Tired Iron. “Where do stone masons, woodcarvers and farmers all get their tools? Blacksmiths.”

“There are a lot of phrases that come from blacksmithing, too,” saidCarter, who has been a B.O.A. member for a year. “‘Too many irons in the fire,’ and ‘Strike while the iron’s hot,’ even ‘Beat the daylights out of it.’ You really learn what these things mean when you’re working with metal.”

Wells explains that the craft also teaches people planning and attention to detail.

In addition to crafting more traditional pieces, members of B.O.A. design and create art as well. Gravette’s Frank Wallace, a B.O.A. member, recently completed a sculpture that was installed adjacent to Bentonville’s Bogle Park.

“With blacksmithing,” explained Wells, “you’re creating something in your head, planning it out and then making it.That gives people a good feeling.”

People who missed last weekend’s demonstration at Tired Iron can catch B.O.A. members at work at the upcoming Harvest Homecoming in Harrison on Oct. 1-2.

The Blacksmiths Association also hosts monthly meetings designed to help foster a greater appreciation for the art of metalsmithing.

Individuals interested in learning the basics ofmetalsmithing are invited to join the hands-on gatherings at NorthernArkansas workshops. For meeting locations or more information, contact RonWells, B.O.A. president, at [email protected] or 870-434-5460.

News, Pages 2 on 09/14/2011