Fall 2023 Conference

We were very happy to have hosted a joint conference between the Louisiana Metalsmiths Association and the Gulf Coast Blacksmiths Association. Mark Aspery, a world renowned blacksmith from the UK was our featured demonstrator. It was very well attended and great fun. We are sharing the original flyer that was advertised here in this blog post for our own prosperity and to document the landmark event.

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Mark Aspery has been forging professionally for over 30 years and has become one of the most well known teachers of the craft. Often focusing on the tools that need to be made to make the project, his classes go beyond a simple how-to. He has published multiple books and videos that are filled with suitable projects for smiths of all skill levels. 

Featured Demonstrator 

Mark Aspery

September 30th & October 1st, 2023 

Registration and Entry Fees are in person on the day of the event.

$60 Entry Fee for both days

$50 Entry Fee for one day

includes lunch and drinks

Schedule of Events

Saturday, September 30th

7:00 am | Registration begins

9:00 am - 12:00 pm |  Mark Aspery morning demonstration

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm  |  Lunch 

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm  |  Mark Aspery afternoon demonstration

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm  |  Toolbox Raffle and Live Auction

5:00 pm - until  |  Dinner and forging competition

Sunday, October 1st

7:00 am  |  Registration begins

9:00 am - 12:00 pm  |  Mark Aspery morning demonstration

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm  |  Lunch 

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm  |  Mark Aspery afternoon demonstration

3:00 pm  |  End of Conference

Tailgators are welcome.  Please contact us to reserve a spot. 

Auction

We encourage all LAMA and GCBA Members to donate finished hand made metal art or functional metal items for the auction. 

All donations will be very much appreciated.  This is a charity event to support both non profit organizations so please bid generously. 

Funds collected during the Auction and from the entry fee will be divided between GCBA and LAMA to be used for furthering the missions of both non profit organizations furthering the art and craft of blacksmithing through education and scholarships.

PRE CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS 

WITH MARK ASPERY 

Wednesday, September 27th & Thursday September 28th

Mark Aspery will teach two separate full day workshops prior to the Conference while he is in town. There has never been a better chance to learn from one of the world's leading blacksmithing instructors.

$150 per person per class. 

Wednesday September 27th    8:30-4:30 pm

Lunch/drinks provided   |  Limit 10 students   |   Click the following link to register:

Hand Tools Class

Thursday September 28th     8:30am-4:30 pm

Lunch/drinks provided   |  Limit 10 students   |   Click the following link to register:

Forge Welding & Basket Handle Fire Poker Class