Blacksmiths

History of the Blacksmith Fellowship

Every year - 1st weekend in May - a devoted group of blacksmiths gather at the art center. Pat Cheatham (Concho Forge) has been the driving force behind the annual Blacksmith Fellowship. Joe Jay, Bart Burnett, Cham Chamless, Randy Kiser, Laurence Westfall, and several others of this group join him.

For 20 years+ Pat Cheatham (Concho Forge) has been a devoted blacksmith in the San Angelo area. While working for the city, Pat was very active at Fort Concho with demonstrations and travels throughout the year to the San Antonio Rodeo and many Texas forts putting up a wonderful display. Joe Jay, a long time blacksmith, has been active for years joining Pat often at events. For several years in the 80s and 90s, Pat had his shop at the Art Center. Then he retired, married wonderful Ann, and moved out on Dove Creek where he established his studio.
But…we talked him into developing a forge area, and continuing to have his annual Blacksmith Fellowship, at the Chicken Farm Art Center. So… for some time Pat, Joe, Bart, and others have become a regular attraction each month on the 1st Saturday.
Over the years we've been able to bring in several big names in the blacksmith world to conduct the workshops. This year we have Bart Burnett And many other attractions will also be happening.
As owner and director of the Chicken Farm Art Center since 1971, I've watched this group grow and struggle and grow. I respect the determination, effort, and consistency of Pat and this group. These blacksmiths have a wonderful event you will enjoy if you've ever had any desire to see hot metal worked. And although I sincerely believe potters have the most fun, I'm also convinced blacksmiths share the most knowledge. And what a bunch of characters! Come visit and they will let you try your hand.

What?

23rd Annual Blacksmith Fellowship
Hands Across The Anvil

Who?

Pat Cheatham (Concho Forge), Joe Jay, Bart Burnett, Cham Chamless, Randy Kiser, Laurence Westfall, Glenn Davis, Rick Henley, and a bunch of other friends will be sharing knowledge. The Chicken Farm Art Center proudly hosts this annual event and we hope you can come join us on this special 1st Saturday.

When?

Thursday May 1st, Friday May 2nd, and Saturday May 3rd

Thursday and Friday are specifically structured for the blacksmiths to share and learn with special sessions scheduled. There is a 50.00 fee for the workshop.
Saturday the 3rd is also a 1st Saturday at the Art Center with open forges for the public, our usual Chicken Farm Pickers acoustic music groups and this year we will feature blues with some great prizes for the best original blacksmith blues song. In addition to the music there will be the usual featured artists, demos, open galleries and studios, free clay for kids, etc…etc…etc.

Where?

Chicken Farm Art Center

2505 Martin Luther King
San Angelo, TX 76903
Call (325)653-4936 for more info

Why?

10 good reasons to come to the Blacksmith Fellowship

1. This annual meeting of blacksmiths has, for 23 years, been a great place to learn and meet some very interesting individuals who are more than willing to share their knowledge and love of hot metal.

2. It's not just about fariers, arty pieces for your fireplace, or swords or knives. but will include all of that and more.

3. It's a great time to gather all day and work, learn, share, and hammer hard; then, eat well and swap tales around the glowing fires at evening.

4. Every 1st Saturday the art center hosts the Chicken Farm Pickers - a large group of acoustic music makers. This year we have 4th Annual Blacksmith and Blues - a special session of blues with some great prizes for the best blues song about blacksmithing. We plan this will become a tradition for years to come.

5. There will be workshops: Each year we present a guest artist that will conduct an informative workshop.

6. If you don't want to participate in creating with hot iron, you can learn to knap flint or just listen to great music (some blues) and even bring your guitar and join in.

7. Visting artists set up booths display their art work and give demonstrations.

8. Silo House Restaurant serves lunch on this special day.

9. The artists studios and galleries will all be open and The Silo House Restaurant will be open those evenings. Come see what's happening at The Best Little Old Art Center in West Texas.

10. You'll have a good time. A really good time !!

...More WHAT?

2008 - Dave Koenig is our presenter this year. His workshop is raised metal and repousse work and there is a list of supplies and tools you will need. Go to CVBF.org link and click on workshop for more info.
Also the local members will have their 2nd annual Bowie knife competition.

Any blacksmith, knife maker or other metal worker interested in being a presenter can contact Pat or Roger. We would be pleased to have other ideas and some future references to work from.
Usually we have a swap area so if you have equipment to sell or swap we encourage you to bring it along. And we encourage any one interested to set up a small display of wares as we get a good crowd of people through on the weekend.