Northwest Blacksmith Association

Al Bart Grant Information

The NWBA’s Al Bart Memorial Grant is open to anyone who’s interested in sharing the knowledge they would like to learn about the art and craft of blacksmithing.

With our status as a non-profit charitable organization comes the gift of sharing this opportunity with the public. It is our hope that The Al Bart Memorial Grant will enable interested persons to attend an educational program (such as a workshop or class) with the intention of learning something new and sharing that knowledge and experience within and/or outside of our association.

All interested persons are encouraged to apply for a grant, then attend a class or workshop to learn something new about blacksmithing.  The only obligation is to pass along what you have learned in one of the ways outlined below* or you can propose to give back in a way that’s not on the list.

Your interest in this program indicates two important facts:
1. You want to further your education and skill level and gain information about the blacksmiths’ craft/art.
2. You desire to spread the knowledge you’ve gained with the membership of the NWBA and/or the public in general.

Please consider the following ideas when deciding how you will fulfill your obligation. Remember, applicants to this program must show a strong desire to increase not only their skills, but to share what they have learned with others.

*You may choose one or more of the following to fulfill the requirement for giving back to the public:

  • Write an article describing your experience while attending the class or workshop and forward the article to the Hot Iron News for publication by emailing nwbainfo@gmail.com.
  • Arrange, through the NWBA’s Events and Programs Committee, to conduct a hands-on demonstration or open forge session at Spring Conference or Swaptoberfest. The Events Committee will assist with the logistics of this endeavor.
  • Work with the smith that held the class or workshop to instruct a demonstration of skills or techniques at one of our monthly MC Events. Permission from the instructor involved is a prerequisite of the demonstration.
  • Set up a display table at an NWBA Conference, with approval from the instructor or person organizing the event, that shows pictures, items, and/ or examples from the class or workshop in which you, the recipient of the grant, participated.
  • Prepare and produce a slide show, lecture, or video presentation pertaining to your experience attending the class or workshop.

Or you can be innovative—propose a new plan to fulfill your requirement. Writing an article for a local newspaper or offering a public demonstration are also good ways to spread your knowledge and promote the craft on many levels.

Maximum amount available per person is $300 per year.

The following NWBA members have received an Al Bart Grant. Congratulate these people when you see them for furthering their own blacksmithing knowledge and then giving back to the rest of the membership and/or general public.

  • Lynn Gledhill
  • Lauren Olsmolski
  • Simon Stormer
  • Harold Hiea
  • Lisa Geertsen
  • Ben Czyhold
  • Curtis Rosenkrantz
  • Bart Turner
  • Dave Manning
  • Chris Porcarelli
  • Peter Reich

If you have any questions about the Al Bart Grant Program please contact webmaster@blacksmith.org

Click here to go to the Al Bart Grant Application!