NWBA Spring Conference 2010 | Conferences | Forum

Skagit County Fairgrounds, Mount Vernon, Washington
April 22-25, 2010

Thursday, April 22, 2010
9:00 am Set up - Assistance is welcome all day long
5:00 pm Board Meeting
Friday, April 23, 2010
8:00 am Registration Open
9:00 -12:00 Demonstration by Kirk Sullens: A fresh look at seldom-used approaches to make animals, presenting principles common to all creatures, using both forging and raising techniques
9:00 -12:00 Hands-On with Wayne Lewis, Large Fire Poker, Stylized Handle
9:00 - 5:00 Open Forging Instruction in tent adjacent to Hands-On Area
12:00 -1:00 Lunch Break
1:00 - 4:00 Demonstration by David Thompson: Forty years of the business of ironwork, and ironwork as public art, plus demonstration of 3-foot railing sample--a good example of problems of space and the extensive use of jigs to create a three-dimensional railing
1:00 - 4:00 Hands-On with Ken Mermelstein, Classic Door Latch
1:00 - 4:00 Flypress Class: Gene and Gary Chapman, 3-Hook Wall Hanger
2:00 - 4:00 Seminar: Patrick Maher, Perspective Drawing for You and Your Client
4:00 - 6:00 Dinner Break
6:00 -11:00 Fire Pits, Friendship and Forging
Saturday, April 24, 2010
8:00 am Registration Open
9:00 -12:00 Demonstration by Kirk Sullens
9:00 -12:00 Hands-On with Tim Middaugh, Box Jaw Tongs
9:00 - 5:00 Open Forging Instruction in tent adjacent to Hands-On Area
12:00 -1:00 Lunch Break
1:00 - 4:00 Demonstration by David Thompson
1:00 - 4:00 Hands-On with Chad Heiserman, Forging and Twisting Angle Iron
1:00 - 4:00 Flypress Class: Gene and Gary Chapman, Dished Candleholders and Candle Cups
2:00 - 4:00 Seminar: John Emmerling, Faux Finishes
5:00 - 6:45 Dinner and General Membership Meeting
7:00 - 9:00 Auction
9:00 -11:00 Open Forging
Sunday, April 25, 2010
9:00 - 12:00 Demonstration by Jamie Belcher, Metal Jewelry
12:30 pm Tear Down and Clean Up - Many hands make light the work.

IMPORTANT NOTES TO ADD VALUE TO YOUR CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE
NOTE 1: Locations
Building A - Board Meeting
Building B - Registration & Sales, Gallery, Archives, Library
Building C - Seminars, Dinner and Auction
Building D - Demonstrations & Flypress Class
Building F - Tailgating
Building G - Hands-On Classes with Open Forging in adjacent covered tent
NOTE 2: Repousse Workshop, Louie Raffloer, Instructor
Open each day and evening, Louie's worktable is always a favorite diversion, or obsession. It is open at all times to all comers attending the conference. Work with 10-ounce copper sheet, using the chasing hammers, chisels and punches supplied, or bring your own special tools.
NOTE 3: Open Forge Instruction, Tim Middaugh Coordinator
All day Friday and Saturday (9-5) Open Forging instruction with experienced smiths available in tent adjacent to Hands-On area.
NOTE 4: Black Smoke Alley, Berkley Tack & Friends
This is a social setting where one can BS and possibly pick up a tip or two from those who have “been there, done that. Experienced smiths work in coal during the conference, no specified time frame. Look for the smoke!

Classes and Seminars

By Tim Middaugh, Workshop/Education ChairmanIn addition to the usual hands-on classes, the NWBA will offer open forging instruction and two flypress classes. We will also offer two seminar-style opportunities. By popular demand we will revisit John Emmerling's Faux Finishing class. Patrick Maher will offer instruction on drawing in two and three dimensions.
Seminar Style Classes:
There is no lottery drawing for these classes. All are welcome. We ask that you kindly register for these classes at the conference when you check in. In that way we can best meet the needs of the group.
Perspective Drawing for You and Your Client
Friday 2:00 - 4pm
Instructor: Patrick Maher
Patrick will offer instruction on client sketches for proposals. He will discuss the importance of 3-D drawings as compared to flat drawings and elevations. Bring your sketchbook, pencil, and lots of questions.
Additive Faux Finishes
Saturday 2:00 - 4pm
Instructor: John Emmerling
John will demonstrate additive faux finishes using waxes and paints. Subtractive finishes will also be covered if time allows. Learn how to enhance your work with the right finish. Open to all levels of experience.
Flypress Classes (By Lottery):
3-Hook Wall Hanger
Friday 1:00 - 4pm
Instructors: Gary and Gene Chapman
Using the flypress students will learn how to detail flat bars and round stock to make functional art. This will be an excellent class for those seeking an introduction to the flypress.
Candle Holders
Saturday 1:00 - 4pm
Instructors: Gary and Gene Chapman
Students will use the flypress to form bases for dished candleholders complete with copper candle cups. Learn to use mechanical advantage to enhance your metal work. A great hands-on opportunity.
Hands-On Classes (By Lottery):
Fire Poker with Stylized Handle
Friday 9:00 am - 12 noon
Instructor: Wayne Lewis
Wayne will offer instruction on forging a fire poker out of flat bar by using traditional techniques. Beginners are welcome.
Classic Bean Door Latch
Friday 1:00 - 4pm
Instructor: Ken Mermelstein
Ken will offer instruction on making a classic bean door latch. This project is geared to smiths who feel they have good hammer control. It should be a great class for those interested in reproducing classic hardware. Ken is teaching this class to fulfill his requirement for receipt of the Al Bart grant. Ken used the Al Bart grant to take an advanced class at Meridian Forge in Eatonville.
Forging Flat Jaw Tongs
Saturday 9:00 am - 12 noon
Instructor: Tim Middaugh
Tim will demonstrate how to forge a pair of traditional and useful tongs for your shop. These unique tongs hold round, flat, and square stock and are easily forged out of mild steel using simple tools. A basic command of forging skills will be needed to take full advantage of this class.
Forging and Twisting Angle Iron
Saturday 1:00 - 4pm
Instructor: Chad Heiserman
Chad will teach twisting and forging angle iron for back plates on wall mounts. Using teamwork and a striker, students will forge a nice take-home piece. These relatively simple maneuvers yield uncommon results. Beginners are welcome.
Open Forging Instruction: Adjacent to the hands-on area will be six open forging stations. They will be staffed by one or two experienced NWBA smiths. These volunteers will work in two-hour shifts as they demonstrate various forging techniques. All are welcome to participate on a “first come, first served basis.
The open forge will be an excellent opportunity for conference attendees to get in on the action even if they come up short on the drawing for hands-on classes. All are encouraged to learn and practice new skills in this informal setting. Come, join in and have some fun with it.

CONFERENCE FEE SCHEDULE

Three-day Fees:
· Member - $75 (less auction donation discount)*
· Household (at same address) $20 for spouse, $20 for all youth up to age 18)
· Youth18 and upward - $20 each
· Guest - Non-family - $35
One-day Fees:
· Member - $40 (less auction item discount)*
· Household - $40 + $20 spouse + $20 for all youth up to age 18)
· Youth 18 and upward - $20 each
*Auction Item Donation Discount:
$15 for hand-crafted item, $5 all other items

ACCOMMODATIONS

Motels:
Best Western College Way, 300 College Way, Mt. Vernon; Exit 227 and I-5; 360-424-4287
Best Western Cotton Tree Inn, 2300 Market St., Mt Vernon; 360-428-5678
Cocusa Motel, 300 W Rio Vista, Burlington; Exit 230 & I-5; 360-757-6044 Special rates for NWBA attendees: $54 plus tax for single queen; $61 for 2 queen beds. All rooms have micro, refrig and coffee makers. Restaurant located next door.
Days Inn, 2009 Riverside Dr, Mt. Vernon; 360-424-4141
Quality Inn, 1910 Freeway Dr., Mt. Vernon, 360-428-7020
Sterling Motor Inn, 866 South Burlington; 1-888-757-5757 (pet friendly)
Tulip Inn, 2200 Freeway Drive, Mt. Vernon; 1-800-599-5969 or 360-424-5969
Camping:
Tent Camping: Free, roof cover available (arena and horse barns, etc).
RV Hook-ups: $22 per night; $60 for 3 nights
RV Dry: $12 per night; $30 for 3 nights
Pay at NWBA Registration