Thursday, April 25, 2013

Missouri Folk Arts Program

The blacksmith has been involved for several months in the Missouri Folk Arts Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program.  He is teaching traditional Osage and Gasconade River gig making to Doug. 

As part of the program they were asked to participate in "Tuesdays at the Capitol", a presentation at the Missouri State Capitol.






Missouri State Capitol is one beautiful and majestic building.


It was a busy place Tuesday as the Governor was to speak in the rotunda at 2:00 P.M.  They expected a crowd of about 3000.  



Many school groups came through. It was funny to hear the comments about the gigs from the kids. 

There was a surprise proclamation presented to the blacksmith by our Representative Tom Hurst. Tom, who is also an auctioneer, told us that the first auction he worked was the auction of the Wieberg blacksmith shop at Meta, MO. We knew that, because we attended and bought some of the equipment from that shop.  These tools are still in our shop today. We have attended many Hurst auctions over the years.


I couldn't be more proud of my husband!!! 




Next on the agenda, the blacksmith will be assisting in teaching a class at John C. Campbell Folk School.


Sunday, April 7, 2013

Teaching a beginners class

The blacksmith taught a beginners class Saturday in Ham's Prairie  Nine students took part, which included 3 women, and two teen age boys. 

 Bernie shows Nicki a technique.

Thirteen year old Chad is very interested in the art.

 Husband Terry and wife Erin make a good team.

 Rosemary tries her hand at a hot bend.


 Many anvils all in a row. 

 Tom helps one of the teenagers. 

Nicki's son also took the class. 

 Mike shows Gary his way of doing it..


Another Mike shows Gary his way . . . 

It was a great day in the country. Thanks to Ned and Esther for hosting. Esther's lunch of red beans and rice was delicious. 

It was nice to see all take home something they had made.