Compiled by Insite Staff Photo by Timothy Douglass
The 7th Annual Combo-Demo: Blacksmithing Demonstration & Metal Arts Exhibition will be on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 8am to 5pm at the Steephollow Forgeworks in Bryan. The event is a celebration of blacksmithing and serves as a meeting place for all the clubs in Texas and Louisiana. It will feature “up and coming” smiths as well as reliable, experienced smiths. This year will feature The Austin Metal Authority with Haley Woodward and Colby Brinkman.
This one-day event is free, and activities will include an iron smelt, tailgating, vendors, live and silent auctions, food, art displays, and live music. Artists are welcome to display, sell, or promote their work. The event is open to the public. The art of blacksmithing is alive and well at Steephollow Forgeworks.
An iron smelt led by Richard Delahoussaye from Louisiana will begin on Friday, Feb. 17, with the construction of the furnace. The smelt is scheduled to finish by 4pm on Saturday, Feb. 18. If you would like to be involved in the construction process, call (979) 776-2864 or email info@steepforge.com.
This year’s competition item is a “belt buckle.” Artists must submit their crafted item at Steephollow Forgeworks before noon on Saturday, Feb. 18. The winner will be crowned “Best of the Best.”
There will be a large amount of used blacksmithing equipment available by dealers from Austin and Kansas. The list of available items include dozens of anvils and vices, hundreds of tongs and hardy tools, and several mechanical hammers. Forges, blowers, swage blocks, and hammers will also be available.
For more information, call (979) 779-2864 or visit www.steepforge.com.
