FARMINGTON – The Western Maine Blacksmith Association has two blacksmithing classes coming up soon. On Saturday, Sept. 10, The Basics: A Beginners Class is being held with Dick Tessier as instructor. An Ornamental Work: Scrolls, Leaves & Advanced Work class with instructor Pat Roy is being held on Saturday, Oct. 8.
The basics class is suitable for anyone, age 14 or older, interested in blacksmithing whether they are a self-taught beginner or have never before worked at a forge. Dick Tessier, of Skowhegan, has a long background in teaching vocational arts and has developed a brief handbook to help beginners along.
Pat Roy, of Belfast, makes a wide variety of products in his Big Rock Forge from jewelry to cabinet hardware. He has been teaching classes and giving demonstrations for the Blacksmith Association for several years. The Ornamental Work class is appropriate for anyone, age 14 or older, who has some experience blacksmithing and is ready to learn some advanced techniques.
Both classes will be held at the Blacksmith Shop on the Farmington Fairgrounds in Farmington. These are full day classes, meeting from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. with a lunch break. The cost of the Basics class is $75 and the Ornamental Work class is $100.
WMBA was formed in 2006 to preserve the knowledge and techniques of the art of blacksmithing, and is based in Wilton at the Wilton Farm & Home Museum. The classes are offered as a way to engage more people in blacksmithing and to increase the skills of blacksmiths.
The classes tend to fill quickly and space is reserved when tuition payment is received. For more information, call Janine Winn, WMBA treasurer, at 491-1465 or email j9sfarm@myfairpoint.net.
