‘Hammer-In’ Scheduled

At Brookfield Craft Center

BROOKFIELD — Blacksmithing, the ancient art of shaping iron with fire, hammer and anvil, will be on display at a “Hammer-In” at Brookfield Craft Center, Saturday, March 10, from 10 am to 6 pm.

This gathering of smiths, which is open to all interested members of the public, will include demonstrations of smithing, tailgate sales of blacksmithing equipment, and a hot dog (veggie dog for those so inclined) lunch. Admission is $20 for the day and includes lunch. Proceeds support the Craft Center’s blacksmithing program.

Demonstrations are the heart of the event and will include American Bladesmithing Society (ABS) Mastersmith and Blade Magazine Columnist Joe Szilaski, who will demonstrate the making of tomahawks; local smith Peter Swarz-Burt will be making blacksmith’s tongs; BCC Instructor Matthew Parkinson, who will demonstrate knife finishing and forging a fire poker

Also, Journeyman Smith Mace Vital will demo knife forging; Mike Coffey will be making armor; local smith Jamie Lundell will be forging decorative faces.; and Peter Swarz-Burt and Jamie Lundell will demonstrate team forging.

The “hammer-in,” says organizers, is an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in blacksmithing to gain access to the collective knowledge of the local smithing community, do a little networking or just spend the day talking fire and iron. It is also a chance to appreciate the consummate skill of these modern day workers in iron.

Brookfield Craft Center was founded in 1954 as a not-for-profit organization with the mission of preserving and promoting the fine craftsmanship and personal growth through craft education. It is a past recipient of The Governor’s Arts Award, Connecticut’s highest award for excellence in the arts.

The craft center is at 286 Whisconier Road (Route 25, just east of its intersection with Route 202/Route 7). For information, visit www.BrookfieldCraft.org or call 203-775-4526.