Illinois Valley Blacksmith Association

The Arts In The Park Board of Directors is looking for an IVBA-affiliated blacksmith to demonstrate at their weekend-long event June 22nd and 23rd in Danville, IL.  The event is free to the public and promotes the cultivation, nourishment, and presentation of the fine arts in Central-Eastern Illinois.  Compensation is negotiable and the demonstrating blacksmith would be able to display and sell their goods during the festival.

Visit the Arts In The Park website at www.aitpdanville.org for more information.  If you are interested in demonstrating, leave a message on the website or contact Nathan Ingold at Nathan.Ingold@watchfiresigns.com.

We are saddened by the passing of Clifton Ralph on December 24th. He possessed a wealth of knowledge that he was willing to share, and was a great asset to the blacksmith community. Our condolences to his family. May he Rest In Peace.

A celebration of life is being planned for March 9th, in Griffith, IN.

Hello IVBA family,

My name is Chris Vranek and earlier this year I was asked if I wanted to take over the day-to-day operations for the IVBA website.  I decided to give it a shot, so I’ve been handed the keys to this buggy and I will attempt to keep this site a great place to meet and come together as smiths, colleagues, and friends.

To that end, I’ll also be working on our Facebook page.  Please come visit and share your latest smithing projects, ideas, photos, and local events so we can all enjoy them together!

See you around, and keep smithing!

Chris