FABA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 16-18, Gainesville, Florida
365d
24h
60m
60s
Item Exchange: Something that whirls, twirls or spins!
What whirls, what twirls? That is the task laid out in this year's item exchange challenge. Ranging from a spinning top to a ballerina the possibilities are endless! In this yearly challenge a smith creates a piece based on their interpretation of the theme and brings it to conference. On Saturday evening before the auction, everyone who brought an item will draw the name of another. The name that you draw is the piece that you take home!
Skill level: Any
Register: Banquet Hall
​Live & Silent
Auction & Gallery
Proceeds from the auction not only support the conference, but also FABA throughout the year. To be successful, we need auction items! If you have an item you plan to bring, please let us know. The live and silent auction will take place on Saturday evening, October 17th immediately following the annual banquet.
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Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
Register: Banquet Hall
Preregister your item now!
​Regional Challenge: Balance & Motion (with literal motion)
Balance and Motion is this year's theme! We even have a twist this year, there must be literal motion in the project. We are asking each region or sub-region to create a piece as a team. This can be as large or small as you would like (minimum of three people). A panel of outside judges will judge the pieces based on the criteria below. Awards will be handed out at the banquet. Please consider donating your items to the auction. We hope to see submissions from each part of the state! This is a great project to work on at a monthly meeting.
Skill level: Any
Register: Banquet Hall
Meet our Demonstrators
Steve Schwarzer
A Master Bladesmith since 1981, Steve Schwarzer has over 20 awards for his blades, his excellence and innovation, and his service to the community. In the ‘70’s Steve started on the edge and now stays on the cutting edge. He pioneered many of the common Damascus techniques seen today. I think one of my favorite quotes by Steve is; “Fantasy is always correct” which is why he often uses fantastic creatures carved into the handles of his work. Steve currently lives Florida. He teaches advanced Damascus classes and powdered metal canister techniques with classes tailored to individual student needs/requirements. ​Website here
Joe Davis
Joe Davis, does very high-end custom work requiring traditional joinery; accomplishing projects like fireplace screens and architectural metal work. He has been running “Old School Crafts” for 25 years, often working with his two boys at his forge and foundry. His projects make use of multiple materials like copper, bronze stainless steel and, of course, iron. (Check out all Joe is into on his Instagram pages )
Thank you to all our sponsors!
Underground
Metalworks
Metal
Supermarket
Benchmark
Abrasives
Thompson
Crafted
