Saltfork Craftsmen Artist-Blacksmith Association Oklahoma Affiliate of ABANA

 All about Saltfork

The Saltfork Craftsmen Artist-Blacksmith Association was just an idea shared by 13 friends when they met on March 20, 1995. Their common interest was blacksmithing. The group felt that there might not be enough people interested in only blacksmithing so it was decided to make the club open to any craftsmen regardless of their interest.

We took our name from the Salt Fork River that runs through Northwest Oklahoma and we were expecting the club to be only a local affair, hence the Saltfork Craftsmen name was adopted.

From these humble beginnings the club has grown to a membership of around 150. Members come from several states. The club hosted their first conference in October of 1997 with Frank Turley as our first demonstrator. Frank was just what the Doctor ordered for our fledgling club. Since that first conference we have held five more. Our membership has worked hard to bring the very best, nationally recognized, blacksmithing and crafts teachers to Oklahoma. Increased conference attendance and the generous support of the Oklahoma Arts council promises the continuation of high quality educational opportunities for everyone.

As time has passed and our club has grown we have made the appropriate changes. With increased membership and the anticipation of becoming an ABANA chapter, early in 1997 we incorporated our club.

From the beginning Saltfork Craftsmen have focused on being a family oriented organization. Spouses and children are encouraged to attend and participate at all of our meeting and functions. Activities are structured to interest the entire family.

Our membership perform blacksmithing demonstrations at more than thirty outside events and celebrations every year. Most of that is provided free to the sponsoring organizations. The people we've met and the friendships we have made have been most gratifying for us all.

It is now 2004 and the club is looking ahead to new challenges . We are in the process of building four teaching stations to be used for blacksmithing classes.