October 24, 2016

‘Form, Fabricate and Forge’ conference, exhibition set for Oct. 28-29

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- SIMS, the Southern Illinois Metalsmiths Society at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, invites the community to the 9th Annual Form, Fabricate and Forge conference and art exhibition on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28-29, at which Jake James is the featured artist. 

The event begins at the University Museum (Faner Hall) on Oct. 28 with a reception for the SIMS exhibit, which runs through Nov. 12. The exhibit reception is 4-7 p.m., followed by James’ art talk in the museum auditorium beginning at 7 p.m. 

On Oct. 29, James will offer several workshops and public demonstrations at the L. Brent Kington Smithy in Pulliam Hall throughout the day beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. The dinner and auction are at 17th Street BBQ in Murphysboro from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets for the event are: $10 for SIU students, $25 for students from elsewhere and for ABANA members, and identification is required, $35 for the general public. The tickets cover both the demonstrations and the dinner. 

James operates a forge in Vancouver, Canada. He earned a Journeyman’s Certificate from the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths in England, then learned more on his travels, from making farm implements in Sri Lanka to silver jewelry in the United States and Canada. His lectures and workshops take him from coast to coast in the United States and Canada, and as far away as Australia as well as his native England.