Well, the weather is warming, and renewed interest springs forth for many of us to explore a new skill or idea in our pursuit of excellence in the art of blacksmithing.

The craft school brochures and workshop opportunities seem a little brighter as you read them. You get to thinking of a visit to other shops to gain new ideas or of working with a 'master' in a technique you want to learn more of. Reading published articles and opportunities to attend demonstrations occupy more of your attention?

GREAT! One of ABANA's goals is to foster that enthusiasm!

After a patient and a diligent effort of a dedicated group of members, the "ABANA EDUCATIONAL ENDOWMENT TRUST" is becoming a formal reality, even as this goes to press. Combining the old "National Endowment Trust", the "ABANA Scholarship Account" and a contribution of general funds into the new educational trust will provide initial funding. Income from the TRUST will provide annual scholarship and grant funds for the committee to award to members. In your committee's words:

"First, I'd like to explain the purpose of the scholarship program as I see it. As is the case with all of ABANA's activities, our mission through the awarding of scholarships is to promote the craft of blacksmithing. This happens in at least three possible ways: first, a member who receives a scholarship gets financial assistance as they pursue some aspect of blacksmithing. This most often comes in the form of taking a class or workshop, but it might extend to assistance needed to travel in order to study or document a rare technique, or a style of work unique to a specific geographic area, or a specific time period. That is the easy part, and generally, it primarily benefits an individual member. Secondly, and more to the benefit of the general membership, [it is your money we award] each scholarship recipient incurs a debt to ABANA. How a scholarship recipient repays that debt to the membership depends on the individual project, amount of support, level of skill, and location of the recipient. All scholarship recipients are expected to share what they have learned with the membership, whether through articles, tips or techniques in the Hammer's Blow or The Anvil's Ring, or through demonstrations or presentations to an affiliate of ABANA. Some recipients also may be expected to publish in affiliate newsletters, outside publications, give public demonstrations, exhibit work to the public, and promote ABANA in their travels.

The third way that ABANA members can benefit from the scholarships we award is by attending a workshop or demonstration supported by an ABANA scholarship. Many scholarship recipients give demonstrations, and we offer a scholarship to affiliates in order to help them offset the costs of bringing in visiting smiths from outside their area. In any case, get to those demonstrations when you can. It is one way for many members to benefit from a single scholarship."

Initial funding of the educational trust was explained above. The trust will continue to add to its principle with income from "Iron-In-The-Hat" proceeds.

It is also set up to receive tax deductible donations to its principle [the more it grows, the more income derived to invest in educational pursuits!!]. The trustees, Dorothy Stiegler, Bill Callaway, Doug Learn, "chief promoter" Will Hightower or the Central Office will be glad to furnish additional information.

NUFF SAID!

Scholarship applications and deadlines are available on-line at: http://abana.org/resources/education/index.shtml, or through the Central Office.

The committee chair is Chris Winterstein, board member, alumni of the Metal Museum program, instructor and demonstrator, coordinator of the iron and wood studios at the Penland School of Crafts, gallery exhibitor, and operates a shop accepting private commission work. [He and his committee have the background to give your application the full consideration it deserves!!]

Tips on Applying for an ABANA Scholarship:
" First, read the instructions! In order to apply for a scholarship, you must have been a member in good standing for at least six months (one full year for applications requesting over $1000.)
" Only completed applications will be considered.
" ABANA does not award funds for college tuition assistance.
" It is expected that in undertaking a course of study, an applicant have an instructor or program in mind. We do not grant funding to provide "time for developing work."
" An affiliate, rather than an individual, must apply for funding to support a workshop or demonstration.
" The more you want, the more we want! It is our job to insure the best value to the membership through the awarding of scholarships. A thorough, well-prepared application including documentation of costs and financial needs, and outlining benefits to the individual as well as the general membership is expected. The level of detail should match the level of support requested. That is, if you want $1500, we expect more than if you are asking for $200. Finally, due to limited funding, your chances are better of getting a smaller amount of money than a larger one. It is just a fact."

Don Kemper
20100 NW 61st Avenue
Ridgefield, WA 98642
(360) 887-3903
dkemper@abana.org