A big "THANK YOU" is in order for all who have contributed to the ABANA Relief fund!!
Reaching out to help fellow metalworkers / smiths devastated by Katrina type disasters demonstrates the openness and sharing that nurtured the renaissance of artistic blacksmithing as we know it. There is limited time to participate, as the fund wraps up its work this spring. No better way to feel good about helping a fellow artist than writing a check to a fund contributing 100% of donations to those most affected!

ABANA has gradually accumulated funds through the years for the ABANA Educational Endowment Trust. The "Trust" became a reality in the fall of 2005. Your board voted to transfer $150,000.00 seed money from the ABANA general budget to the trust. The trust is administered by three trustees, its charter is; " --- PURPOSE of this trust is to provide a consistent , stable and permanent source of funding for grants, scholarships or fellowships to individuals and groups for the purpose of nurturing , preserving and furthering blacksmithing through education and cultivating public interest"-[Blacksmithing being defined as the craft of artistic metalsmithing]. The trust will grow as your contributions are received, but the annual income is restricted to funding the grants, scholarships, etc. as contained in its "purpose".

A major part of the Fall ABANA board meeting was devoted to reviewing goals and ways to accomplish the best service to our members. A review of committees meant dropping those that could be replaced to give you more bang for your buck! Teaching programs and Professional / Academic Outreach are typical of the committee assignments receiving monies to match the enthusiasm of the commitment of its members! For details, see the 14 pages of board meeting minutes on the website. Visit http://abana.org/business/index.shtml

I am sure every ABANA member has noticed the continuing improvements in your publications. I enjoy viewing blacksmithing publications from around the world, and can proudly say the publications The Anvils Ring and Hammer's Blow take a back seat to none!! But there is a piper to pay. The board struggled, but after holding the line the last few years, a revised dues schedule could not be ignored. Beginning January 1, 2006, the Student / Library rate is $45.00; the Senior rate is $50.00 and Regular Membership is $55.00. Two thirds of this pays for the quality of these world class publications to keep you informed, enthused and inspired!

The 2006 ABANA Conference in Seattle, Washington is just around the corner, and again is "an opportunity NOT to be missed"! Demonstrators from around the Pacific Rim and the world will bring new ideas and techniques. There will be old and new friends to meet, galleries to spark ideas and vendors to help enable ideas to be achieved------------- SEE YOU THERE!

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