Lisa Smith

I don't know if he is aware of this site. I will let him know though. He was away this weekend to go to Penland School of Craft's annual auction or I would have just let him respond. Looks like this is a great resource! Best, Lisa

Hi Kevin: I saw this post through Google Alerts and wanted to respond. My husband is Rick Smith the professor at SIUC in Carbondale, IL. I thought you'd like to know their student organization SIMS is having a conference on September 24-25 with two visiting artist: Zachery Noble and Daniel Fogg. (I have attached the flyer to this post.) This conference would be an excellent opportunity to check out the program, SIU's campus, plus meet most of the students and see the smithy. (Incidentally, the smithy was expanded a few years back and new equipment purchased so it is pretty state of the art as blacksmithing goes; meaning you can learn about traditional techniques and equipment, as well as work with the more modern. But, Rick could tell you more about that, not being a blacksmith myself.) SIU, I believe, is the only school in the US to offer an MFA in blacksmithing. So you not only get exposure to the undergraduate curriculum, but you also get to know the graduate students and the work they are doing. Anyway, I could tell you more, but the best of course is to experience it and see for yourself. Hope this helps. Best, Lisa Smith