The Irish Artist Blacksmiths Association is holding an International Forge-in in Monaghan Town in June to create unique sculptures using traditional blacksmithing techniques forged by artist blacksmiths from all around the world.

Over the weekend artist blacksmiths will hand-forge sculptures for the town, using traditional blacksmithing techniques in a contemporary way. On the Sunday, these sculptures will be assembled and exhibited together in the main square in Monaghan. The event will also include lectures, exhibitions, demonstrations and classes which will be given by international master blacksmiths. All are welcome and visiting smiths from around the world will be offered subsidised accommodation in the town. It is planned to have up to four forging stations set up around the town where the sculptures will be hand-forged.

Master Blacksmiths who have confirmed their attendance are: Tom Joyce (USA), Alexander Sushnikov (Russia), Francisco Gazitua (Chile), Martin Breidenbach (Germany),Takyoshi Komine (Japan), Stephané Chavelier (France), Stephen Lunn (England) and Jim Horrobin (England).

These master blacksmiths have kindly designed individual panels based on the theme of “Knowledge and Learning” and each master will lead a group of blacksmiths in hand forging their panel design which will be fitted to a forged framework structure over the weekend. Apart from the masters, we are expecting artist blacksmiths from England, Scotland, Wales, France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Luxembourg, Austria, Russia, Latvia, Moldavia, Belgium, the Czech Republic, America, Chile and Japan.