2022
Blacksmiths Festival 2022: A Fiery Celebration of Craft and Community
A Weekend of Creativity and Craftsmanship
The banks of the Maribyrnong River were alive with the heat of the forge and the ring of the anvil on the 28th and 29th of May 2022, as blacksmiths from across Australia gathered for the return of the highly anticipated Blacksmiths Festival. With the support of the Maribyrnong City Council’s Festival City Program, the event once again brought together skilled artisans and curious visitors for a weekend of creativity, craftsmanship, and community.
Hands-On Experiences for All Ages
Waterside Metal Art Studio was at the heart of the action, offering 30-minute ‘give-it-a-go’ sessions where beginners tried their hand at traditional forging. Many participants left with a handcrafted piece, a newfound appreciation for blacksmithing, and smiles all around.
For younger attendees, the fire-free kids’ forging area was a major hit, allowing children under 12 to experience the joy of hammering and shaping metal. With a simple gold-coin donation, kids created small aluminium objects or pressed medallions, making for a memorable take-home keepsake. Adding to the fun, Bella the Bookworm, for the first time, hosted storytelling sessions on beanbags to the delight of the festival’s youngest attendees.
Collaborative Sculpture Project
A highlight of the festival was the collaborative sculpture project led by esteemed artist blacksmith Will Maguire. Over four days, thirteen blacksmiths worked in teams to forge a sculptural seat, incorporating salvaged timber from the old Maribyrnong River wharf. The final two days of this initiative took place live at the festival, offering an exciting glimpse into the artistry and teamwork that define this craft.
The 150mm Challenge
Another crowd favorite was the 150mm Challenge, which invited metal artists and blacksmiths to push the creative limits of steel and copper. Inspired by a student assignment from Hereford College of Arts (UK), this challenge has gained international traction, and its showcase at the festival drew in audiences eager to witness the innovation and skill of Australian blacksmiths. Exhibiting within a marquee on the festival site enabled more people to experience the exhibition and participate in the public auction bid to secure a unique artwork to take home.
Blacksmiths Gathering
The festival again hosted a Blacksmiths Gathering in the courtyard of Waterside Metal Art Studio on the festival site for 60 attendees. With pizza served from Happy Camper Pizza’s 1965 vintage Allegra Airstream, the event created an informal, relaxed occasion to connect with old and new friends.
Women’s Artistic Blacksmithing Workshop
Preceding the main festival, veteran blacksmith Denise Axelsen led the third dedicated women’s artistic blacksmithing workshop. This initiative, aimed at enriching and diversifying the blacksmithing community, welcomed women and individuals from underrepresented genders to explore the possibilities of working with steel.
Earth to Iron: Smelting Workshop
Adding another dimension in the lead-up to the festival, Robbie Alderson of Organic Iron Studio guided participants through ‘Earth to Iron,’ a unique 4-day workshop that delved into the smelting process. This hands-on experience offered blacksmiths a deeper connection to the materials they use, making for an engaging and educational addition to the weekend.
Fireside Connections and Festival Atmosphere
As the festival unfolded, attendees gathered around the fire pits, warmed by the glow of the forge and the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts. The festival bar served up mulled wine, delicious food vendors kept everyone fueled, and visitors browsed the blacksmith stalls, taking home one-of-a-kind hand-forged treasures.
A Resounding Success
The Blacksmiths Festival 2022 was a resounding success, bringing together tradition and innovation, artists and the community, and fire and metal in a spectacular display of craftsmanship. As we look ahead to future festivals, one thing is certain—the art of blacksmithing continues to burn brightly in the heart of Footscray.
