The event is coordinated by Donna Hatcher, an assistant professor in ABAC's Division of Humanities. There will be two sessions, one at 11 a.m. for the general public and another at 1 p.m. for Hatcher's art classes. There is no charge.
Hatcher said she invited Piela to demonstrate blacksmithing because art students will benefit from witnessing his personal commitment and skill.
"Art students need to realize that making art requires hard work," Hatcher said. "Skills or knowledge learned by the hands evolve via thinking, working, and committing whatever time it takes to perfect techniques. Joe Piela illustrates this philosophy."
Piela, an artist who specializes in re-creating Europe's Dark Ages (600 - 1100 AD), will perform the demonstrations, which will focus on how to get started in blacksmithing. He will instruct students on how to obtain the basic equipment and show them some key techniques to get them started. Piela will also set up his portable coal-forge and anvil, heat up some pieces of steel, and demonstrate various techniques of working hot metal during both the morning and afternoon sessions. The afternoon session, which is specifically for Hatcher's classes, will differ in that her students will actually get to try the techniques themselves.
Piela said blacksmithing is a useful skill for an artist.
"Artists with blacksmithing skills can make their own unique tools for a variety of crafts, often saving a great deal of money in the process," he said. "An artist-blacksmith can also make wonderful pieces of art, using the forge-fire, hammer, and anvil to transform bland pieces of steel into amazing creations."
Piela, who descended from a family of blacksmiths, is a master of metal arts. His specialty is the authentic reproduction of ancient arms and armors. A full-time businessman since 1990, Piela currently lives near Sylvester, where he operates his business, "The Lonely Mountain Forge." He is an active member of the Society for Creative Anachronism and England's Norse Film and Pageant Society.
Piela has visited ABAC on two other occasions when he and his wife, Carol Ann Ham, performed "living history" displays. These historical demonstrations featured a wide range of information, from making weapons and armor to using them on battlefields of the past.
For additional information, contact Hatcher at (229) 386-2686.
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