Links
Artist Blacksmith Association of North America (ABANA)-
The National blacksmithing organization in the United States. They have alot of really good information, and hold nation wide conferences. Members receive quarterly newsletters, discounted prices for conferences, access to project plans, and alot more.
North Carolina - Artist Blacksmith Association of North America (NCABANA)-
The state wide affiliate chapter of ABANA. Another great source of information regarding regional groups in North Carolina. Members receive quarterly newsletters, access to scholarships for blacksmithing classes, and loads of options for meetings. You can also get access (in the future) to past issues of the quarterly newsletter "the Hot Iron Sparkle", as well as the acting officers and regional representatives. News and upcoming events and meetings are also posted on the website, as well as links to schools that teach the art of blacksmithing.
Heritage Forge-
The Heritage Forge is located at the NC State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. It hosts the Triangle Blacksmiths Guild, the regional group of NCABANA for the Triangle. There, people can come out to the Triangles' monthly meetings, get hands on chances at blacksmithing and more. The Heritage Forge also opens during the NC State Fair every October, holding live demonstrations throughout the duration of the fair, as well as a sales floor where you can purchase items made by members, or talk to a smith about a commission. The website for Heritage Forge also has links to some of the member websites, if you are looking for something from a specific smith. In the getting involved page, you can also find links to all the regional groups in North Carolina.