California Blacksmith Association Annual Spring Conference

08/26/2026

Meet Jon Sarriugarte of Form & Reform

Meet Jon Sarriugarte of Form & Reform, joining us for the 2027 California Blacksmith Association Spring Conference.

Working from West Oakland, Jon has spent more than three decades combining blacksmithing, metal fabrication, design, lighting, and sculpture. Form & Reform’s lighting practice brings traditional metalworking methods together with modern lighting technology.

At the conference, Jon will talk about and demonstrate building light fixtures. His process connects digital design with hands-on forming: flat steel components become organic, three-dimensional forms through cutting, shaping, and careful adjustment.

This is a useful demonstration for anyone interested in how a digital file becomes a physical object—and how much decision-making still happens at the bench.

Save the date: April 22–24, 2027, at the San Benito County Fairgrounds in Hollister, California.

Registration is not open yet. Details will be posted on the official event page:
https://www.calsmith.org/event-6665031

07/26/2026

The 2027 CBA Spring Conference will be held at the San Benito Fairgrounds near Hollister on April 22-25, 2027.

We are developing an exciting demonstrator lineup: Jodie Bliss from Bliss Studio Custom Metalwork in Colorado will be making a sculpture, and Mathew Christiano from Reno Forge will be showing some curved stair-making tricks he learned working with Pete Matilla in Tasmania. We’ll have Salem Straub doing a knife-making demonstration. Jon Sarriugarte of Form & Reform will discuss and demonstrate how to build light fixtures. There is a strong possibility of an enameling workshop.
Our incredible Education Committee, starring Victoria Ritter, Becky Schimpf, and Mark Aspery, will have about 20 forges going. Our international guests will be Guille Morales from Forja Viva in Spain and Yukio & Chikako Kanari from Japan.
The fairground is a beautiful site which supports RV, car, and tent camping. RV hook-ups are available for a fee, but all other camping is free with your registration. Let me say that again, free camping!
This is a call for volunteers. As always, we need all the help we can get. There are many ways to help out, from planning to setting up to breaking down and loading out. Getting involved in the conferences is the best way to get to know the CBA community/family.
Contact Cathy Weurtz, our volunteer coordinator, by filling out this form https://bit.ly/4wf97zD or by following this QR code.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering! Volunteering at conference is a great way to meet other smiths and become a more connected member of the blacksmith community. Please complete this form to help us match you with the best opportunities.

10/02/2024

Oktoberfest is 9 days off ,sign up and join the fun . And Remember to bring something for iron in the hat and the auction . Support the CBA

10/01/2024

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-in-zacks-shop-recovery-after-helene-flooding

Time to help our Boy Zack his shop was under 5ft of water dig deep it could happen to you

Suzanne here, like many of us, I am looking for a way to help a good friend, … Suzanne Pugh needs your support for Help in Zack's Shop Recovery after Flooding

09/24/2024

It's a three weeks Till Oktoberfest Time to signing up - to get the early bird deal its down to days . Also look for the map to be sure to take right roads in ( there are some road closers )
but Meyers Grade is Fine - And finally reminder no Dogs
looking forward to Abe Pardee - Maegan Crowley and Logan Hirsh

09/17/2024

Morning Troops Its a little less then a month Till Oktoberfest Time to start signing up - to get the early bird deal . Also look for the map to be sure to take right roads in ( there are some road closers )
but Meyers Grade is Fine - And finally reminder no Dogs
looking forward to Abe Pardee - Maegan Crowley and Logan Hirsh

09/09/2024

Got a great item for sale a tumbler and steel medium . Has 1hp 3 phase motor its ready to go easy pick up in Petaluma
call for details or write

09/09/2024

https://www.calsmith.org/event-5780976

Get sign-ed up Limited number can come to this great event with great demo
Abe Pardee , Maegan Crowley , Logan Hirsh
The one the only October fest at Fritz's

09/02/2024

FRITZ OCTOBER FEST
October 11-13

04/14/2024

Conference attendees, show off your Silent/Live Auction donations! Let's get a preview of what's coming!! I know I am busting out my piggy bank to bring home some new goodies.
Thank you to the following folks who are supporting the Conference with donations or goods/services!