The Department of Art and Design at Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan, includes blacksmithing as one of its art courses, developed and taught by Professor Dale Wedig. As a college professor (biology) I could enroll in university courses free of charge, so I signed up for blacksmithing the first time during winter semester, 1988. I enjoyed it so much I took the course again in 1992.
I began collecting the necessary equipment to set up my own forge, and finally in 1996 I was able to have a small (16' x 16') shop constructed here at my home in Shelter Bay on the south shore of Lake Superior. I retired from a 36 year career in teaching in May, 1998, and have been spending as much time as possible in my blacksmith shop. At last I am free to devote the time needed to learn the art of forging steel.
I am a member of the Artists Blacksmith Association of North America (ABANA), and I greatly enjoy attending conferences and workshops involving blacksmithing whenever and wherever possible. I also enjoy doing demonstrations of blacksmithing at public gatherings.
I have developed this web site to share my artwork with others and to promote interest in and understanding of the art of blacksmithing.