Public Demonstrations

Iron as an art medium has gained large acceptance over the decades. David's style of functional art is influenced by designs in nature: branches, leaves, and flowers are sculpted by heating iron and working the hot material over an anvil with various tools. Combining traditional forging techniques with more modern welding skills allows David to obtain the effect he desires in his work. David is available to come to your school or public event, for a few hours or several days, and demonstrate his approach to creating forged iron art.

If the focus of your group is of a more historical nature, David has the capability to bring a 19th century blacksmith shop to your school or outdoor event dressed in period clothing to demonstrate traditional blacksmithing methods. Forging small items from iron, he is able to show, from start to finish, how a blacksmith would forge the necessary items to help our ancestors settle, develop and prosper.

David's interaction with the public, informative written narrative, and examples of original tools and equipment provide something of interest for all ages. Often the items made during demonstration are given to members in the audience, which always brings a lot of smiles.

Some of the places David has demonstrated at include:

  • Buffalo Bill Historical Center; Cody, WY
  • Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum; Buffalo, WY
  • South Pass City State Historic Site; South Pass City, WY
  • Devil's Tower National Monument; Devil's Tower, WY
  • Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site; Banner, WY
  • South Dakota School of Mines; Rapid City, SD
  • Fort Caspar Museum; Casper, WY

The fee for demonstrating varies depending on location and length of time. Please feel free to discuss your plans with David. Wyoming Arts Council (WAC) grants may apply to some situations. See our links page for WAC contact information.