CBA







CALIFORNIA BLACKSMITH ASSOCIATION
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Welcome to the CBA website

CBA is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to educating smiths and preserving the art and craft of blacksmithing.

Started in 1977, by a group of 17 California blacksmiths, CBA has developed into a thriving group of over 650 blacksmiths and enthusiasts. We are a diverse group of men and women whose common interest is a passion for metal. Our non-profit, volunteer organization is dedicated to keeping the tradition, art and craft of blacksmithing alive.

CBA welcomes anyone interested in blacksmithing, from beginners to professionals.  Be sure to join us so you can enjoy the people, events and resources that make the CBA a valuable organization.

Sad news about Herb Upham

Herb Upham, CBA Board Member from 2002 to 2020, past CBA President from 2006 through 2010, CBA Secretary from 2012 through 2019, and instructor at his CBA teaching forge for 15 years passed away on Saturday, June 13 surrounded by his loving family. His patient ear and generous heart will be sorely missed, as well as his experience and wisdom in his classroom forge. He was a pillar for the CBA. He helped lead us and keep us on track to provide consistent membership services and offerings at numerous events and educational opportunities over many years. 

Herb’s Forge, a learning center for those fortunate enough to travel to his classes in rural Sebastopol, was a starting point for many a smith, and responsible for helping build CBA support in this part of California. His shop was well organized with instructional manuals, multiple workstations, and expansion plans to wheel out extra forges and anvils always at the ready. Attendees also got to enjoy spectacular views of Sonoma County from atop this western hilltop vista. 

Herb is survived by his wife, Shirley Upham, whom you have probably met if you have gone to any CBA conferences. She was the one checking you in with Herb at the registration table, at his side. If you won a raffle prize or ate a meal at a CBA conference, know that Shirley had a hand in it.

You may offer Shirley Upham your condolences through the following:

Physical Address: 4747 Vine Hill Rd, Sebastopol, CA 95472

Email Address: Shirleyupham@gmail.com 

Phone: (707) 823-1251

Please contact Shirley Upham directly for information about the Service, which will occur this Wednesday June 17th at 10am and 11am in Sebastopol, CA.

Thank you, Herb, for your wonderful contributions to helping that new student find the spark within to light the forge. Your style of encouragement is an attribute we hope our whole world adopts. 

You will be missed, and remembered.

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August 14, 2020 • Felton, CA
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MEMBER ADVANTAGES

  • A subscription to "California Blacksmith" our bi-monthly publication
  • Online access to "California Blacksmith" magazine archives
  • Access to CBA conferences and events as well as our educational programs and workshops
  • Access to our brick and mortar library, which houses hundreds of books and DVDs
  • The option for your own gallery page on the CBA website
  • Access to CBA Grants and Scholarships

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