FARMINGTON — The Western Maine Blacksmith Association is holding two blacksmithing classes in October this year. The first, The Basics: A Beginners Class, will be held on Saturday, Oct.3. The second class, Ornamental Work: Scrolls, Leaves & Advanced Work, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 17.

The Basics class, taught by Richard Tessier of Skowhegan, will cover safety, fire building, use of tools and core skills that are the basis of all blacksmithing work. The Ornamental Work class will be taught by Pat Roy of Belfast and will use both flat round stock to make leaves, flowers, tendrils and scrolls.

Both classes will meet at the Blacksmith Shop on the Farmington Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 4p.m., with a break for lunch. Class size is limited to six students for each class. Tuition for the basics class is $75, and the advanced class is $100. Limited scholarships are available. Payment for the classes must be received in full one week prior to the class in order to reserve your space.

WMBA is based in Wilton and is sponsored by the Wilton Historical Society. It maintains a forge at the Wilton Farm and Home Museum and at the Farmington Fairgrounds, as well as a rolling smithy which makes appearances at festivals and other events. Members, both men and women, include both professional blacksmiths and hobbyists. The Association is dedicated to preserving the knowledge and techniques of the art of blacksmithing.

FMI: 207-491-1465, 207-778-3033.