In 2007, Dan finished a redesign at the Colnik Galleries at Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum. It was his vision to redesign the galleries so that they were more interactive — and he wanted to display Colnik’s works as they were meant to be displayed. His redesign was a success. Today, as patrons enter the Colnik Galleries, they see many of the tools used by blacksmiths in the past — even some of the actual tools that Colnik himself used — as well as sample boards, drawings, blueprints, and numerous photographs. The galleries also feature a replica of a small blacksmith shop. Gates garner silver
In 2008, Bighorn Forge won its second Top Job prize — a silver award in the Gates, Driveway-Forged category —for a pair of gates that Dan designed for a client’s home, located on a bluff overlooking Lake
The extra-curriculars Dan has been a member of NOMMA for four years and feels that his membership has been a great benefit. “I joined NOMMA because it’s the only business-based metalworking organization in the country. I wanted to learn a little bit more about what my counterparts are doing, so I can learn more about metalworking. Also, I was really impressed by the networking that NOMMA offers — the outreach to potential clients — and their overall business sense.” Dan also serves as a board member for the Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America (ABANA). As chairman, Dan helped to implement a committee to write forging lessons for the ABANA publication, The Hammer’s Blow.
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Since 1993, Dan has offered classes at Bighorn Forge featuring several levels of forging competency. The classes stress hand-forging methods only, and are limited to six forging participants and four auditors (who do not forge, but may ask questions). “It’s a way of giving back to the trade,” he says. “And, essentially, it’s a way of my passing on what my mentors passed on to me. It’s something we need to do more of in order to strengthen the trade. As we learn, we need to pass that knowledge on to others.” Dan, a Wisconsin native, lives in Kewaskum, WI with his wife, Toni Farrell. “I have a very understanding wife, worth her weight in gold,” says Dan, “I’ve been truly blessed.” Together Dan and Toni raise horses and other livestock on their five-acre mini-farm.
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Fabricator
November/December 2008