Don and Margie Gustafson Receive AFA Award

 

Don and Margie Gustafson received an Award from the American Farriers Association in appreciation of their many, many years of volunteer work for the AFA. The beautiful and meaningful award was designed and forged by Jennifer Horn, President of the Michigan Horseshoers Association. Jennifer always puts deep thought into the creations that she makes. She wrote the following note to Don and Margie as accompaniment to this piece;

Dear Margie and Don,

When I got the call inviting me to be the artist for a special recognition project to be given to the two of you, I was delighted.  It has been a joy to build something for you.  You both have always been such models of dedication in our industry.  I can’t remember a time when you were not heavily involved with the AFA .  Being part of recognizing your generous service to our Association and industry has been an honor.  For me, building something for someone specific becomes quiet intimate.  I love the journey that it takes me on.  I want to share just a bit of that journey by telling you a short version of my build story.  The idea to build something that could be displayed in your home for you and all your guests to see came from Beth Daniels.  Since I enjoy functional art, I recommended a coat hook.  The hard part is then deciding on a design.  I started thinking about Don and the music in his life and Margie and her show passion, blue ribbons and music notes starting the brainstorming.   I also wanted to incorporate the farrier aspect, and that’s when I thought to incorporate the music “Blacksmithin Blues”.  The segment which sings “Hear the hammer Knockin’” seemed appropriate to the intention of this recognition as well as nicely arranged music notes for the idea of a functional coat hook.  And so my forging began…