For those who don't know me in real life, I'm actually a blacksmith along with my family. We had a show that opened last week in Fredericksburg, VA and here is the review:

Pedal to the Metal
-Front Porch Fredericksburg
When Bistro 309 began its periodic art openings and exhibits nearly three years ago, it opened its doors to a litany of exceptional local artistic talent in genre after genre of fine arts. Many of us thought that Stephen Gambaro's photography, Cathy Herndon's neon, or Bill Harris' paintings would be about as over-the-top as the restaurant's gallery venue could possibly get - until we saw what the Rodrigue family (Betsy, Mike, Lee, Brian, Kevin and Crystal) did with works in metals, ceramics and photography; now we know that the "top" just reached new heights.
Dubbed "Virginia Architectural Metals - A Family Affair" by Bistro co-owner Aby Johnson, this show opened Oct. 27th to dropped jaws, gasps, and smiles, as guests at the opening feasted on a creative force of metal sculptures by company founder and family patriarch, Michael Rodrigue; signature metal flowers by Betsy "Mom" Rodrigue, the youthful spin of ceramics by son Kevin, a ceramics major; and the stylish design of interior design major, Kevin's wife Crystal. Not to be forgotten, brother's Lee and Brian also made an impression at the show.
V.A.M., the business, perfects the fabrication and installation of ornamental metals for commercial and residential applications and historic preservation. Their broad work covers steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass and nickel-silver.
The show, which is the Rodrigue family's first in its company history, will be up until Jan. 10, 2004, so plan on a visit during the holidays. Have dinner (Tues - Sat), Sunday brunch (from 11:30), or lunch (Thurs - Sat). Your culinary and your art senses will feast on some of the finest craft ever assembled inside and outside one venue in Fredericksburg. Drive, walk or pedal on down to 309 William Street for heavy metal and fine food. Hop aboard FRED or call a cab if you must, but get there. It's that good.