Back in 2009 Tugrik had a shop that he co-rented with a number of other furs. It was awesome, it was like Maker Faire every day with fursuits, electronics, poster printing, 3-D printing and laser engraving. Cooner, Revar, Dusty, Revellie, and Tugrik would hang out and make awesome stuff, it was like getting to hang out at a hacker dojo every day after work.

Tugrik is like some kind of Leonardo da Vinci character in the fandom, I've always been amazed with his work and his skill. When he wanted to have a furry party at the Iron Shop in 2009 I jumped at the chance, and brought my huge 200-pound cast iron smoker and more steak than you should shake a stick at. Grilled for like 10 hours I think!

Right after that I had gotten word my Mom had died, and my Dad was in a coma in the hospital, and I had to drop everything and save my family. Just getting my life back together now, 7 years later, and posting the pics from those days.

This picture is from the amazing Cooner, one of my favorite artists of all time, and in the same league as the illustrious Yippee Coyote! There was a printed banner at the party, wanted to take it home! But at least I have the digital version to post here.

The Iron Shop was a truly wonderful place and I loved to go there and hang out with the guys. It closed a few years later and everyone went their own separate ways. But for one shining moment it was the place that I looked forward to visiting whenever I could come by and see such creative genius and artistry that took my breath away. I am honored that I got to be there for that, all these years later. Thanks to Tugrik and his crew for giving me a little bit of awesome in my life.

If I ever have the money I'd open up a shop like this and make it furry tech shop, with all the superhero spandex you could wear while working on your project you're passionate about!