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Center for Traditional Craft

Established in 2014, the Center for Traditional Craft will be organized in three distinct but intertwined components; education, research, and community outreach.

Traditional education through the Historic Preservation department’s accredited programs will be supplemented by Continuing Education programs, short course offerings and expanded visiting artisans programs. In the spring semester 2015 through the generous support of a private donor, the visiting artisan program will expand to new artist in residence program. A recognized leader in their field, the artist in residence will join the STC faculty for eight-week terms as visiting professors in the fall and spring semester. The artist will not only teach the students, but will also conduct workshops for the general public, as well as participating in a significant preservation project for identified community partners.

Through partnerships with other training schools and historic preservation providers, the College is developing opportunities for student exchanges and visits. A proposed two-week field school may be offered during spring months. These field schools will be coordinated with faculty from participating programs to offer a unique experience for the students. Visiting students will work with Historic Preservation departmental students and faculty on existing projects or can be trained in a customized program.

Research will involve groups of research associates are recognized experts in their fields from throughout the world. Architects, craft practitioners and educators from throughout the world have agreed to join the research associates, and have been formed into working groups in accordance to their expertise. These working groups are currently compiling articles and case studies pertaining to best practices in traditional craft and conservation throughout the world. These compilations are currently being edited and will be sent out for publication by the end of the school year. In keeping with this vein, the College will host an International Trades Education Symposium in May 2015.

The College’s community engagement components will expand in January 2016 with the Historic Homeowners Academy. The academy, designed for property owners and residents of historic structures, will introduce members of the community to proper repair techniques of their historic buildings. Topics will include basic plaster and masonry repairs, correct painting and finishing techniques as well as building assessment. In addition to the proper repair techniques, academy participants will be introduced to the administrative aspects of preservation such as how design review processes work and applying for tax credits for rehabilitation.