ACBA Tour

Student work, American College of the Building Arts, Charleston, SC 

My visiting nephew is a talented woodworker so I called to see if we could tour the American College for the Building Arts and we were welcomed to walk through the facility.

The last time I had been was years ago when they were holding classes inside the old city jail and for a couple of years I took their graduation pictures. What a great space this is. They have renovated the old Trolley barn on Meeting St. and hold classes in iron work, wood working, stone carving and plaster work. Thanks for the welcome!

ACBA Graduation - now go back to jail

American College of the Building Arts, Charleston, S.C.

Charleston has been swarming with graduates this weekend and my friend Becca asked me if I'd like to take the graduation photos for the American College of the Building Arts. This is a slightly different group to say the least. There were only to be five graduates - and I was to meet them at the jail where they hold their classes.

The American College of the Building Arts (ACBA) is dedicated to educating the next generation of building artisans and to preserving the building arts in a manner never before seen in America. Under the direction of our experienced faculty, students have the opportunity to receive a quality liberal arts education while they learn the skills needed to excel in their chosen field. This combination of education, training, and access to highly experienced faculty is available nowhere else in the United States. Courses include: Architectural Stone, Carpentry, Forged Architectural Ironwork, Plaster Working, Preservation Masonry and Timber Framing.

The students processed with their faculty from the old Charleston jail to Washington Park for the graduation ceremony and then - yes, back to jail for their lunch reception! Congratulations graduates!

More photos in this album.