Savannah Technical College officials Tuesday announced the establishment of the Center for Traditional Craft, a new initiative for the college’s historic preservation department.
“In Coastal Georgia, where history is valued and historic buildings abound, Savannah Technical College is uniquely positioned to offer this kind of academic program,” said Savannah Tech president Kathy Love.
The center, Love said, will be organized in three components — education, research and community outreach.
“While preparing and educating students for careers in preservation will always be our number one focus, we recognize the value in strengthening our commitment to research and community service through the Center for Traditional Craft,” she said.
Traditional education through the department’s accredited programs will be supplemented by continuing education programs, short course offerings and expanded visiting artisan programs.
The tradition of inviting artisans to Savannah to teach the students will continue this semester with visiting artisan Amy McAuley, a traditional sash joiner, Nov. 1-8.
In the spring semester 2015, the visiting artisan program will expand to a new artist in residence program. The artisan in residence will join the Savannah Tech faculty for eight-week terms as visiting professors in the fall and spring semester.
Through partnerships with other training schools and historic preservation providers, the college alos is developing opportunities for student exchanges and visits. A proposed two-week field school may be offered during spring months.
Research will involve groups of research associates who are recognized experts in their fields. Architects, craft practitioners and educators have agreed to join the research associates, and have been formed into working groups in accordance to their expertise. 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.
“Were it not for institutions like Savannah Technical College, I’m afraid the art and artistry of hands-on preservation craftsmanship would be lost,” said Daniel Carey, president and CEO of the Historic Savannah Foundation. “Fortunately for this region, Savannah Tech produces a steady stream of educated and talented traditional craftspeople, who can be hired to help take care of our community’s architectural legacy.”
For more information, go to www.savannahtech.edu/CenterTraditionalCraft.