Tennessee Tech University’s Appalachian Center for Craft (Craft Center) https://www.tntech.edu/fine-arts/craftcenter/outreach/hs-fieldtrips.php
The mission of the Appalachian Center for Craft is to promote excellence in American craft by teaching both tradition and innovation in professional studio craft, and fostering access to the highest quality craft education, craft artists, craftworks, and events in a community arts context. The goals of the Focus on Fine Craft Workshops for High School Students are to present hands-on craft activities, working artists, and professional tools and equipment in a manner accessible to high school students. The program provides students with opportunities to explore traditional craft techniques in a contemporary context emphasizing fine craft history, craft education and careers, and safety.
Contact Kimberly Winkle at kwinkle@tntech.edu
Sample Programs Offered
Program Type:
Program Description:
The Focus on Fine Craft Workshop Program for High School Students is designed to serve high school students throughout Tennessee. The program takes place in the well-appointed studios on the campus of the Appalachian Center for Craft in Smithville, Tennessee.
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
Program Type: Arts Curriculum
Program Description:
Register for an artist to visit your classroom virtually. The Appalachian Center for Craft will mail tools and materials to you for your students and, on a mutually agreed upon date and time, a professional artist will Zoom into your classroom to teach a workshop! All workshops are suitable for high school students and are taught by professional artists from Tennessee Tech’s Appalachian Center for Craft (part of the School of Art, Craft and Design). Media and topics vary and more will be added throughout the year. Check back for updates!
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
Program Type: Arts Curriculum
Program Description:
This is one of eight options within the Focus on Fine Craft Program. Typically up to 80 students participate in eight different workshops requiring 3 1/2 – 4 1/2 hours on one Friday. In this workshop, students, 8th-12th grade, will learn how to safely create glass beads of various colors utilizing an oxygen/propane torch, mandrels, glass rod, rake, tweezers, pick, mashers, and other assorted tools. Students will learn how to make a symmetrical round bead first. Students will then learn a variety of decorative techniques including making stringers, forming dots, reducing colors, stripes, swirls, and raking. Students will select and utilize the appropriate techniques to create beads of their own design. They will learn the reasons for annealing glass. They leave with several beads of assorted colors. ($20 per student)
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
Program Type: Arts Curriculum
Program Description:
This is one of eight options in the Focus on Fine Craft Program. Typically up to 80 students participate in eight different workshops requiring 3 1/2 – 4 1/2 hours on one Friday. During this workshop, students, 8th-12th grade will learn to safely use tools including hammers, stamps, files, jewelry saws and the rolling mill to create texture and patterns on copper. They will learn to drill holes, use files, and how to add color to the pieces with various methods of patination. Students will design and create a layered pendant or pendants. They will make decisions about design, appropriate tool usage and color based upon information received in this workshop. Students will leave the studio with at least two completed textured and patinaed copper pendants. ($20 per student)
Lesson Plan Example: Download File
