Electives
The American College of the Building Arts is pleased to offer the following electives for Fall 2025:
ELEC343: Introduction to Copper Metalsmithing
Instructor: Kaminer Haislip
Credits: 3
Schedule: Fridays, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Location: Blacksmithing Shop Classroom
Learn foundational copper metalsmithing techniques in this beginner-friendly course—no prior experience required. Students will explore the centuries-old methods of raising, sinking, and forming copper sheets to create functional and artistic objects. Instruction includes traditional hollowing, hammering, forming, and fabrication techniques, with further development in piercing, filing, soldering, and finishing copper pieces.
ELEC359: Build and Finish a Danish Modern Stool
Instructor: Charlie Moore
Credits: 3
Schedule: Fridays, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Location: Wood Shop
In this class we will learn basic furniture joinery to build a small simple Danish Modern stool. Then we will learn how to weave the seat with Danish cord.
ELEC359: Modern Coffee Table
Instructor: Charlie Moore
Credits: 3
Schedule: Fridays, 12:30-3:30 PM
Location: Wood Shop
Building a round coffee table in the modern style.
Textures on Metals
Instructor: Kaminer Haislip
Schedule: Fridays,12:30–3:30 PM
Maximum Enrollment: 10 students
This beginner-level class introduces metal texturing techniques using a Guilloche Straight Line machine, Scripta Pantograph, Rolling Mill, and Hydraulic Press. Students will apply textures and patterns to silver, brass, and copper, then handcraft jewelry pieces using traditional methods such as piercing, sawing, soldering, hammering, forming, and finishing. No prior experience required.
Carved Stone Vessel
Instructor: Joseph Kincannon
Schedule: Tuesdays, 8:00–11:00 AM
Maximum Enrollment: 8 students
In this hands-on elective, students will explore two foundational skills in stonework: banker masonry and decorative carving. While distinct in discipline, both techniques will be integrated into a single, comprehensive project.
The course mirrors elements of the freshman studio curriculum and guides students through a five-step process: splitting limestone from a slab, shaping it into a cube, then transforming it into a drum form, and finally into a bowl or vessel. The final step will involve carving a decorative band of ornamentation or surface tooling.
Disclaimer: Non-Degree Seeking Students
Non degree seeking students are individuals who are interested in taking a course for personal enjoyment and/or professional development. This includes auditing a class. They will be required to complete an enrollment form with the Admissions Department to be added to a class roster. Non-degree status is not a "trial admission" status, and students who have been denied regular admission are not eligible. Financial aid is not available for non-degree students. No more than 18 credit hours may be taken.
outside, non degree seeking students may take any general education courses for $1500 provided they meet the requirements.
outside, non degree seeking students may take trade electives for $2,500 plus cost of materials if space is available.
outside, non degree seeking students wishing to take the first semester of a craft specialization may only do so with the express discretion of the department chair and only when there is room, for $5,000 plus cost of materials.
outside, non degree seeking students may not advance through the trade or studio curriculum after the first semester unless they enroll as degree seeking students.
For questions about elective courses please contact the office of admissions via email beginning August 5th at admissions@acba.edu.