Electives

Please Note: Elective courses are designed primarily for enrolled ACBA students. When space permits, select electives may be opened to non-degree-seeking participants. Enrollment availability for non-ACBA students is limited and determined after matriculated student registration each term.

The American College of the Building Arts is pleased to offer the following electives for Spring 2026:

Beginner Jewelry Making
Instructor: Kaminer Haislip
Schedule: Fridays, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Location: Blacksmithing Shop Classroom

Learn basic jewelry techniques with this beginner’s class that does not require experience. The focus of this course will be handcrafting fabricated silver jewelry pieces such as pendants, brooch pins, and rings. Traditional techniques explored will include piercing, sawing, soldering, hammering, and finishing.

Building a Small Cabinet with Door
Instructor: Charlie Moore
Schedule: Fridays, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Location: Wood Shop

Fine furniture and finishing: Frame and Panel vs Solid Panel: Learn how to build fine furniture using one of these classic carcass construction techniques that will culminate in a small side table with a door.

Building a Sofa / Entry Table
Instructor: Charlie Moore
Schedule: Fridays,12:30–3:30 PM
Location: Wood Shop

In this class we will cover the basics of building fine furniture and using classic joinery along the way. This will culminate in a simple entry/sofa table.

Intermediate Jewelry Making
Instructor: Kaminer Haislip
Schedule: Fridays,12:30–3:30 PM
Location: Blacksmithing Shop Classroom

Expand on jewelry and metal smithing techniques that have been taught in previous classes. The focus of this course will be handcrafting fabricated silver pieces that incorporate brass and copper. The processes of piercing, soldering, forming, hammering, texturing, and finishing will be built on with new techniques introduced to take your skills to the next level. Prerequisite: Coppersmithing I, Beginner Jewelry Making, or Textures on Metal.

Intro to Faux Finishes
Instructor: Natalie Tackett
Schedule: Tuesdays, 1:00-4:00 PM
Location: Elective Classroom

In this introductory elective, students will explore the timeless traditions of the decorative arts through techniques like faux marble, faux bois, oil gilding, faux malachite, and stenciling. Each technique offers hands-on experience and a foundational glimpse into these classic finishes. This class will appeal to anyone in the building arts field, as these decorative techniques cross over into a variety of trades and broaden artistic versatility.

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 at admissions@acba.edu.