Saturday, April 25, 2026, 8:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Trolley Barn Campus, 649 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC

Join us for a tour of the American College of the Building Arts. Learn how our students become skilled artisans and gain a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Classical Architecture & Design, Plaster, Stone Carving, Blacksmithing, Architectural Carpentry and Timber Framing.

Space is limited, please register in advance.

Saturday, April 25 - Sunday April 26

Plaster Pargetting workshop led by English pargetter James Collier. Through history, demonstration, and hands-on work, we explore how lime plaster relief has been used for centuries—and why it still belongs in the way we build today.

Pargetting is the forgotten art of sculpting walls with lime plaster. Once popular in Europe, this decorative craft transformed plain surfaces into angels, patterns, and stories carved directly into the walls themselves.

Monday, May 4, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

This past March Tom Podhrazsky, professor of Allied Arts at ACBA and principal at Tom Henry Design Company, conducted field work in Ireland researching the history and development of plaster raised paneling - the practice of mimicking the look of wooden raised paneling in plaster. The impetus for this research started with the discovery of plaster paneling fragments at Mount Vernon in 2018, which in turn naturally raised a few questions: Why would someone install plaster paneling? Where did this idea come from? - and - When was it installed? Join us on May 4th as Tom reviews the basic contours of his research and shares some insights from his research time in Ireland.

Friday, May 15, 2026, 5:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.

Trolley Barn Campus, 649 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC

Please join The American College of Building Arts in Celebration of the Craftsmanship of the Graduating Class of 2026 with light bites and libations!

Saturday, June 6, 2026, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Students will handcraft a sterling silver bangle bracelet and learn beginner jewelry skills with Professor Kaminer Haislip in the American College of the Building Arts jewelry and metalsmithing studio. 

Techniques include hammering, forming, filing, soldering, fabrication, and polishing. Students will practice with copper before moving on to their final silver piece. All tools, equipment, and materials are provided. 

Saturday, July 18, 2026, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Students will handcraft a decorative copper wall panel utilizing the process of fold forming and learn beginner metalsmithing skills in the American College of the Building Arts jewelry and metalsmithing studio. 

Techniques include hammering, forming, filing, soldering, fabrication, and polishing. Students will practice with copper before moving on to their final silver piece. All tools, equipment, and materials are provided.