The Gordonsville High School advanced visual arts class recently visited the Appalachian Center for Craft in Smithville for a lampworking workshop. Students learned about properties of glass and how to mold and shape it with heat from oxygen acetylene torches to create beautiful, handcrafted beads. The instructors demonstrated in hot and cold glass working studios and talked to participants about their artwork and experience pursuing the arts as a career.
Students also visited the galleries and toured the campus to learn about the facilities and programs available at the Tennessee Tech satellite campus. The Appalachian Center offers courses in fine craft such as woodworking, glass, black smithing, and ceramics which can be applied toward a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree or as a fine arts elective for other TTU programs. Smaller workshop experiences are also available to special events like the upcoming Holiday Festival to be held November 18-19. These GHS students had a wonderful experience in the glass studio and left with a greater understanding of the opportunities offered at the Appalachian Craft Center, a hidden gem just down the road.