The Skilled Arts
Come build what endures.
The architecture of our clubs at The PEACH is meticulously framed around human development. Every guild we host requires a distinct alignment of the spirit, the hands, and the mind.
While our Fine Arts Clubs demand a keen eye and a deep devotion to mastering a creative expression, our Folk Arts Clubs offer a wide, welcoming horizon where members create beautiful, fine handwork entirely at their own pace, tailored to their individual ability and interest.
The Skilled Arts Club, however, is built upon a strong will and a tight timber framework of rules. We are builders here, and because we confront dangerous tools and raw elements—molten glass, heavy stone, live timber, and glowing iron—discipline is our first line of defense.
The Skill Clubs run a bit differently than other clubs at The PEACH. Although there are workshops in each skilled area throughout the year, the idea behind the Skills is to develop independent businesses and opportunities for internships and apprenticeships. This is based on the level of skill needed for the safety of the members of the Community.
While there is endless time for artistic self-expression, the shops give skilled artists the opportunity to develop their craft and hands-on experience in creating a micro-business.
The PEACH collects a small fee for the use of the shops and equipment, and a 10% donation for any jobs an artist may receive. We also ask our Skilled Artisans for a few weekends a year to teach and talk about their craft to members, the public and at an occasional children’s workshop with demonstrations of their skills. We ask them to also work with the Father and Sons’ Club, creating projects that would suit each member family enrolled.
Finally, we ask our Master Craftsmen and Fellow Craftsmen to take on and help in the development of an apprenticeship and internship. These students will work for and with Master Craftsmen in the studio, workshop, and job site. Intern members are paid yearly through time banking. Those working through the University System will receive a list of tasks and projects. They must earn a letter of recommendation, create a journal and presentation of what they have achieved as Journeymen in order to fulfill any state certificate that may be required. We encourage interns to document all their work, hours and utilize any help or tools needed through the Printshop and Film Club.
Though all the skilled arts are very important, the goal is not simply to pass a test or learn a trade, but to preserve knowledge, craftsmanship, to build things that outlast us, and the traditions that make these skills worth passing on to the generations yet to come.
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Ceramics Club
Pottery
Clay is as old as the hills and shaped into a vessel, certainly as old as man’s tongue and perhaps a little older than his teeth. It is one of the skilled arts that seems to have cropped up all at once in every civilization. It may well be the oldest of the fine, skilled and practical arts.
The substance of clay draws out energy from the body, and that energy manifests in the shape of a vessel. With the discovery of fire and the invention of the wheel, man brought with him a desire to hold these clay vessels. They were used to carry and hold water, grains, berries, and even the ashes of his dead — and in some cases, their organs to be reassembled in the next world. Pottery still fulfills the needs we had in ancient times, as we do in our everyday modern world. Wedging, kneading, throwing carry with them both a meditative quality and cathartic purification.
Today we use pottery for skilled and practical purposes, more decorative and for special occasions, rather than simple everyday use. Yet, eating on clay dishes does have its own sense of purpose and offers a number of special qualities we often take for granted. What is achieved is the application of skill, completed in the formation of structures adorned with the grace and luster of fine slips and glazes. In the practical sense, we use these created objects to set a place at the table, to hold a vessel over our heads and give thanks for the beauty of the meals that have been prepared before us.
Sculpture
On the other hand, sculpture is a clay of a different sort. Clay sculpture is more of an expressive art, working in three dimensions by using either amorphic and biomorphic shapes. Pottery typically produces circular objects, sculpture offers the opportunity to pull those circular movements in different directions. Sketching is the best place to start, to envision the work from several angles, but once your hands are in the clay, it becomes an act of will and the shaping of bringing a handful of clay to life.
One of the advantages of clay sculpture is the ability to keep the clay soft and supple over long periods of time, yet still hold its form. It is also important to work and experience the clay in order to continue manipulating and adding to the form and, on occasion, make delicate repairs. Once the greenware is complete, like pottery, it is a matter of drying, bisquing, glazing and firing.
Introduction
Ceramic classes begin in August with the history and purpose of the art. Pinch pots will be made. Followed by the rules and limits of the studio and before the break, creating life, being Prometheus. After the break, it’s headlong to building, spinning and firing the clay. Other topics covered: Raku and Kintsugi.
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“Let the summertime sun fall on the apple, fall on the apple.” —Joe Strummer
Garden Club
We have a beautiful, large working garden and the sweetest small animal farm in the world. There is an area for our bees, and butterflies and our worm colony.
As it is one of our many mottos, there’s always plenty to do and to learn about working in the garden, with the animals and in nature. If you see yourself as someone who likes to be outdoors, who is a lover of nature, or if you simply wish to learn how to be a good steward of the earth, the Garden Club is for you. All areas will be covered throughout the year and the cycle of the seasons. We invite guest speakers who will offer lectures on why we use the garden methods we use and why these methods are so important to our health, and life in the Community.
Animal Husbandry
is one of the oldest vocations on the planet. Our garden is large, but our farm is small in comparison. Outside our permanent residents, the chickens, most of our animals are guest residents for 8 months during the year: a milking cow and her calf, two goats, who trim the lawn, two sheep who keep a lookout, and, on occasion, a hard-to-get-along-with-others llama, lives in our small barn and on the property. We are considering bringing pheasants, and there is talk of a pony or adopting a few tiny horses.
Farming
Our Polyface and Bio-Dynamic Farmer, Johann Huber, has a Scottish Border Collie and an Alaskan Husky. They keep an eye on the animals and the children. There are also a number of very friendly cats that come to visit throughout the day. The animals are a joy to watch and most love to pose for a drawing, painting, or a photo.
Perma-Forest and Prairie Restoration
Our permaculture area is tended by a friend of the Community, Retired Botanist Dr. Linnaeus, who taught at the University. He is helping us restore several areas on the property, uprooting the buckthorn, and working hard to bring back local and edible plants.
Tree Tapping & Fruit Orchard
We also have a wonderful variety of trees on the property, from conifers, to hardwood maples, birches, and oaks, to a small orchard of apple, cherry, pear and plum trees. We pick the fruit for canning and freezing when it is ripe during the harvest months, and tap the maples in winter, cooking and bottling the syrup outside in the spring. We have a tropical farm in Florida, we order most of our citrus from. However, we have several tropical fruit trees growing in the greenhouse and atrium. Any fruit harvested from these trees and plants are canned for jams or used on St. Nicholas Day or during the feast of Santa Lucia.
Farmer’s Market
The Market runs every Tuesday under the porte-cochère, from 10AM-3 p.m., May 15th through October 15th. The Farm and Co-Op has a table at the Market and sells a variety of items, including fresh produce, chicken and duck eggs, earth worms, honey, maple syrup, beeswax candles, silk thread, wool yarn, and other trinkets to the public.
Share
The Share Program is an opportunity to work with other communities from around the country and the world. If there is something we can trade with like-minded people, we will start a Share Agreement. For example, our climate is too cold for a number of fresh citrus fruits, so we have an agreement with an Organic Orchard in Florida for a list of produce they grow. In exchange, we send them apples, plums, pears, wool, and reeds from our garden when in season. We hope to expand this program and trade with other like-minded communities.
Food & Animal Share Co-Op
If you’re interested in fresh garden fix-ins during the winter months, there is the Fresh Food Co-Op. A broader community effort. These good folks will help you get started on planting what you will need indoors for the winter months. Each starter box will contain: mushrooms, onions, garlic, tomatoes, oregano, parsley, sage and thyme, and a half cup of worms. This should be enough fresh food to get you through the dark months. Come mid-spring, if the plants are still striving, there will be a special place in our garden for you to transplant the veggies and herbs, or if you wish, instructions on how to let them go to seed and collect them for Autumn planting. This is really a great project for children and grandparents!
A branch of the Fresh Food Co-Op is Animal Share. This is in conjunction with our chickens. From feeding the cat, walking the dog or gathering eggs, people involved in the Food Share are also part of caring for pets in the home, and our chickens in the roost. Running late, forgot to feed the cat. Animal Share has you covered. You will be part of a phone tree. You might get a call to see if you are available to lend a hand or care for an animal over an extended period. Furthermore, you will also be on call to gather eggs and make sure the butterflies and bees are safe, fed, and sound. You decide what animal group will fit you best, one, two or all. There is an orientation on good animal care standards, and you will never go alone until you feel you are ready. Susan and Tracy Dillon manage the Food & Animal Share. They will walk you through or meet up with you under any circumstances. Those who require a service or help must provide a 24-hour phone number and make arrangements for anyone in the Co-Op to be let into the property.
Farming is a mission, a vocation, and an art. It keeps a man moral. –John Adams
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The Bizzy Triangle
Lepidoptera — Behind the large shed facing east there is a recently restored hothouse used for raising butterflies.
Apiarist — 20 Feet facing north-east of the large shed are the bee hives. These are brought into the shed during the late autumn and winter months.
Vermiculture — 20 feet facing north-west are four very large barrels on wheels. That is where we keep our worms. These barrels also come into the shed during the winter months.
Medicinal Culture – We are currently looking for someone who is interested in the field of medicinal plants and apothecary. We would like to begin growing more medicinal plants on the property and in need of people who are interested in the art of plants and their healing properties and preparations.
These particular areas require daily tending, regardless of weather or holiday. The tasks are small and few, but these tiny creatures must be looked after every day without fail. Communication is most important, and like the farm, there must be a three-fold backup in place. This position is great for a young person looking to practice responsibility, or an older person who would like to take a walk and look in on the triangle.
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I Will Go With My Father a-Ploughing
Seosamh Mac Cathmhaoil
I will go with my father a-ploughing
To the green field by the sea,
And the rooks and the crows and the seagulls
Will come flocking after me.
I will sing to the patient horses.
With the lark in the white of the air,
And my father will sing the plough song
That blesses the cleaving share.
I will go with my father a-sowing
To the red field by the sea,
And the rooks and the gulls and the starlings
Will come flocking after me.
I will sing to the striding sowers
With the finch on the greening sloe,
And my father will sing the seed song
That only the wise men know.
I will go with my father a-reaping
To the brown field by the sea,
And the geese and the crows and the children
Will come flocking after me.
I will sing to the tan-faced reapers
With the wren in the heat of the sun,
And my father will sing the scythe song
That joys for the harvest done.
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If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. -Cicero
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Glassblowers Club
Have you ever wanted to paint with fire? At The PEACH, we have a number of demonstrations throughout the year with our Master Glassmythe, Michael Owens. As you can imagine, Glassmything requires a great deal of care and concentration. Even in the simplest of demonstrations, caution, and great attention at all times is a must.
Therefore, we have decided that in both the practical and artistic areas of this art, an apprenticeship is mandatory to take on this métier. The candidates must be at least 16 years of age and have a reputation for being very responsible.
During this five-year apprenticeship, and in the third year, there is an opportunity offered for a three-month visit to: Murano Glass in the Venetian Lagoon, Italy. Bohemian Crystal in Prague, Czech Republic. Waterford Glass in Waterford, Ireland, Corning Glass in Corning, New York, USA. Toledo Glass Museum in Toledo, Ohio, USA. Opportunities will be given for demonstrations and working in the factories covering the artistic beauty, practicality, skilled applications and future technology of glassblowing, along with being granted the rare viewing of works considered the highest quality, skills, and beauty. Sleeping and transportation accommodations will be made, a stipend given for meals and some pocket money for local events. A European Passport will be needed, as well as one’s best behavior.
Connected to our glassblowing facilities is the light bulb, bottle and fixture factory. Those who take up the craft will also find the opportunity to work in an incandescent light bulb factory and find many opportunities to create their own illuminated works of art. Those who like working in glass, but not interested in the art of hot glassblowing, are welcomed to work in the stained-glass studio on the 4th floor of the Art Building. Since some chemicals and metals are highly toxic, when used in application, age, and maturity also play a role in being involved in this activity. There are, of course, special accommodations set aside for the Father and Sons’ Club.
There is also an opportunity to study with our Resident Mason in cold working glass and lapidary. We encourage all glassblowers to take some time to work under the direction of our Master Stonecutter and Mason, Kipling Sibelius Scott. He has a number of projects always in need of building and upkeep as well as the tools to create some astonishing works in the art of cold glass.
The Skilled Art Of Glassblowing
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Metals Club
Blacksmything is a vocation, it also requires skill and careful planning. Like all the skills, there is an art and a practical need required, and timing is everything. However, this isn’t an art or skill you can set a clock to, you must develop a feel for the metals, tools, and fire. Those just beginning will learn the history of this craft and the mythology behind it. Safety is always the number one priority, so there will be an introduction and several drills that will create different scenarios and how to address them. This is a skill in itself and a very important tool. We don’t want anyone to get hurt or burn the shops down. For each meeting there will be a demonstration of the object you will create, and when the Master Blacksmythe thinks you are ready, your first task will be to make a box of nails, followed by a basket of hooks. From there, members move onto creating at set of utensils. Some have gone on to make a full place setting.
Once you have developed a real feel for the metal, other components will be added until you have established the skills to create a decorative gate. You’ll also learn how to make horse shoes and watch the process of shoeing a horse. Once you have learned several techniques on how to twist, bend and fasten iron, you’ll have a pretty good idea if this is the skill you wish to devote your time to. Some members like to work with more detailed and with the finer metals. They will move into whitesmything. Those who wish to remain with iron and steel will move into Sculpture, Knives and Swords.
You will get a full appreciation for each of the skills practiced at The PEACH. Many of the Skilled Artists also work with each other on different projects such as furniture and fixtures. The opportunity to work with other shops: woodworking, pottery, farming, glassblowing, printing, and anything that requires something useful and has a practical purpose, is always in need.
This holds true for the whitesmythes as well. They will work with book binders, quilters, cordwainers, and anything that requires a decorative purpose.
Every year at the last Contra Dance, Thanksgiving Weekend, we have a special night for the Metal Smythe in celebration of Old St. Clem. The Smythes put on a special performance with tinkers and bodhrán, sparks and all. Homemade mead will be served.
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Woodworkers Club
When it comes to the skill of carpentry, it’s hard to know where to begin. Working with wood dates back to the Stone Age, when humans first used sharp rocks in order to fashion tools made of branches and sticks. From twigs and grass huts to the stately homes and mighty skyscrapers, woodworking has been an essential means for shelter, tools, weapons, and furniture.
Throughout the entire ancient world, working with wood has always been with us. Though modern-day tools and weapons have replaced what was once a staple, they are still in use for practical applications, their ability to create fine works of beauty, and are still used in the hands of every skilled worker.
At The PEACH, we focus on the forms of more modern carpentry. Building shelter, fine furniture for everyday use and decorative carving and inlay. Stepping back in time to the ancient Egyptians, we take note of their use of wood inlay. From the worlds of Greece and Rome, wood, which was chiefly used as scaffolding, boat building and the means to drive weapons. It isn’t until the development of the northern lands that woodworking finds its true glory and the finest of arts.
Woodworking is a calling, a vocation. At The PEACH the Club works with a number of different woods. Hardwoods: oak, maple, cherry, walnut. Softwoods: cedar, fir, balsam, buckeye.
The tasks are at hand, learning various types of construction; rough-cutting, mill work, and hand carving. Therefore, working in a mill, using traditional woodworking tools, understanding how to apply veneers, and assembling creative patterns are very important. Carpentry requires many skills; good judgment, math, a sharp eye, abstract thought, and creative ideas, and finally, applying just the right finish, all this takes a lifetime to master.
These tools and techniques are used to fashion furniture, cabinetry, and fixtures. Therefore, when working in this field, artistry, ingenuity, creativity, experience, responsibility are required. All of these skills are taught and practiced in the Club.
Historically, woodworking has been associated with the bear, and its God and protector, Jupiter. Over the coming year, the areas of concentration will be: Medieval carpentry, cabinet making, simple everyday furniture, chairs & tables, dinnerware, treasure chests, and toys.
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.A Brotherhood Of Skills
The bond in the community of labor and skill, craftsmen, a brotherhood, guilds, journeymen, masters.
Skilled Meeting Schedule
Skilled leaders meet 4 times a year to check in with each other, prepare for the season ahead. These meetings are scheduled in order to give people meetings to complain about.
However, in reality, these meetings are scheduled as an opportunity to catch up on administrative junk. At the August meeting, members pick a secretary to keep track of the meeting details. Notes must be typed and handed to the office within a week of the meeting, or a curse will be cast upon you.
What should be in these meeting notes?
From Each Shop Keeps — Name and phone numbers. A list of who will be called if you can not be in the studio. A list of your updated studio rules. A schedule with an outline of your plans for the coming year. An estimated budget, both big and small, short and long term. A list of students, assistants, guests expected in the coming months. Those who showed up in the past since your last report. Projected tasks and past tasks achieved since your last report. Your complete schedule for the coming months. Days and hours open. Holidays Marked. There are forms with all of the above so that it is easier to fill out. There is also a special separate form for outside supplies, so credit can be established with the companies you choose.
Required from the Secretary
~Each Shop Keep has a folder for the above. You must collect and check that information is complete.
~All credit forms must be handed in separately.
~Notes from meetings must be dated and timed. A schematic of topics with a summary is good nuff; at your discretion. Each meeting must end with a Walt Whitman poem. St. Clem’s Night requires only a brief summary, no details, please.
~As conductor of the meetings, you set the tone. Schedules, business, agendas, stories are arranged by you, along with time limits for topics. You also schedule the dates for the next meeting in advance. If you have any concerns, set a date with the Office to speak to the director when you drop off your notes. You can turn your notes directly or make copies.
Independent Business
Skilled Celebrations — Mead
Speakers: Lectures and Open House
Apprenticeships, internships, volunteers
Celebration – St. Clem’s Day
Every year the folks in the Skilled Arts Club come together for a scrumptious dinner in celebration of St. Clem’s Day, 23 November, but held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Homemade Sarsaparilla will be available for the kids.
As part of the celebration, there are a few fun-loving contests and a lot of singing. One contest is for the best batch of homemade mead (see rules below). The other is, play the fiddle or dance a jig. Both require a year of practicing. Winners get to take home what is left of the Mead at the end of the celebration.
Rules for the Mead – Must mix a 1 gallon batch and enter it officially to the office a week before. The Elders and Guardians will sample each batch and choose the winner. We will announce the winner on the night of the celebration, along with what is left of the mead.
The fiddle and jig will take place at the last Contra Dance event after dinner.
What is Mead?
It is the nectar of the Gods. Honey is the main ingredient, the God regarded the bees as important messengers.
The base is a combination of honey, yeast and water, but skies the limit with any added ingredients: hops, fruit, spices, grains, whatever your heart desires. It’s an alchemy of flavor. Generally, it takes 6 weeks to make, but some will brew a batch for 2 to 3 years.
History
Mead is the oldest known alcoholic beverage in the world, discovered around 7,000BC. In Europe, small amounts were found in ceramic jugs. Some turned out to be 2800 years old. So Mead, brewed just right, will last a long time. Mead was often used for special occasions, sacred rituals, and especially weddings. The word honeymoon is credited to Mead. It is said drinking mead on your wedding night will increase fertility.
It is sometimes called honey wine, or honey beer, but it is neither wine nor beer. People will often say it has magical effects, a half glass in, and you might see spirits or fairies.
Mead has crossed many cultures, from China to the Aztecs to the Vikings, Celts and Egyptians. It has been referenced in literature throughout history—the Epic Poem Beowulf, Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.
Night of ol’ St. Clem & Hephaestus is a wonderful and fun evening, a perfect celebration just before waking up at 5AM to go hunting. Perhaps one will dream of catching a fast deer, or bag that plump pheasant for the coming winter months ahead.
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Workshops: Fathers, Son, Members & Children
Spring: Farming, Lecture Series
Summer: Animal Husbandry, Smything, Open House
Autumn: Harvest, Pottery, St. Crispin
Winter: Woodworking, Glassblowing, Open House, Skills Conference
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Hephaestus — God of all skilled work.
Iron & Glass — Saint Clement, Thanksgiving Weekend (dinner).
Clay — Saint Spyridon, Santa Lucia Day Dec.
Wood — Saint Joseph, May Day (camping cleaning registration).
Kalamos — Ink — Saint Augustine – August 28th.
Hermes — Farming & Husbandry — Saint Isidore, May 15th.
Demeter — Nature — Francis & Clare of Assisi, Oct 4th.
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.Living Pan-European and American Cultural and Heritage Community Center
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EMAIL: peachcommunity yahoo.com
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