The idea grew out of Introduction to Architecture and History of Art courses. Professor Gayle Goudy wanted to take students to visit building sites and give them first-hand experience with materials, which was not possible within the constraints of the classroom. The Architecture & Art History Club was started as a way to extend the classroom and provide such experiences.
Since its inception in spring 2013, the club has had specialized tours of Drayton Hall, Mepkin Abbey, Fort Sumter, Nathaniel Russell House, Aiken-Rhett House, the Old City Jail and the Heyward-Washington House.
RELATED: Learn more about the Architecture & Art History Club.
Now they’re creating educational modules for use in Charleston County schools through a partnership with Engaging Creative Minds. The modules will be used in third through eighth grade classrooms to teach math, social studies, and other subjects.
The basis of the modules will be piloted in a workshop entitled Brick-by-Brick: Building a Curriculum on a Brick Wall that will take place on November 22, 2014 at the American College of Building Arts (ACBA). The workshop is Goudy and will be led by Simeon Warren, professor of trowel trades at the ACBA and Christina Butler, historic preservation professor at the College of Charleston.
The Architecture & Art History Club prepares for the Brick-by-brick workshop. (L to R) Students Andrew Staton, Meagan Pickens, Audrey Marhoefer, Caroline Agid, and professor Gayle Goudy.
“Not only is the Brick-by-brick workshop a great experience to gain inside knowledge into the world of architectural history, preservation, and education, but, students will gain first-hand experience in educational outreach, which is a desirable skill when seeking employment at a house museum or art museum,” Goudy says.
During the workshop, students will complete drawing exercises, mix true-lime mortar, discuss different bonds used historically in Charleston and build a brick wall. The purpose of the event is to provide students with hands-on experience in masonry and curriculum development, Goudy says.
The event is a collaboration with the American College of Building Arts and the Design + Art + Preservation in the Schools (DAPS). The educational modules is an initiative involving members from the Historic Charleston Foundation, Clemson University as well as area architects and designers.
Goudy says community support of the workshop has been remarkable, and the club has received donations for all tools and materials from Richard Marks Restoration, KapStone Paper Mill, Lawrence and Judy McMahon, and the American College of Building Arts.
VIDEO: Learn more about the programs in the College’s School of the Arts.
Brick-by-Brick is the club’s first workshop and plans are underway for a second workshop focused on illuminated manuscripts and bookbinding.
Goudy expects the program to be a true win-win for everyone involved. “We are creating curriculum for area schools to use to meet their outcome goals through experiential learning while also giving our own students the experience.”
