American College of the Building Arts awarded $6000 grant by the South Carolina Arts Commission
September 11, 2015
CHARLESTON, SC – The American College of the Building Arts (ACBA) has been awarded a $6000 grant by the South Carolina Arts Commission for the 2015 fiscal year. The support has allowed the organization to purchase an air hammer for our Forged Architectural Iron department. An air hammer is an essential piece of equipment in all modern forges and we very much needed a new one to properly train students and enable them to step into meaningful employment upon graduation. Air hammers are used in forging the framework for larger pieces such as gates, balconies, fences and railings, while the traditional fire and anvil are used for the smaller, detailed pieces.
Prof. Richard Guthrie, Chair of the ACBA Forged Architectural Iron department, is leading our efforts to reach out to Charleston area churches with historical ironwork in need of repair. The air hammer will be an essential role in preserving and enhancing this vital part of Charleston’s history while simultaneously providing a quality learning experience for students.
“The S.C. Arts Commission grant will allow future generations to fully enjoy and treasure a significant part of Charleston’s architectural heritage.” said American College of the Building Arts President, Colby M. Broadwater, III. “This funding helps us achieve our mission of educating and training artisans in the traditional building arts to foster exceptional craftsmanship and encourage the preservation, enrichment, and understanding of the world’s architectural heritage through a liberal arts education.”
Neighboring individuals and organizations are helping the American College of the Building Arts meets its obligation of matching the Arts Commission grant with local dollars. Those who are supporting the grant project are: John LaVerne, Margaret O’Brien. David Scot, and the Boeing Employee Foundation.
Local residents can see how the Arts Commission grant and local funds are benefiting ACBA by visiting us at www.AmericanCollegeofBuildingArts.us.
About SCAC: The South Carolina Arts Commission is the state agency charged with creating a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians, regardless of their location or circumstances. Created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the Arts Commission works to increase public participation in the arts by providing services, grants and leadership initiatives in three areas: arts education, community arts development and artist development. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the Arts Commission is funded by the state of South Carolina, by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts and other sources. For more information, visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com or call (803) 734-8696.
