A & S activities are popular in the Canton of Rokkehealden and throughout the Barony.
The Baronial Minister of A&S is Rokkehealden member Mikhail of Lubelska. Mikhail has taught classes in tablet weaving and illumination at our meetings. Other A&S activities Rokkehealden members engage in include: tablet weaving, inkle loom weaving, calligraphy & illumination, pottery, sewing, leatherwork, fabric stamping, jewelry making, metalwork, Viking wire weave, cooking, & brewing.
Many have expressed interest in learning the art of blacksmithing. Mikhail put together this list of resources.
- I’ve taken classes at Fine Line and Lisle Station Park, and would recommend both.
- Besides the basic skills classes, Fine Line has ones on making axes, knives, tools, garden sculptures, and so on. Also a related class on making a knife sheath. Dan Caldwell is an excellent teacher. Fine Line also has a wide range of other subjects as well.
- Fine Line Creative Arts Center (St. Charles, IL)
- https://fineline.org/
- The spring classes at Lisle Station Park start in March. Short walk from the BNSF train line.
- The Museums at Lisle Station Park (Lisle, IL)
- http://www.lisleparkdistrict.org/museumsatlislestationpar…
- Fine Arts Center of Chicago (Chicago, IL) I’ve not taken classes from them, so I can’t vouch for their quality.
- https://firearts.org/
- Blackberry Farm used to have classes, but nothing is mentioned on their web sites anymore. Still interesting to look at a shop setup, especially if they start demonstrations again.
- Blackberry Farm (Aurora, IL)
- https://www.blackberryfarm.info/
- Naper Settlement is doing classes again, however they don’t have anything on their schedule at the moment. It’s at the edge of downtown, so there’s access via BNSF train.
- Naper Settlement (Naperville, IL)
- https://napersettlement.org/
- For general information, the Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America is a good starting point. They may have more information on youth classes in your area.
- https://abana.org/
- If you haven’t considered it, the Boy Scouts have the Metalwork merit badge, which covers four areas: sheet metal, silversmithing, foundry, and blacksmithing. Even if your son isn’t in scouting, the booklet may be of use. Check with your local library to see if they have a copy.
- https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/metalwork/
- One challenge you may find is, some education locations have a minimum age requirement, frequently 18+ years old. Be sure to check before signing up. Look for places with youth or parent & child combined classes. Also check your local junior colleges for summer classes.
- Hope this helps, Mikhail
Art Guilds and Groups within the Barony of Ayreton
- https://ayreton.midrealm.org/arts-and-sciences/
- Ayreton Metalworkers and Jewelers Guild- Facebook group
- Ayreton Brewers Guild- Facebook group
- Vanished Wood Sewing Circle- Contact: Mistress Katherine at knwkfw@yahoo.com
- Ayreton Authentic Cooking Guild- Contact: ayretoncooks@yahoogroups.com
- Consort Music- Contact: Master Robyyan at 773-764-1920 Meetings in Chicago 60645
- Court and Country Music Group- Contact: CourtAndCountry@gmail.com Meetings in Wheeling. Website Facebook
- Renaissance Dance- Contact: Rob Hicks darclan28@yahoo.com
- The Pippins- an a capella singing group performing medieval and renaissance choral music. Contact: Mistress Gianetta at 312-259-6688 Meetings in Andersonville
- Ayreton Leatherwork- Contact: TBA; a new group is forming as of August 2021
- Ayreton Beekeepers- Facebook
- The Barons Noyse- no information
- Ayreton Glassworkers Guild- Facebook group
Martial & Science Groups within the Barony of Ayreton
- Archery:
- Rapier:
- Thrown Weapons:
- Rattan: