 Founded to Serve |
 Southeast Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Inc. |
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Founded to Serve |
Southeast Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Inc. |
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The William
Holland School of Lapidary
Arts is situated on a mountain
in north Georgia near the North Carolina
border. It
is a Rockhound's Dream come true. Here, near Young Harris College, is a
special school that is like no other in the United States. The serious
Rockhound can learn how to turn rough gems into family keepsakes. With
dedication and determination, an inspired group of hobbyists is making
it possible for many others to enjoy the fruits of their
knowledge. The lapidary arts include all the skills that are required to make custom jewelry. At the William Holland School of Lapidary Arts, classes are taught by volunteer instructors in such procedures as faceting, silversmithing, the making of cabochons, wire crafting, wax modeling and casting, bead knotting and design, and opal cutting. Some weeks also include chain making, stained glass, basket making, and copper tooling. Gem and mineral identification classes are also offered. Students learn to use all the special tools and shop safety is stressed. Each student carries home the fruits of his or her efforts as well as fond memories of new acquaintances.
The
school is named for a
deceased past
president of the Southeast Federation of Mineralogical Societies. The
creation
of the William Holland School of Lapidary Arts was built thorough the
personal
philanthropy of Harold Sparks, another SFMS past president, and his
wife
Mary Lou. The school is operated from April through October with certain weeks being set aside for special workshops sponsored by and for members of the Southeast Federation. All rockhounds are eligible to participate during the remainder of the season. Classes are of one week duration, and the courses vary during the time the school is in operation. A student takes one class for the week.
For more information write to: |
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One
of the unique facets of the Southeast Federation of
Mineralogical Societies is the Workshop
Program, which offers members the opportunity to gather for week-long,
hands-on seminars taught by experienced instructors. Whether you are a
newcomer
to the lapidary arts and want to learn the basics, or whether
you’re an old
hand who wants to learn something new or move on to the next level, the
Workshop Program has something for you.
We look forward to seeing you in 2008.
2008
WORKSHOP DATES
Wildacres
Retreat (www.wildacres.org)
is a
privately owned conference center nestled in the Anyone
belonging to an SFMS club will be given
priority. Student
under 18 are welcome,
but must be accompanied by a responsible adult and must have approval
from the
workshop director and the instructor to attend an adult class. Members of other AFMS
regional federations may
attend on a space available basis.
Anyone not affiliated with AFMS may attend by paying an
additional fee of
$50. First-time
workshop attendees and those
taking a class for the first time will receive priority.
Applications
from
members of SFMS clubs will be accepted beginning February 1, 2008.
Applications from other regional federations and the
public at large
will be accepted beginning April 1, 2008.
Your club membership dues must be current and your
club’s dues to the
Federation must also be paid before you will be accepted as an SFMS
member. All instructors for our workshop program are volunteers. They may charge a materials fee for their classes, but are not otherwise compensated for their time and effort. For additional information about our instructors, please visit www.amfed.org/sfms
WORKSHOP
STAFF:
Education Chair: Email sfmsedchair@gmail.com |
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The Southeast Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Inc. Send e-mail to: sfms@amfed.org | |
The
facilities include a main building (lodge) of two stories whose upper
ground
floor is like a motel with 29 bedrooms, each with a private bath and
two
beds, one double and one twin. Two bedrooms are equipped for the
handicapped.
The lower ground level contains 13 classrooms, the kitchen, and dining
room. Each bedroom has a ceiling fan and air-conditioning was added
during
the 1997 season. A separate building, the Seabolt Building, houses the
George Kasper Memorial Library. This building also has facilities for a
campground with 10 spaces with full hookups. On September 1,
2001,
we opened Mary Lou's Cottage. This building will be used by
the instructors.
There are 8 bedrooms, a kitchen and common area.
Much of the construction work was a volunteer effort of many members of
the Southeast Federation. Furnishings and workshop equipment were
donated
by various clubs and societies in the Southeast Federation of
Mineralogical
Societies. Harold has passed away but his family still operate the
school
for the benefit of rockhounds throughout the United States.
The
workshop week begins on Sunday with check-in after 3:00 p.m.; dinner is
at 6:00 p.m. Classes start at 9:00 a.m. on Monday. Tuesday night is
generally
scheduled for an auction with items donated by students and
instructors.
Proceeds go into classroom equipment and supplies.