Blacksmithing and Metal Art – Certificate
Program Details
Certificate in Blacksmithing and Metal Art
Overview
Program Summary
The ancient art of blacksmithing is alive and thriving in the School of the Arts Blacksmithing and Metal Art Program. Enthusiastic and dedicated instructors share their passion and skills with you in the metal studio. With an emphasis on developing proper techniques and hands-on studio practice, you will learn how to bring your ideas from design to completion.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Use foundational skills, tools and time-honoured techniques in metal arts
- Communicate design ideas verbally and visually within an industrial and arts context
- Implement the creative design process through critical design thinking, experimentation, iteration and critique
- Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of marketing and entrepreneurship
- Construct a portfolio of creative works for future employment, education or apprenticeship
- Follow health and safety guidelines for the use of equipment, tools, materials and processes in a studio or shop environment
Program Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
In addition to meeting the general entrance requirements for admission to Selkirk College, an applicant must meet the following Blacksmithing and Metal Art Program entrance requirements:
- English 12, or equivalent, with a minimum of 60%.
- Students whose first language is not English must fulfill the college’s English language proficiency requirement. See Policy 8611: Admissions.
- Submit a completed admission application form and other required documents (i.e., secondary school and any post-secondary transcripts) to the Admissions Office.
Additional Requirements
- Questionnaire
All applicants must complete and submit a questionnaire at least one week prior to their scheduled interview date. The questionnaire helps us to understand the applicant’s interest and commitment to the studio program.
Submit the questionnaire using the Kootenay Studio Arts (KSA) online form.
- Interview
All applicants are required to participate in an interview with a program instructor from KSA. Telephone interviews will be arranged for those applicants who, because of distance, cannot attend in person.
The interview is an opportunity for applicants to introduce themselves, present their work and discuss their interests within the arts. The instructor will assess the applicant’s preparedness for entry into the program and will ask about commitment, goals and expectations, design knowledge, experience and communication skills. It is also an opportunity for applicants to ask any questions they might have about the program and for faculty to recommend upgrading if necessary.
- Portfolio
The portfolio is designed to assess your skill level to help instructors increase your chances of success in your studio program. KSA is looking for a demonstration of visual awareness, creativity and technical skill. The portfolio pieces may be of any medium and they need not be specific to studio preference.
For portfolio guidelines, see our website.
Graduation and Promotion
In order to receive your credential in your program, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00.
Program Courses
Term 1
Required Courses
| BKMA121 | Metal Studio Safety and Devices | 1.00 | 20 |
| BKMA123 | Fabrication Techniques: Welded Forms | 4.00 | 60 |
| BKMA125 | Blacksmithing Foundations | 4.00 | 100 |
| BKMA127 | Primary Toolmaking | 4.00 | 120 |
| PPD101 | Drawing as a Basic Visual Communication | 3.00 | 45 |
Term 2
Required Courses
| BKMA132 | Basic Bladesmithing Skills | 4.00 | 60 |
| BKMA134 | Pattern Welded Steel | 4.00 | 80 |
| BKMA136 | Advanced Tool Making | 4.00 | 80 |
| BKMA138 | Artisan Portfolio Project | 4.00 | 80 |
| PPD111 | Professional Practice and Design | 3.50 | 52.5 |
Additional Program Policies