Interdisciplinary Arts 0256 - Making Brooms: Craft, Ecology, and Shifting Material Economies

This class is a collaboration between Hampshire College faculty Donna Cohn and Division III student Luka Eriksen. We will start the semester by learning and practicing the techniques of traditional broom making that Luka learned while enrolled at Berea College in Kentucky. We will gather natural materials from surrounding local habitats. We will make brooms that are functional, to a chosen specific task that can also be beautiful works of art. We will explore the meaning and value of making things by hand, using renewable materials, and practices that have little negative impact on the environment. We will also look at other examples of broom making - the medium and high-volume production of inexpensive brooms. This class will involve a combination of reading, writing and making objects. You must apply to be in this class - we are looking for people who are willing and able to commit the time it takes to engage with the readings, attend class regularly and practice this craft which requires a fair amount of hand eye coordination, body awareness and patience. Each student will do a final project which involves designing and making an object, either to sell, barter or give as a gift.

Environments and Change Lab/Materials fee:$40 Students should expect to spend 8-10 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time