AUGUST 2000
A NEW KIND OF CLASS WITH A VERY OLD TWIST
By Bayard Stern
Managing editor, Florida State Times
A new kind of class based on an old idea is coming to FSU. In the fall, Florida State is offering a Master Craftsman class designed to teach by doing as well as explaining, much like a craftsman and apprentice relationship.
The teacher, Bob Bischoff, is an internationally recognized artist and an FSU graduate. He is responsible for major art projects around campus such as the stained glass in Dodd Hall, a large granite seal in the University Center and the white stone benches in front of Westcott and around campus. He has also done work in South America, Japan, France, England and India.
"My new catch phrase is 'a new old idea,' like the apprenticeship; the new term is internship," Bischoff said.
Bischoff will take on real projects that have to be completed
on time and within budget. Two technicians will help with the
project and the teaching.
"The students will be an integral part of the project and
will be treated, and expected to act, as professionals,"
Bischoff said. "I will have the same time lines that I always
do. When you're working on an architectural project, it's got
to hit the site exactly when you say it's going to. And that's
important for the students to learn, that those time lines don't
move. I want them to say 'OK, I might be thinking about this
as a career.'
"I want them to see what it's like, and that includes some very busy and difficult times. In the process we will include the students in various levels of the projects and they will, by doing the projects, learn how to do the process."
The new projects Bischoff will do with the students will involve various crafts and producing ornament and architectural detail that will be used on the Florida State campus and may be used in restoration of buildings within the Ringling complex in Sarasota. Some up-coming projects may include gargoyle-style traffic control posts and garbage receptacles.
"This class will enable the students to do work on projects that they wouldn't normally get a chance to work on," he said. "They will use materials that they could never afford to learn to use themselves and to use machinery that they could never afford to buy themselves."
The Master Craftsman class is initially being offered to only eight students. Four will come from the student body and four will be professional non-students who apply to take the course.
"I'm balancing the class this way because I feel like both groups will benefit from the other group, as well as the program," Bischoff said. "The student will definitely benefit working next to a professional artist who's already out earning a living. And simply the conversations that will take place between them will be beneficial besides the work. The response has been tremendous. We have eight spots and I have to choose (from) 75 wonderful applications."
After completing the course the students will get a choice of interior design credit, art credit, or a certificate from the Center for Professional Development.
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