At NBSS, you get a big picture perspective. You know what's supposed to happen before and after. Everybody should learn this way... I don't look at the world the same way now that I know how to build a house. That's priceless.
The biggest obstacle I faced before applying to NBSS was my own doubt. After I decided to go for it, everything fell into place... The Cabinet & Furniture Making program gave me the skills to make whatever I dream up. It was an excellent investment in my life and career.
There is no other place to get this type of training. If you want to set yourself apart, NBSS will give you more credibility and knowledge than you could get with 10 years in the field. It is the best money you will ever spend.
I couldn't be more happy with my choice to change careers and attend NBSS. Before enrolling the Jewelry program, I didn't feel tangibly engaged in my work. And now I make things of lasting value and beauty. I feel pride in and enthusiasm for my work, and I do it with integrity.
It goes without saying that without the great people I met and the help and guidance I received along the way, none of this could have happened. NBSS is an integral part in my story. The time there taught me that if I do something well, the rest will fall into place.
I couldn't say enough positive things about the School and the Locksmithing program. It's allowed me to live in a beautiful place, have control of my work schedule and find a healthier balance in my life. NBSS gave me the skills I needed to begin a new career.
On Thursday, October 14, 2021, we talked with artists and artisans Susy Pilgrim Waters and Keith Waters, founders of PilgrimWaters. We were also joined live in their studio by Liz Shepard and NBSS alumna Rebekah Lord Gardiner BB '93, co-owners of Shepherd & Maudsleigh Studios in West Newton, MA. It was an insightful conversation on the unique process of creating large and small scale silk screen work in a variety of media.
On Thursday, September 23, 2021, we talked with Karen Smith, Founder and Executive Director of We Wield the Hammer, along with Ann Cahoon JM '02, NBSS Jewelry Making & Repair Department Head. It was a powerful conversation on the beauty and uniqueness of working with metal, joys and challenges of teaching others, and work still left to do to bring more access and inclusion in the metalsmithing and jewelry making industry.
On Thursday, September 9, 2021, we livestreamed from the spoon carving shop of Emmet Van Driesche in Conway, Massachusetts. Our a late summer discussion spanned human enterprise, how Emmet has opened himself to new skills while leveraging his existing ones, and how he's carving out a self-sustaining life for himself and his family. View a video of the full conversation here.
We recently welcomed several new faculty members to the School, who bring a wealth of professional and teaching experience with them. Please join us in welcoming these talented educators!
Message From the President: Last week, we held the second of our graduation ceremonies for the year, and it felt like more of an accomplishment than ever. After this strange year, we were so proud to (finally) celebrate the courage, care, and hard work of our students, faculty, and staff—together, in the Old North Church. The quieter and more careful year has provided the School a time to reflect on our values, our history, and where, as NBSS turns 140 years old, we will go next.
