"Arts & sciences" is the teaching, learning, researching and engaging in any manner of arts and crafts that were undertaken during the Middle Ages.
In the SCA it does not matter what your interests are, or whether you want to become an expert or master of a craft, or just to have a go. If you know it exists now, chances are they did it back in the period we are concerned with.
You can have a go at learning:
- leatherwork - making shoes/boots, pouches and armour;
- embroidery - making decorations on your clothing, tapestries;
- metalwork - armour, silver work for jewellery, pewter-casting;
- knitting (and nalbinding) - stockings and caps
And many more crafts, such as calligraphy, painting, woodworking and spinning.
Like everything else in the SCA, the goal is to learn through doing. It is not necessary to be an expert at something - although over time you may find your particular niche and become very knowledgeable in that area.
On the Artisans and Scholars of Darton page, we will post videos of discussions with some of our more knowledgeable and skilled members.
Practice sessions
Arts and Sciences evenings are where the people of Darton teach, learn, discuss and do medieval and Renaissance arts and sciences.
Any art or craft of the medieval or Renaissance period can be recreated in the SCA. Members are welcome to bring along their own current projects that they may need some advice or help with.
Arts and Sciences meetings are held every Wednesday from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm in Tawa.
Contact seneschal@darton.lochac.sca.org for more information.
The Shire of Darton also holds regular “make stuff days” in which we spend a full weekend day (usually a Saturday), concentrating on a particular project or two. For example, a day of ‘hot metal work’ when we use portable forges to make such things as tent pegs and banner holders, or a day of inside projects such as painting banners.