Date of Award
Spring 5-31-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Education
First Advisor
Dr. Caitlin Black
Second Advisor
Dr. Shana Cinquemani
Abstract
This thesis explores the potential of founding a craft and farming school on my family’s land in Rhode Island, grounded in the principles of experiential learning, sustainability, and inclusive community engagement. Drawing from a case study methodology and informed by autoethnographic reflection, the research investigates how traditional crafts and sustainable agriculture can be integrated into a hands-on educational model for youth and adults. Through interviews with directors at four leading craft and folk schools across the United States, the project gathers insights on curriculum design, accessibility, funding challenges, and inclusive programming. The literature review connects experiential learning theories with sustainable artmaking practices, highlighting the transformative potential of place-based, embodied education. Inspired by personal experiences navigating learning differences and the impact of attending a farm camp as a child, this work envisions a school that supports diverse learners and fosters creativity, care, and ecological awareness. The thesis serves as both a research study and a foundational blueprint for a future educational space rooted in craft, farming, and community.
Recommended Citation
Beaudoin, Christopher J. and Beaudoin, Christopher James, "Learning What Makes Craft Schools Successful" (2025). Masters Theses. 1497.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/1497
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.