Arts & Sciences

About Avacal Arts & Sciences

The domain of the artisans and craftfolk, the Arts and Sciences (A&S) is a broad term which covers all aspects of creative pursuit in the SCA. The Arts and Sciences are generally considered to include such pre-17th century activities as: calligraphy and illumination, leatherwork, sewing, embroidery, fiber arts, brewing, music and dance, fighting arts, metalwork, jewelry making, armoring, woodworking, food and cooking, gardening, etc. Arts and Sciences engage members in the active research, practice and application of these skills for the purpose of sharing their knowledge with others. The Arts and Sciences exist in every activity within the SCA.

Somewhere along the line in the SCA's history, a distinction was made between "arts" and "sciences". This has generated hours of friendly discussion on what the definition of each was with no obvious or concrete resolution.

Each branch is required to have an Arts and Sciences officer.

Guilds
Guilds often provide groups of like-minded people. These guilds also often focus on the Arts and Sciences and are more than happy to share the information they have.

Documentation
Documentation is the information presented to support a particular construction of an artifact.

Arts and Sciences Competitions
A&S competitions are an excellent avenue for those who like to set personal challenges and receive detailed feedback on their work. They exist at many levels and the primary reason for this is to allow participation from the beginner to the experienced in a positive and encouraging environment. Arts and Sciences competitions are an invaluable way to meet the greater A&S community of Avacal.

Shire and Baronial level competitions are best for those just beginning to explore arts and sciences. They can be a great introduction to the requirements of research, documentation and presentation. Shire and Baronial Championship level competitions are generally a bit more advanced on the documentation side.

Kingdom level competition exists to determine the Avacal Champion of Arts & Sciences. This level has a greater requirement for research, documentation and presentation. It is also an option to enter for the feedback alone.

All who participate in A&S competitions should do so with the understanding the even though it is a competition there are far more reasons to enter than just to win something. In entering you are showing support for your shire, barony and kingdom. You are acting as an advocate for the greater A&S community and you are becoming a source of inspiration within the kingdom.

Demos and Displays
So, maybe you want to share what you are working on but don’t at this time have the desire to enter an A&S competition. Participating in a demo or display can be an equally inspiring way to support the A&S community at all levels without the need for documentation.

Links

 * See also: Avacal A&S Officers
 * See also: Kingdom Arts and Sciences Championship
 * See also: Order of the Laurel