Arts & Sciences

"Arts & Sciences" refers broadly to all arts and sciences practised in the Medieval and Renaissance periods, and in the SCA generally excludes combat/martial arts. The term is commonly abbreviated "A&S", though when speaking or writing formally, or when speaking to a non-SCA audience, this abbreviation is best avoided.

A distinction commonly given between "arts" and "sciences" is that an "art" is an activity where the practitioner creates unique items, and a "science" is an activity where a series of very similar products is produced. For example, pewter casting is commonly defined as a science, whereas carving molds for pewter casting is an art. This distinction is a blurry one at best, however. Cooking, for example has elements of both art and science.

The Arts & Sciences office is responsible for facilitating the education of people both within and outside the SCA in the arts and sciences of the Medieval and Renaissance periods.

A&S Kingdom Officers & Groups

• Minister of Arts and Sciences
• Chancellor of Collegium Caidis
• Deputy Minister of Combat Studies
• Ars Caidis
• Pentathlon

Arts & Sciences Include

Nearly every member of the Kingdom practices one or more Art or Science, which are nearly as diverse as the populace. Below is an incomplete list of Arts and Sciences practiced:

• Bardic Arts (vocal and instrumental music, poetry, storytelling, etc.)
• Brewing (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages)
• Costuming (sewing, tailoring, haberdashery, cobbling, etc.)
• Culinary Arts (cooking, redacting, sotelties, etc.)
• Dance (researching, teaching and performing dances)
• Fiber Arts (spinning, weaving, embroidery, dyeing, rope-making, etc.)
• Heraldic Art (flags and banners, emblazoning armor, etc.)
• Metal Arts (armoring, weapon-making, casting, blacksmithing, etc.)
• Research
• Scribal Arts (calligraphy, illumination, bookbinding, etc.)
• Wood Arts (furniture-making, carving, pyrography, etc.)

Appreciation Tokens

Greetings, Angels!

There has been interest and curiosity regarding appreciation tokens - particularly in giving them in A&S competitions (such as the upcoming Pentathalon).

Here are some answers to various questions I've gotten about tokens -

• What exactly is an Appreciation Token?
  • They are a material symbol of your thanks and admiration. A pretty trinket to remind the recipient that their work was appreciated by someone, that their craft and art has made someone's day brighter. The token itself can be as 'minor' as a piece of candy or a shiny bead, or as elaborate as a cast coin with the giver's own badge and motto on it.

• Is it just Laurels who can give them out?
  • No. Anyone can give out a token, just as anyone can go up to a person and tell them, 'thank you', or 'awesome job'.

• Do I have to make them myself?
  • While I find it fun to make my own, tokens do not have to be made by the person giving them, or even be handmade. Small candies are a common token often given out. If you don't want to risk something edible, there are plenty of other items that can be bought, ranging up and down the expense scale. Some of the first things I bought so as to have a few appreciation tokens on hand were jewelry pendants found at Michaels on clearance. Beads are another common token to hand out, and those can also be found without digging too deeply into your pocket. Then, there are many artesian who can custom make tokens for you by commission- cast coins, clay tiles, stamped leather, etc. Quite simply, if you are unable to make tokens, there are plenty of other options at hand that will be appreciated and treasured by the recipient.

• Are they just for Arts and Sciences competitions?
  • Certainly not! They can be given as a 'thank you' to the young man who helps you pack up your camp. They can be given as a 'welcome' to the brand-new SCA member being introduced to her Baron and Baroness for the first time. Any time you think someone deserves a special token to commemorate a particular moment, it is a souvenir for the recipient to hold on to long after that moment has passed.

• What are things I can give out?
  • You are limited only by your imagination! (And by the size and weight of what you want to carry.) Aside from the ideas mentioned above, here are other items I've seen given out: medieval rubber duckies, calling cards with personal written comments, bits of kumihimo cord tied in pretty knots, origami figures, antique game pieces, and jewelry charms. I've even seen appreciation tokens left behind by a child- craft 'popsicle' sticks brightly decorated with markers.

I hope this helps to answer people's questions. Of course, the greatest appreciation 'token' a person can always give is a sincere, heartfelt, "Thank you so much for doing this!".

YIS

~Lady Arianna Foxford, Minister (most sinister) of Arts and Sciences.

Comme Un Renard (Come to the Art Side. We have cookies!)

February 26, 2013

More Information

• Official A&S Web Site

Research Resources in Caid lists modern resources such as museum exhibits and lectures. Updated semi-annually.

Officers of Caid
Offices: Crown, Arts & Sciences, Chatelaine, Chronicler, Constable, Exchequer, Herald, Lists, Marshal, Seneschal, Webwright, Youth Officer Groups: Army, College of Heralds, College of Scribes, Collegium Caidis, Crown Prints, Newcomers Guild, Water Bearer Guild Other Information: Caidan Law, Greater Officer of State, Lesser Officer of State, Guilds, Officer Hierarchy, Privy Council