B.A. Sunderlin Bellfoundry Apprenticeship
2021-12-09 • Sharlene Lee
Over the summer break, four students and one recent alum of the BFA in Studio Art program completed a monthlong paid apprenticeship at the B.A. Sunderlin Bellfoundry in Ruther Glen, Virginia.
Run by Ben Sunderlin, the foundry is the only traditional bell foundry making cast-bronze bells in the United States. The apprenticeship is a rigorous program where the apprentices—Bo Schmit, Lou Friedman, Maia Cousins, Kale Day, and Isolde Finney—learned myriad skills including woodworking, design, welding, fabrication, site-work, and foundry.
“I learned a ton about craft and fabrication, but even more valuable was the wonderful look we got into the history, culture, and current industry that revolves around bells,” Schmit said. “Ben is so passionate that it was a real treat to listen to him talk about his journey as an artist and grad student and how it led him to this business!”