Society of Gilders Presents
Conference 2026
June 15–19, 2026
American College of Building Arts • Charleston, SC
Your Conference Experience
Join us in Charleston for the only gathering of its kind in the world—gilders, artisans, artists, and tradespersons united in their dedication to gilding education.
Hands-On Classes
Learn directly from professional gilders in intimate workshop settings covering traditional and contemporary techniques. Sign up before May 15, 2026
Scholarship
Applications Closed
Lectures
Lectures by expert gilders on their work in restoration, decoration, and more. Lectures are open to all registered attendees.
Social Time
Social Time - Join us after class es for food and drink and end the week with a pop - up exhibit of gilding work
Hands-On Classes
Learn directly from professional gilders in intimate workshop settings covering traditional and contemporary techniques. Sign up before May 15, 2026
Lectures
Lectures by expert gilders on their work in restoration, decoration, and more. Lectures are open to all registered attendees.
Social Time
Social Time - Join us after class es for food and drink and end the week with a pop - up exhibit of gilding work
Conference Schedule
Check in for conference on Sunday evening 5-7:30 PM in the Moxy Hotel lobby.
Conference Classes
Select from specialized workshops taught by master gilders. Classes are sold separately from conference registration.
Class registrations are now closed. See you in Charleston!
June 15–19 · Charleston, SC
Conference Registration
- You'll need an account to register. This links your registration to your profile so you can purchase classes.
Not a member? Join the Society of Gilders — membership starts at $100/year and pays for itself in registration savings alone.
Registration is Closed | ALL registration and class fees are non-refundable after May 15, 2026
American College of Building Arts
We return to the stunning ACBA campus in downtown Charleston—a fitting setting for artisans dedicated to preserving traditional crafts. The college’s workshops provide the perfect environment for hands-on learning.
Address: 649 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Parking: Parking available across the street
Airport: Charleston International (CHS) – 15 min
About American College of Building Arts
Founded in 2004, The American College of Building Arts stands out as the only college in the United States solely focused on teaching the craftsmanship and skills essential to the construction and preservation of buildings. Formerly a Trolley Barn, The ACBA stands as a beacon of tradition, innovation, and community in North Charleston, preserving heritage craftswhile preparing the next generation of artisans to shape the future of the building arts. We aregrateful and delighted to be able to hold our conference this year in such an incredible facility. Parking is available in a lot across from the ACBA for$4/hour or $8 for overnight parking(validuntil 7:00am the next morning)
Recommended Hotel
Moxy Hotel
SOG Group rate: $195/night
Last Day to Book at Group Rate: May 22, 2026
Use this Group rate code: SGI under the special rates drop down
Further Details
You can contact the hotel and make a reservation.+1 843-620-8300
Use this Group rate code: SGI under the special rates drop down
Room rates for doubles are $195 per night plus taxes and fees
Valet Parking: $35/day.
There is some street parking-park at your own risk.
We are looking for SOG guests with cars to help carpool or do rideshare.
Scholarship
The 2026 Scholarship is being funded by generous donors to the Sandra Spannan Educational Scholarship Fund
The Society of Gilders (SOG) is a non-profit educational organization devoted to the art and craft of gilding. Our mission is to preserve traditional gilding skills and techniques, and to promote the highest standards in the practice of gilding. The SOG offers scholarships to help defray education costs and support professional development of a SOG member in good standing. The scholarship is available to support expenses for a course and associated fees. This guideline page includes a description of criteria and scope of the scholarship, and submission instructions.
Scope of Scholarship
The scholarship consists of a waiver of the conference registration fee, tuition for one gilding course of up $800 (this does not include additional tools and materials students may be asked to bring).
This scholarship does not cover expenses for travel, accommodations or meals.
How to Apply
Awardee Responsibilities
The scholarship awardee will, within one year of receiving the scholarship, submit an article to the Gilders Tip journal, discussing their experience at Conference and how they have benefited from it.
Criteria
Applications must include:
- Coherence of the applicant’s goals in the gilding arts
- Chosen class and reasons for requesting it
- Qualifications of applicant
- Provide two signed letters of support
- Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously received SOG funding
- Completeness of application
Thank You To Our Sponsors
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