Sparks of Inspiration: A Welding Series with Louisa

Written By Beth White

This fall, a wonderful group of our builders gathered for a three-evening welding course at the Northwest Career & Technical Center with our beloved mentor and welding guru, Louisa. True to form, sparks flew in all the best ways. Over the course of three evenings, Anna, Layla, Granny, Sammie, Clover, Axley, Granny’s niece, and others suited up, learned new techniques, and turned junk metal into all kinds of imaginative creations. There were many delightful winter-themed treasures in the mix—little metal people, snowy scenes, ornaments, trees, and handmade gifts that were full of spunk and personality. Louisa flexed her talent and made us some movable creations on which we could display our wares at the upcoming BETA Makers Faire.

What was especially exciting was seeing how far this thread of welding has already begun to travel in the lives of our girls. Sammie has taken her welding to the next level, sharing her creations with her elementary school class and sparking so much excitement that classmates began placing orders for sculptures of their own. Chenzy has now been asked to weld a sculpture for her 8th grade graduation school garden, which feels like such a meaningful vote of confidence in her talent. And Axley recently earned 3rd place at the Champlain Valley Fair last summer after entering her dragon sculpture she made in one of our sessions.

Opportunities like these matter, more than teach technique, these experiences help girls see themselves as makers, artists, problem-solvers, and skilled tradeswomen. It gives them another way to work with their hands, shape something from almost nothing—from what someone had in their junk pile—and bring a little beauty and SPRK into the world. We are grateful to Louisa and cannot wait for our next welding session.

Beth White

Education Possibilitarian, Artist, Writer, Doula, Mentor, Aviatrix, Breast Cancer Survivor, Pilot-in-Command at Habitat for Aviation

Born and raised in Vermont, Beth worked in a variety of schools in New England, including The Met, which is Big Picture Learning, flagship public high school in Providence, Rhode Island. After a decade in the classroom, Beth returned to the University of Vermont to earn a PhD in educational leadership and policy studies. She is an education possibilitarian, artist, a writer, a Doula, a mentor and aviatrix and most recently, after winning a tough battle with breast cancer, Beth founded Habitat for Aviation to inspire the next generation of airplane mechanics, avionics, specialists and pilots.

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