Metals

Metals Workshops at Penland

Penland offers intensive workshops of varying lengths, taught by visiting instructors in our well-equipped studios. Class topics include jewelry design and fabrication, metalsmithing, casting, working with pewter, setting stones, enameling, etching, forging, and more. Workshops are open to serious students of all levels unless specified in course description; beginners welcome.

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  • Please read this note about our session schedules.

NOTE: The upper metals studio has stairs that compromise access. It is made partially accessible by a stair lift.

Metals Spring Concentration
March 3 – April 26, 2024 (8 Weeks)
Lola Brooks
All You Can Eat: The Blue Plate Special

This workshop will be a feast of technical and conceptual investigation in the metals studio. Students will have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of techniques while working toward a deeper understanding of their own interests in making small objects and jewelry. Focusing on fabrication, we’ll whet our appetites by investigating hollow and wire construction, repetitive elements as structure, forming, mechanisms, and stonesetting. We’ll continue the tasting menu with a week of wax carving and lost-wax casting with guest instructor Suzanne Pugh. Finally for dessert, we’ll sample the delights of color as we explore the basics of working with vitreous enamel. All levels. Upper metals studio. Note: this workshop takes place in a studio that has stairs that compromise access. It is made partially accessible by a stair lift.

This workshop takes place in a ground-level studio with compromised access. It is made partially accessible by a stair lift. 

Studio artist; teaching: University of Georgia, Cranbrook (MI), Rhode Island School of Design, University of the Arts (Philadelphia); collections: Rhode Island School of Design Museum, Yale University Art Gallery (CT), Museum of Arts and Design (NYC), Metropolitan Museum (NYC); representation Sienna Patti Contemporary (MA).

@dolorescanard

Lola Brooks, Narcissuses, stainless steel chain, 14k solder, mid-20th century shell cameos, coral, stainless steel, 14k gold, 2 x 2-1/4 x 1-1/4 inches
Lola Brooks, Narcissuses, stainless steel chain, 14k solder, mid-20th century shell cameos, coral, stainless steel, 14k gold, 2 x 2-1/4 x 1-1/4 inches
Metals – Spring Short Session
April 28 – May 3, 2024 (4 studio days)
Eliana Arenas
Pop, Pop, Pop!

Students in this workshop will experiment with nontraditional coloring techniques and create a wearable jewelry piece. We’ll embrace low-cost color treatments such as powder coating, flocking, spray paint, colored pencils, and alternative materials to create rich, engaging jewelry—no need for expensive equipment. Demonstrations will include sawing, filing, cold connections, soldering, and tab settings. All levels. Lower metals studio. 

Studio Artist: teaching: Arrowmont (TN), Winthrop University (SC), New Mexico State University, University of Texas at El Paso, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez (Mexico): published in the Compendium Finale of Contemporary Jewellers, 500 Pendants and Lockets, 500 Earrings, 500 Necklaces, 1000 Rings, and 500 Paper Objects; representation: Ombré Gallery (OH), Baltimore Jewelry Center (MD).

eliarenas.com | @eliarenasjewelry

Eliana Arenas, Composition #2, oxidized sterling silver, brass, tin can, spray paint, rubber cord, silk thread, powder coating, 4 x 3 x 1/4 inches
Eliana Arenas, Composition #2, oxidized sterling silver, brass, tin can, spray paint, rubber cord, silk thread, powder coating, 4 x 3 x 1/4 inches
METALS – SUMMER SESSION 1
May 26-31, 2024 (4 STUDIO DAYS)
Everett Hoffman
Sitting and Setting 

Explore all the ways that metal and nonmetallic materials can be used to create one-of-a-kind settings that will hold your precious materials—from gemstones to found objects. We will cover the basic steps for making prong, tab, and flush settings, as well as settings made with alternative materials. We will also explore ways to set odd-shaped stones and objects. Students will learn and expand on the techniques of soldering, cutting, and finishing, and will leave with one or two completed pieces. All levels. Upper metals studio. Note: this workshop takes place in a studio that has stairs that compromise access. It is made partially accessible by a stair lift.

Studio artist, curator, writer; teaching: Rhode Island School of Design, Appalachian State University (NC), Virginia Commonwealth University; residencies: Arrowmont (TN), Baltimore Jewelry Center, Penland Resident Artist Program; exhibitions: Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, Contemporary Craft Museum (Pittsburgh), Soil Gallery (Seattle), Benaki Museum (Athens); writing published in Metalsmith and Art Jewelry Forum; work featured in Metalsmith and Jewelry and Metalsmithing Survey.

everetthoffman.net | @everetthoffman
January 15 – Regular enrollment opens

Everett Hoffman, I Believe in You, bronze, vintage rhinestones, light fittings, 12 x 12 x 4 inches
Everett Hoffman, I Believe in You, bronze, vintage rhinestones, light fittings, 12 x 12 x 4 inches
METALS – SUMMER SESSION 1
May 26-31, 2024 (4 STUDIO DAYS)
Sarah Doremus
The Stories We Tell

Much of art is about storytelling, and everyone has a story. This workshop will explore techniques for creating objects that express your story. You will start with a keepsake—a button, your child’s tooth, or a rock from a favorite place—that you will transform into something wonderful by integrating it into a piece of jewelry. We will work with copper, silver, and brass and employ cold connections, including rivets, tabs, prongs, screws, and resin. We will experiment with galvanic etching to transfer words and images to metal and use diamond drills to integrate stone and glass. Finished pieces do not have to be jewelry, but we will strive to create compositions that tell stories in wearable forms. Beginning level. Lower metals studio. 

Studio artist, elementary school art teacher; other teaching: Peter’s Valley (NJ), Arrowmont (TN), Metalwerx (MA), Idyllwild (CA), Penland; exhibitions: Reinterpreting the Kylix (traveling), Metal Museum (TN); collection: Arkansas Art Center; publications: Lark 500 series, Humor in Craft. 

sarahdoremus.com
January 15 – Regular enrollment opens

Sarah Doremus, Barbie Meets Sisyphus, sterling silver, Barbie hand, cubic zirconia, cork, 5 x 1 x 3 inches
Sarah Doremus, Barbie Meets Sisyphus, sterling silver, Barbie hand, cubic zirconia, cork, 5 x 1 x 3 inches
METALS – SUMMER SESSION 2
June 2-14, 2024 (11 STUDIO DAYS)
Melanie Eddy
Exploring Form: Design to Metal 

This workshop will use visual exploration and illustration to create concepts for sculptural jewelry forms. We will begin with observational drawing and sketching, learning to see and record in a way that supports abstraction. Through iterative design and illustration techniques, students will curate a small collection of jewelry forms and turn them into 3D explorations in wax before refining their ideas down to a select few to cast and hand finish. While the emphasis will be on working from concept to design and moving from 2D to 3D, students can expect to complete two or three pieces in metal. Some lost-wax casting experience will be helpful, but this workshop is open to all levels. Upper metals studio. Note: This workshop takes place in a studio that has stairs that compromise access. It is made partially accessible by a stair lift.

Studio artist; teaching: Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design (UK), University for the Creative Arts (UK), Morley College (UK); Crafts Council Maker Trustee (UK), director of Association for Contemporary Jewellery (UK); collections: Victoria and Albert Museum (London), Spencer Museum of Art (KS), Goldsmiths Company collection (UK); US representation: Sotheby’s (NYC), Marissa Collections (FL), Mahnaz Collection (NYC); publications: Vogue, British Vogue, Forbes, Vanity Fair, New York Times.

melanieeddy.co.uk | @mne_eddy
J
anuary 15 – Regular enrollment opens

Melanie Eddy, Faceted Rings, Goldsmiths’ Company Collection, sterling silver, platinum, 1-1/8 x 7/8 x 3/4 inches
Melanie Eddy, Faceted Rings, Goldsmiths’ Company Collection, sterling silver, platinum, 1-1/8 x 7/8 x 3/4 inches
Wax
METALS – SUMMER SESSION 2
June 2-14, 2024 (11 STUDIO DAYS)
Mallory Weston
Vibrant Color and Titanium Anodizing

Titanium anodizing will introduce a bold new color palette into your jewelry and metalwork. This workshop will be an introduction to reactive metals and the electrochemical process of anodizing. Students will learn several methods for adding color, pattern, and imagery to titanium components and how to integrate them into larger pieces of jewelry. We will discuss how other artists have used anodizing in their work and how to plan and problem-solve projects from beginning to end. Demonstrations will cover an array of anodizing techniques as well as jewelry making skills such as piercing, riveting, soldering, and hydraulic press forming. Students will make two prompt-based projects and have the opportunity to exercise their new skills in an open-ended project of their choice. All levels. Lower metals studio. 

Associate professor at Tyler School of Art and Architecture (Philadelphia); 2022 Art Jewelry Forum Young Artist Award; collections: Rhode Island School of Design Museum, Museum of Arts and Design (NYC), Dallas Museum of Art, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Design Museum den Bosch (Netherlands), CODA Museum (Netherlands); representation: Sienna Patti Contemporary (MA). 

malloryweston.com | @_mallory_weston_
January 15 – Regular enrollment opens

Mallory Weston, Variegated Wormhole Necklace #2, anodized titanium, leather, cotton, 24 x 9 x 2 inches
Mallory Weston, Variegated Wormhole Necklace #2, anodized titanium, leather, cotton, 24 x 9 x 2 inches
METALS – SUMMER SESSION 3
June 16-28, 2024 (11 STUDIO DAYS)
Jina Seo
Identity and Material Exploration

This workshop will explore ways of combining metal components with other materials to create wearable pieces that express your interests, identity, and representation of the body. We will explore deconstructing and constructing various kinds of materials: raw materials, industrial and domestic items, natural components, old and used objects, etc. Students are encouraged to bring materials from home. Technical information will include soldering, various pin mechanisms, and  cold connections such as rivets and tab settings. We will also cover the basics of photographing your work. All levels. Upper metals studio. Note: this workshop takes place in a studio that has stairs that compromise access. It is made partially accessible by a stair lift.

Associate professor at Missouri State University; residencies: Penland Winter Residency (NC), Arrowmont Pentaculum (TN), Smitten Forum at Pocosin Arts (NC); recent exhibitions: Gallery Baum (Korea), Baltimore Jewelry Center (MD), New York City Jewelry Week (NY), Contemporary Craft (PA), Penland Gallery; collection: Mint Museum (NC).

 jinaseo.com | @jinaseo_jewelry 
January 15 – Regular enrollment opens

Jina Seo, Mow the Lawn, shower cloth, enamel, copper, sterling silver, thread, 2-3/4 x 3-3/4 x 1-3/4 inches
Jina Seo, Mow the Lawn, shower cloth, enamel, copper, sterling silver, thread, 2-3/4 x 3-3/4 x 1-3/4 inches
METALS/IRON– SUMMER SESSION 3
June 16-28, 2024 (11 STUDIO DAYS)
Sarah Holden
Steel for Jewelers: From Mild to Wild

Students in this workshop will explore steel at the scale of jewelry. Our first focus will be fabrication as we discuss the differences between soldering, brazing, and welding and experiment with all of them. Students will then be able to create sheets of patterned steel with wire and/or make jewelry and/or small objects from steel sheet. We will cover pattern development and material behavior and discuss creative linkages, surface design, preservation techniques, and incorporating steel into jewelry designs. All levels. Lower metals studio. 

Studio artist; teaching: Chicago Industrial Arts and Design Center, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Evanston Art Center (IL), Lillstreet Art Center (IL); Illinois Arts Council Individual Artist Grant (IL); exhibitions: Fuller Craft Museum (MA), Specific Gravity (NY), Quirk Gallery (VA), Penland Gallery (NC); representation: Baltimore Jewelry Center (MD), Equinox Gallery (TX), Gallery 2052 (IL), Ombre Gallery (OH); collections: Mint Museum (NC), Racine Art Museum (WI). 

sarahholdenmetalsmithing.com | @holdensc
January 15 – Regular enrollment opens

Sarah Holden, Mother of Pearl, mild steel, sterling silver, 10 x 10 x 1/4 inches
Sarah Holden, Mother of Pearl, mild steel, sterling silver, 10 x 10 x 1/4 inches
METALS – SUMMER SESSION 4
June 30-July 12, 2024 (11 STUDIO DAYS)
Helen Elliott
Drawn and Painted Marks in Liquid Enamel

This workshop will focus on the experimental use of liquid enamels on copper and porcelain-coated steel, encouraging creative risks and the use of playful, intuitive mark-making. Guided by daily demonstrations, fun exercises, and personalized attention, students will focus on the unique characteristics of drawn and painted marks in enamel. We will explore a variety of techniques—including sgraffito, printing, stenciling, and altering the surface of copper foil—to produce a series of fired explorations. These pieces can be mounted for presentation or finished later as jewelry. All levels. Upper metals studio. Note: this workshop takes place in a studio that has stairs that compromise access. It is made partially accessible by a stair lift.

Studio artist; teaching: Kent State University (OH), Towson University (MD); Pratt Fine Arts Center (Seattle), Arrowmont (TN), Enamelist Society, KVO Industries (CA); Ohio Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship; collections: Arkansas Museum of Art, Crocker Art Museum (CA), Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Yale Museum of Art (CT).

More information about Helen Elliott

January 15 – Regular enrollment opens

Helen Elliott, Explorations 2023, steel, copper, enamel
Helen Elliott, Explorations 2023, steel, copper, enamel
METALS – SUMMER SESSION 4
June 30-July 12, 2024 (11 STUDIO DAYS)
Pierce Healy
Engraving Escapades and Metal Tattoos

Ever since humankind crawled from the swamp to stand upright, we have been making marks and scratching and scaring the earth’s crust and our own skin, whether marking territory, adorning, or storytelling. Do you want to become a link in the chain of curious storytelling mark makers? The aim of this workshop is not just to develop a basic understanding of the tools, techniques, and materials of hand engraving but also to experiment and harness engraving creatively. Once you have a basic grasp of the tools, you will unleash them on copper and alternative materials: wax, wood, coconut, plastic, and anything else that will capture your designs and stories. We will also cover sharpening, geometry, holding devices, and image transfers. Students are welcome to bring materials and objects they would like to engrave. All levels, beginners welcome. Lower metals studio. 

Studio artist; teaching: Pierce Healy Studio (Dublin), National College of Art and Design (Dublin), K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery (London); residencies: SIM (Iceland), Arteles Center (Finland), National College of Art and Design (Dublin); exhibitions: National Craft Gallery (Ireland), The Scottish Gallery, Solomon Gallery (Dublin), Velvet da Vinci (San Francisco).

piercehealystudio.com | @piercehealystudio

A short Pierce Healy video

January 15 – Regular enrollment opens

Pierce Healy, Stable Meal, silver, copper, tin, found objects, 4 x 8 x 2 inches
Pierce Healy, Stable Meal, silver, copper, tin, found objects, 4 x 8 x 2 inches
PHOTO/MIXED MEDIA – SUMMER SESSION 4
June 30-July 12, 2024 (11 STUDIO DAYS)
Sally Van Gorder
Photographing Your Work: Documentation for Artists

Photographic records are essential to every art practice. They can describe a work, provide an exhibition view, supply installation instructions, ensure accurate color for print reproduction, or communicate the character of a practice.They can also express an aesthetic and convey a narrative. This workshop considers the many contexts in which these images are made and used. We will work digitally and explore the technical requirements for quality pictures. Demonstrations will cover camera control, natural and artificial lighting, and post-production workflows, including color correction, retouching, file output, and storage. We will cover everything you need to get the best images of your work from the conditions and equipment you’re working with, whether you have a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or cell phone. This workshop is for any art/craft practitioner wanting to photograph their work. All levels. Photography studio.

Professor at North Carolina State University; other teaching: Virginia Commonwealth University (Qatar), Oregon College of Art and Craft, Pacific Northwest College of Art (OR); residencies: Brightwork Fellow at Anchorlight (NC); exhibitions: North Carolina Museum of Art, Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (NC), Contemporary Art Museum (NC).

sallyvangorder.com | @sallyvangorder
January 15 – Regular enrollment opens

Sally Van Gorder, Setup for Precious Lovell documentation
Sally Van Gorder, Setup for Precious Lovell documentation
Sally Van Gorder, Setup for Precious Lovell documentation Precious Lovell, WangariMaathai, photograph by Sally Van Gorder
Precious Lovell, WangariMaathai, photograph by Sally Van Gorder
METALS – SUMMER SESSION 5
July 14-26, 2024 (11 STUDIO DAYS)
Mary Hallam Pearse
Jewelry Journey: Lost and Found 

Learn the ancient art of lost-wax casting (and more) in this fast-paced workshop. We will begin by venturing down the road of direct casting from hard and soft wax, small-scale plastic objects, and anything tiny and combustible we gather along the way. From there we will navigate through rubber and plaster mold making. As we travel, you will be encouraged to merge and mix parts to create new forms. Although we will take the scenic route, you will know you have arrived when you have an understanding of centrifugal and vacuum casting, the ability to make multiples, an array of experiments, and a finished piece. We will also cover the basics of sawing, soldering, and finishing. All levels. Upper metals studio. Note: this workshop takes place in a studio that has stairs that compromise access. It is made partially accessible by a stair lift.

Associate professor at Lamar Dodd School of Art, University of Georgia; other teaching: Anderson Ranch (CO), 92nd Street Y (NYC), Kent State University (OH), Penland; exhibitions: Rhode Island College, Sieriaad: International Contemporary Jewellery Fair (Amsterdam); representation: J. Cotter Gallery (CO); publications: Metalsmith, Ornament, American Craft.

More about Mary Hallam Pearse

January 15 – Regular enrollment opens

Mary Hallam Pearse, It Takes Two, sterling silver, pearls, 3 x 2-1/2 x 1-1/2 inches
Mary Hallam Pearse, It Takes Two, sterling silver, pearls, 3 x 2-1/2 x 1-1/2 inches
METALS – SUMMER SESSION 5
July 14-26, 2024 (11 STUDIO DAYS)
Anika Smulovitz
Adorning the Body

Interested in exploring unusual adornment? Curious about how material choices and placement can add content to your wearable artwork? In creating art for the body, we can examine content in a powerful and meaningful way that uses the body to activate the objects we create. As we make new works of adornment, we will consider the negative spaces on the body, how the body moves, and how wearable objects can accentuate or restrict that movement. We will play with site-specificity, kinetic elements, and material explorations. Technical instruction will support student interests and may include techniques such as sawing, filing, soldering, riveting, forming, etc. The emphasis will be on process, experimentation, and developing your work. A willingness to explore new ways of interpreting adornment is essential. All levels. Lower metals studio. 

Professor at Boise State University; Idaho Arts Commission Fellowship; artisan member of the Society of American Silversmiths; exhibitions: Chrysler Museum (VA), AdornAxis NYC Jewelry Week, Fuller Craft Museum (MA), Museo del Gioiello (Italy), Reinstein/Ross (NYC), Metal Museum (TN), Bellevue Arts Museum (WA); collections: Jewish Museum (NYC), Boise State University (ID), Barr Foundation (MA). 

anikasmulovitz.com | @anika.smulovitz

January 15 – Regular enrollment open

Anika Smulovitz, Body in Motion Study #3, sterling silver, 18k gold, transparency film, 6 x 3-1/4 x 1/8 inches
Anika Smulovitz, Body in Motion Study #3, sterling silver, 18k gold, transparency film, 6 x 3-1/4 x 1/8 inches
METALS – SUMMER SESSION 6
July 28-August 9, 2024 (11 STUDIO DAYS)
Sun Kyoung Kim
Wire to Wire

In this workshop we will experiment with wire construction techniques as though we are line drawing in three-dimensional space. While exploring shapes and forms, students will create unique jewelry and small sculptures using different kinds of wire, including steel, copper, and silver. We will cover a range of techniques, including basic jewelry making methods, cold connections, color application, and soldering. Some metals experience will be helpful, but this workshop is open to all levels. Upper metals studio. Note: this workshop takes place in a studio that has stairs that compromise access. It is made partially accessible by a stair lift.

Associate professor at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale; exhibitions: Museum of Jewelry (Italy), Marion Cage Gallery (New Orleans), Ingham Chapman Gallery (NM), Appalachian Center for Craft (TN), Morton J. May Foundation Gallery (St. Louis), Larson Gallery (WA), Leeds Gallery at Earlham College (IN), Wayne Art Center (PA), Hughes Gallery (IL), Signature Gallery (Atlanta).

sunkyoungkim.com 
January 15 – Regular enrollment opens

Sun Kyoung Kim, Finger 03, sterling silver, 2-1/4 x 2-1/4 x 2 inches
Sun Kyoung Kim, Finger 03, sterling silver, 2-1/4 x 2-1/4 x 2 inches
METALS – SUMMER SESSION 6
July 28-August 9, 2024 (11 STUDIO DAYS)
Logan Woodle
Raised and Formed Vessels

In this workshop students will explore raising and hammer forming in copper, brass, and pewter. We will begin by sketching on paper and in clay. Based on these designs, we will create templates and form metal vessels through sinking and symmetrical and asymmetrical raising processes. Other topics will include tool and hammer customization, exploiting the functional differences in a variety of metals, and delving into what it means to have a safe and sustainable studio practice. All levels. Lower metals studio. 

Associate professor and chair of visual art at Coastal Carolina University (SC); other teaching: Pocosin Arts (NC), Craft Alliance (St. Louis), Metalwerx (MA); exhibitions: Fuller Craft Museum (MA), Dairy Barn Arts Center (OH), Lander Fine Art Gallery (SC), Foundry Art Center (MO), “40 Under 40; The Next Generation of American Metal Artists” at Metal Museum (TN). 

loganwoodle.com | @LoganWoodleMetalsmith
January 15 – Regular enrollment opens

Logan Woodle, Pot Liquor Teapot, sterling silver, red brass, 9-1/2 x 9 x 5 inches
Logan Woodle, Pot Liquor Teapot, sterling silver, red brass, 9-1/2 x 9 x 5 inches
WOOD/MIXED MEDIA– SUMMER SESSION 6
July 28-August 9, 2024 (11 STUDIO DAYS)
Annie Evelyn
Interconnection: Not Just for Woodworkers

The wood class that’s not just for woodworkers! This introductory class is designed to help you incorporate a pre-existing object or material into a table or stool. Is it clay? glass? metal? wood? fiber? found object? Don’t have anything yet? We’ll find something when you arrive. The interconnection of two materials creates an exciting opportunity for creativity and problem-solving. You will learn to safely use the jointer, planer, table saw, bandsaw, mortiser, Festool Domino, router, and various hand tools. Class vibes: having fun, supporting each other, and celebrating accomplishments. All levels. Wood studio.

Assistant professor at Virginia Commonwealth University; development director and co-founder of Crafting the Future; residencies: Penland Resident Artist Program, Windgate Resident Artist at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI), San Diego State University, Wornick Distinguished Visiting Professor at California College of the Arts; exhibitions: Center for Craft (NC), Tacoma Glass Museum (WA), Fuller Craft Museum (MA) Center for Art in Wood (PA).

annieevelyn.com | @annie_evelyn_furniture
January 15 – Regular enrollment opens

Annie Evelyn, Windsor Flower Chair, ash, glass vials, fresh flowers, 40 x 28 x 26 inches
Annie Evelyn, Windsor Flower Chair, ash, glass vials, fresh flowers, 40 x 28 x 26 inches
METALS – SUMMER SESSION 7
August 11-16, 2024 (4 STUDIO DAYS)
Xinia Guan
Origami-Style Metal Fabrication

This workshop will explore ideas and techniques for combining the ancient art of origami with modern metalworking. We will transform flat sheets of copper or silver into intricate and structurally complex, three-dimensional shapes. As students learn a bit about the history and evolution of origami and begin to apply its principles to metalwork, they will develop an understanding of metal properties, structural mechanics, and the technical aspects of cutting and folding metal. Techniques will include sawing, piercing, soldering, and finishing processes. Basic metalworking skills will be helpful but this workshop is open to all levels. Upper metals studio. Note: this workshop takes place in a studio that has stairs that compromise access. It is made partially accessible by a stair lift.

Studio artist; teaching assistant at Savannah College of Art and Design (GA); recent exhibitions: Smithsonian Craft Show (Washington, D.C.), Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show (PA); representation: Charon Kransen Arts (NYC).

xiniaguan.com | @xiniaguan.jewelry
January 15 – Regular enrollment opens

Xinia Guan, Flatland X, oxidized sterling silver, 23k gold, stainless steel, 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 x 1/2 inches
Xinia Guan, Flatland X, oxidized sterling silver, 23k gold, stainless steel, 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 x 1/2 inches
Processed with VSCO with al1 preset
METALS – SUMMER SESSION 7
August 11-16, 2024 (4 STUDIO DAYS)
Kirk Lang
Touch and Go

Would you like to add movement to your artwork? What if you could make an object that mimics the flapping wings of a bird, a flower blossoming, or a model of the earth rotating around the sun? Why imply movement in your work when you can actually make your work move! This workshop will explore the transformative power of motion and offer a unique perspective on how to generate movement in jewelry and small-scale sculpture. Students are invited to bring their own ideas, materials, and projects, but they will also be exposed to new project ideas and methodologies specific to kinetic mechanisms. Technical information will include wire work, riveting, tap and die, pressure fitting, machining, and soldering. Intermediate level: no experience with kinetic work is needed, but basic sawing, filing, and soldering skills are required. Lower metals studio. 

Studio artist; teaching: Metalwerx (MA), Lillstreet Arts Center (IL), Flux Metal Arts (OH), Danaca Design (WA); Artist Trust/Washington State Arts Commission Fellowship, Saul Bell Design Award; collections: Metal Museum (TN), Hallie Ford Museum (OR); representation: Facèré Jewelry Art Gallery. 

kirklang.com | @kirk_lang
Videos of Kirk’s kinetic work
January 15 – Regular enrollment opens

Kirk Lang, Constellation 9 (Pictor Minor), mixed metals, custom electronics, drawing easel component, 12 x 32 x 6 inches
Kirk Lang, Constellation 9 (Pictor Minor), mixed metals, custom electronics, drawing easel component, 12 x 32 x 6 inches
METALS – FALL SHORT SESSION
SEPTEMBER 22 – 27, 2024 (4 STUDIO DAYS)
Joanna Gollberg
Setting the Trap

Using fabrication methods and proper soldering techniques, students will learn to make a variety of settings to trap objects in their jewelry. We’ll cover bezels, prongs, tabs, tube settings, balling wire to hold items in place, and professional bead stringing and knotting. These techniques along with in-depth soldering techniques will help students add colorful and interesting gemstones or found objects to their work. Students can work from assignments or they can bring ideas for jewelry designs they want to complete. Soldering experience will be helpful, but this workshop is open to all levels. Upper metals studio.

Notes:

  • We will only be using a torch with two gases, such as the Smith Little Torch or the Meco. Be prepared to have a mind-blowing experience working with this tool!
  • This workshop takes place in a studio with stairs that compromise access. It is made partially accessible by a stair lift. 

Studio artist; twenty years selling her work at craft and jewelry galleries and fine craft shows; teaching; Craftsy.com, Arrowmont (TN), Haystack (ME), Penland; author of Making Metal Jewelry, Creative Metal Crafts, The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry, and The Ultimate Jeweler’s Guide (all published by Lark Books); other publications: Metalsmith, Ornament, 21st Century Jewelry (Sterling), 500 Wedding Rings (Lark Books).

joannagollberg.com | @joannagollberg

gollberg
METALS – FALL CONCENTRATION
SEPTEMBER 29 – NOVEMBER 8, 2024 (6 weeks)
Aran Galligan
From Tradition to Exploration 

Starting with the fundamentals of jewelry fabrication, stone/object setting, and vitreous enamels, we’ll delve into a diverse world of techniques, from traditional to exploratory methods. Curiosity will be encouraged as we navigate the vast landscape of jewelry making. As we progress, students will select and combine techniques that resonate with them, culminating in designing and crafting functional jewelry and wearable art. Experimentation and repetition will foster a deeper understanding of materials. 

Technical information may include sawing, soldering, riveting, cold connections, filing, polishing, patinas, findings, chain making, hollow construction, texturing, roller printing, metal etching, enameling, and bezel, tube, and flush settings. All levels. Upper metals studio.

Note: this workshop takes place in a studio with stairs that compromise access. It is made partially accessible by a stair lift. 

Studio artist, owner of Aide-mémoire jewelry company and store (Seattle); teaching: SUNY New Paltz (NY), North Seattle College, Penland, Contemporary Craft (PA), Danaca Design (WA); exhibitions: Schmuck (Germany), Gallery Marzee (Netherlands), NSC Art Gallery (WA), Bini Gallery (Australia), Bilk Gallery (Australia), Bellevue Arts Museum (WA), Velvet da Vinci (CA), Penland Gallery. 

aranmade.com | a-m.shop

Aran Galligan, Rock Rings, 14k yellow gold, sterling silver, lab-grown diamonds, beach rocks, 1 x 1 x 1 inches
Aran Galligan, Rock Rings, 14k yellow gold, sterling silver, lab-grown diamonds, beach rocks, 1 x 1 x 1 inches
METALS – FALL WEEKEND
OCTOBER 18 – 21, 2024
Ashley Buchanan
Let’s Powder Coat It!

Students in this workshop will learn to create a clean, durable, and colorful finish on jewelry or other small metal objects through the industrial process of powder coating. During the weekend we will cover the basic methods of application, experiment with alternative processes, and discuss the equipment needed to assemble a personal powder-coating set-up. This workshop will provide students with a practical and accessible finishing option that can be easily integrated into any studio practice. Bring finished pieces, unfinished projects, and lots of metal objects to powder coat. Beginning students can work with pre-cut metal shapes, simple wire drawings, or found metal objects. Come ready to work and play! All levels. Lower metals studio. 

Studio artist; teaching: Society for Contemporary Craft (Pittsburg), and The Art League (VA), Penland; multiple awards of excellence at high end craft shows around the US; exhibitions: Racine Art Museum (WI), Museum of Arts and Design (NYC), SOFA Chicago; publications: two 500 Series books (Lark Books), Metalsmith, American Craft (featured as short-listed artist for Emerging Voices Award). 

ashleybuchananjewelry.com | @ashleybuchananjewelry

Ashley Buchanan, Chain Silhouette Chain, hand-cut brass, sterling silver, powder coat, 20 inches long
Ashley Buchanan, Chain Silhouette Chain, hand-cut brass, sterling silver, powder coat, 20 inches long