Metals Workshops at Penland
Penland offers 1 to 8-week workshops 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.
Register for Workshops
Workshops are open to serious students of all levels unless specified in course description; beginners welcome.
Summer scholarship information; summer scholarship application deadline is February 15.
Please read this note about our session schedules.
COVID-19 Safety Guidelines document.
NOTE: The upper metals studio has stairs that compromise access. It is made partially accessible by a stair lift.
METALS SUMMER SESSION 1
MAY 28–JUNE 2, 2023
Michael Nashef
Concreation
We’ll explore the use of alternative materials—particularly concrete/cement—in jewelry and small metal objects. Students will learn to use color dyes in conjunction with concrete to create colorful pieces. We’ll use traditional and advanced mold-making techniques with 3D-printed materials. We’ll also cover sawing, soldering, the basics of jewelry-making, and other processes as we explore and create unique designs. All levels. No 3D printing experience needed. Upper metals studio.
Studio artist, instructor at Western Michigan University; other teaching: Kendall College of Art and Design (MI), Kalamazoo Institute of Art (MI), Touchstone (PA); exhibitions: Museum of Arts and Design (NYC), Rhode Island I.M.A.G.I.N.E.s Peace, Metalwerx (MA), Lowell Arts Gallery (MI), Peninsula School of Art (WI), South Bend Museum of Art (IN); collection: Museum of Arts and Design (NYC); publications: Jewelry and Metals Survey, New Bracelets (Promopress).
METALS SUMMER SESSION 1
MAY 28–JUNE 2, 2023
Deb Karash
Introduction to Jewelry Fabrication
Exciting jewelry can be made in many ways with a vast array of materials, and without a lot of equipment. Each student will create a suite of mixed-metal jewelry (earrings, pendant, cuff bracelet) with an emphasis on creating well-crafted pieces that relate to each other. Our discussions will center on designing through simplification, abstraction, and creating interest with volume and texture. Working with copper, bronze, and silver, we’ll use cold connections to join metals and add nonmetallic materials like fabric, plastic, and wood. Beginning level. Lower metals studio.
Studio artist; teaching: Arrowmont (TN), Silvera Jewelry School (CA), Denver Jewelry Studio; exhibitions: Blowing Rock Museum of Art and History (NC), solo show at Wesleyan College (GA); publications: Penland Book of Jewelry; 500 Necklaces (Lark Books).
debkarash.com | @drawingonmetal
Featured in The Laurel of Asheville
METALS SUMMER SESSION 2
JUNE 4–16, 2023
Maya Kini
Hybrid Forms
This workshop will explore the idea of the hybrid through the medium of lost-wax casting. We’ll look at families of objects and discuss their histories and how to alter their narrative and function by interfering with their form. By combining wax with organic objects, plastic parts, and other combustible, small-scale found objects, we’ll create metal pieces that bring disparate elements together. Techniques will include centrifugal and vacuum casting, basic metal alloying, embedding gemstones, alginate molds, simple press molds, casting metal onto or into existing metal objects, and combining casting with fabrication to further hybridize our forms. All levels. Upper metals studio.
Studio artist; teaching: Sacramento City College (CA), California State University-Sacramento; American Craft Council Searchlight Fellow; exhibitions: Shibumi Gallery (CA), The Studio Gallery (San Francisco), Petaluma Art Center (CA), Facèré Jewelry Gallery (Seattle), Velvet da Vinci (San Francisco), Galerie Louis Smit (Amsterdam), Society of Arts and Crafts (Boston); publications: CAST (Schiffer), 500 Wedding Rings (Lark), 500 Enameled Objects (Lark).
METALS SUMMER SESSION 2
JUNE 4–16, 2023
Lynn Batchelder
Mark Making
Mark making is fundamental—it calls to mind communication, action, time, and presence. Through drawing exercises and exploring our surroundings, we’ll create, discover, document, and lift marks and textures as poetic and visual inspiration. Direct mark-making processes such as embossing, engraving, etching, and chasing, will be combined with simple tool making and rogue techniques to translate this information into metal. A range of samples will emerge in the first week. Through group dialogue, we’ll learn from each other’s experiments and discuss productive directions toward finished wearable pieces. All levels. Lower metals studio.
Associate professor at State University of New York-New Paltz; Art Jewelry Forum Artist Award; residencies: Arrowmont (TN), Haystack (ME), Women’s Studio Workshop (NY); representation: Gallery Loupe (NJ).
METALS SUMMER SESSION 3
JUNE 18–30, 2023
Kat Cole
Enamel: Ware and Wear
In this workshop students will make enamelware and/or enamel to wear. We’ll focus on construction techniques that will allow us to make and fire larger and more dynamic objects. Using basic forming and fabrication methods in copper and steel, each student will make a series (3+ pieces depending on scale and complexity) that focuses on the enameled surface. Metal techniques will include hand fabrication, silver soldering, hydraulic press, sinking, scoring and bending, and using a micro welder. Enamel techniques will include sifting, spraying, dipping, underglaze pigments, and finishing. All levels. Upper metals studio.
Note: the studio fee for this workshop is estimated at $200-225 per student.
Studio artist; teaching: Columbus State University (GA), Western Michigan University, East Carolina University (NC); collections: Yale Museum of Art (CT), The Museum of Arts and Design (NYC), Racine Art Museum (WI), Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Enamel Foundation (CA), Houston Museum of Fine Art; representation: Charon Kransen Arts (NYC), Mora Jewelry (NC), Form & Concept (NM), Penland Gallery.
METALS SUMMER SESSION 3
JUNE 18–30, 2023
Klara Eriksson
To Break the Fast: Utensils for Occasions
Eating is a ritual: the morning meal, for instance, is a moment to collect your thoughts and prepare for a new day. In this workshop, we’ll make eating utensils; they might be utilitarian pieces and/or symbolic objects. We’ll also address how metal behaves when we use it for eating. What taste does the metal have? How does it work in practice? Together we’ll explore the ritual of eating, make new work based on that concept, and reflect on our work as conversation pieces. At the end of the workshop you will have made tactile discoveries and have new insight into what kind of utensils may bring food to your mouth and how metal can be used to create shared eating experiences. We’ll cover basic metalsmithing techniques (sawing, forming, etc.) and work mostly with copper and brass—with silver as an option. Some prior metalsmithing experience will be helpful, but this workshop is open to all levels. Lower metals studio.
Studio artist at LOD Metallformgivning (Sweden) since 1999, program director for metal/silversmithing at Leksands Folkhögskola (Sweden); Design S Award (Sweden); collections: Swedish Public Art Agency, Swedish National Museum, Röhss Museum (Sweden).
METALS SUMMER SESSION 4
JULY 2–14, 2023
Janna Gregonis
Set and Framed
This workshop will cover simple settings for stones or objects and move toward nontraditional prong, frame, and tension settings. We’ll make our own bezel wire and learn how to modify and customize it, and we’ll address when and why a prong setting might be a better solution. This workshop will be ideal for creating settings for odd or difficult stones or objects. We’ll cover various metalsmithing techniques used for stone setting. All levels. Upper metals studio.
Studio artist; teaching: 92nd Street Y (NYC), Peters Valley (NJ), Kutztown University (PA), St. Johns University (NYC), Newark Museum of Art (NJ); exhibitions: Munich Jewellery Week, Brussels Jewellery Week, NYC Jewelry Week, Schmuck 2020 (Munich), Fuller Craft Museum (MA); collection: Museum of the Brazilian Object (Brazil).
METALS SUMMER SESSION 4
JULY 2–14, 2023
April Wood
From Ferrous to Fine
This workshop will focus using steel to fabricate jewelry and small sculpture. Students will learn the working properties of steel and how it is similar to and different from working with nonferrous or precious metals. We’ll cover sawing, annealing, forming, and finishing mild steel with an emphasis on piercing to create positive and negative space as well as dimension. We’ll explore soldering steel with gold and silver solder for both construction and embellishment and small-scale oxy-acetylene welding for wire and sheet fabrication. Steel patinas and other color methods will also be discussed. All levels. Lower metals studio.
Studio artist; co-founder of the Baltimore Jewelry Center; teaching: Maryland Institute College of Art, Corcoran College of Art and Design (DC), Pocosin Arts (NC), Metalwerx (MA), Silvera Jewelry School (CA), Towson University (MD); solo exhibitions: Ombré Gallery (OH), Austin Museum of Art (TX); participated in SIERAAD International Jewelry Fair (Amsterdam).
METALS SUMMER SESSION 5
JULY 16–28, 2023
Aurélie Guillaume
Telling Stories in Cloisonné
In this workshop students will learn the technique of cloisonné enameling and explore its possibilities as a storytelling medium. We’ll begin by making samples and drawing in our sketchbooks to develop ideas, stories, characters, and patterns. These will serve as the basis for each student to create a fully-realized, one-of-a-kind cloisonné jewelry piece. The focus will be on learning cloisonné with opaque colors, but we’ll also cover techniques such as wet packing, inlay, using black or white overglaze and metallic lusters to add detail and play on the surface. Through multiple demos and sample-making, students will learn the secrets of cloisonné. Intermediate/advanced level; basic enameling and metalworking skills required. Upper metals studio.
Studio artist; teaching: Jewelry School of Montréal, Pocosin Arts (NC), Metalwerx (MA), Silvera Jewelry School (CA); collections: Museum of Arts and Design (NYC), Yale University Art Gallery (CT), Museum of Fine Arts of Montréal, Enamel Arts Foundation (CA); representation: Galerie Noel Guyomarch’.
METALS SUMMER SESSION 5
JULY 16–28, 2023
Douglas Pryor
Explorations in Sculptural Chasing
The art of chasing is a love language between illustration and sculpture. In this workshop we’ll integrate the best of both worlds as we explore detailed relief work in sheet metal. We’ll mix elements of raising, repoussé, and the Japanese technique of uchidashi to create a knowledge base of low- and high-relief work. Students can expect to complete at least two projects in copper. The first will be a structured follow-along design matched to the individual’s skill level. The second project, also a follow-along design, will be assigned to match each person’s interests. All levels. Lower metals studio.
Studio artist; teaching/demonstrations: Metal Arts Academy (CA), Appalachian Center for Craft (TN), Hereford College of Arts (UK), Art Students League (NYC), The Idea Foundry (OH); residencies: Buffalo Creek Art Center (NV), Light Grey Art Lab (Minneapolis); publications: Hephaistos, Artist Blacksmith, Anvil’s Ring.
METALS SUMMER SESSION 6
JULY 30–AUGUST 11, 2023
Katja Toporski
Castables
This exploratory workshop will look at mold-making and casting alternative materials for jewelry making. We’ll cover various types of silicon molds along with low-tech materials like plaster and clay. We’ll use our molds to cast a variety of materials, including resin, concrete, wax, silicone, plaster, and reconstituted materials, resulting in non-metal components. Then we’ll consider ways of incorporating those castings into jewelry, including tabs and different prong settings using sheet metal. The emphasis will be on experimentation and understanding the language of different materials. Basic metalworking skills, such as piercing, soldering, filing, sanding, and polishing, will be covered. All levels. Upper metals studio.
Studio artist; teaching: Baltimore Jewelry Center, Montgomery College (MD), Towson University (MD); recent solo exhibitions: Art Center East (Finland), A-Galerii (Estonia); representation: Charon Kransen Arts (NYC), A-Galerii (Estonia), Bayrischer Kunstgewerbeverein (Germany).
METALS SUMMER SESSION 6
JULY 30–AUGUST 11, 2023
Matthieu Cheminée and Tim McCreight
Building on Basics
Between us, we have been making jewelry for 80 years, each in our own way exploring basic materials and techniques that have been central to metalsmiths for centuries. In this workshop students will revisit basics: pouring ingots, making sheet and wire, and using forging, piercing, and fabrication to create original wearables and utensils. After making their own unique stamps, gravers, and chisels, students will make jewelry that captures the materials and moments of Penland. Through group demonstrations and one-on-one conversations, each student will merge material, technique, and process to chart a path that makes their work meaningful and distinctive. Intermediate/advanced level: basic sawing, soldering, and filing skills required. Lower metals studio.
Matthieu: Studio artist who learned jewelry making in New Mexico and West Africa, where he has been working with jewelers for the past 25 years; has taught at schools in Canada, Africa, Europe, and US as well as his own studio for 20 years; author of Legacy: Jewelry Techniques of West Africa, and The Art of Stamping.
matthieucheminee.com | @matthieucheminee
Tim: professor retired from Maine College of Art & Design, author of 20 books of metalworking, senior designer and editor at Brynmorgen Press; teacher of workshops nationally and internationally; served as a trustee for Haystack (ME) and SNAG.
METALS SUMMER SESSION 7
AUGUST 13–18, 2023
Tara Locklear and Francesca Vitali
LINKED: Wood, Paper, Pins
Dive into the world of nontraditional jewelry by focusing on wood and its pulp (a.k.a. paper). We’ll begin by introducing paper folding techniques and then move on to simple wood shaping with hand and electric tools. Painting and staining both materials will add color, and rapid-fire class exercises will get your creative ideas flowing. We’ll focus on the brooch/pin format and use basic metalsmithing techniques with sterling silver, copper, brass and stainless steel. And we’ll investigate pin-back mechanisms as well as linkages for integrating brooches as necklace pendants. By the end of the workshop, each student will create a group of wearable pins/brooches. All levels. Upper metals studio.
Tara: studio artist; teaching: Haystack (ME), Brooklyn Metal Works (NYC), Pratt Institute (NYC), Contemporary Craft (PA), Penland; exhibitions: MAD About Jewelry (NYC), Philadelphia Museum Craft Show, ACC Baltimore, Velvet da Vinci (San Francisco), New York Jewelry Week; collections: Racine Art Museum (WI), Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Mint Museum (NC); publications: Metalsmith, American Craft, Niche.
taralocklear.com | @taralocklear
Francesca: studio artist; teaching: Pocosin Arts (NC), Museum of Arts and Design (NYC), Contemporary Craft (PA); residencies: Arrowmont Pentaculum (TN); exhibitions: MAD About Jewelry (NYC), Heidi Lowe Gallery (DE), New York Jewelry Week (NYC); representation: Baltimore Jewelry Center (MD), Pistachios (IL); publications: American Craft, Fiber Art Now, Vogue.
francescavitalipaperjewelry.com | @francescavitalipaperjewelry
METALS SUMMER SESSION 7
AUGUST 13–18, 2023
Aminata Conteh
Over, Under, and Through: Experimental Metal Weaving
This workshop will explore the possibilities of using weaving and basketry techniques with metal materials. Using copper, nickel, steel, and silver, we’ll create a series of small woven samples culminating in final projects that will take the form of objects, adornment, or a mixture of both. We’ll have daily demonstrations as well as discussions of the historical and cultural contexts of the different techniques. Most importantly, this workshop will include plenty of time for experimentation. You’ll be encouraged to play! All levels. Lower metals studio.
Studio artist; teaching assistant: Haystack (ME), Arrowmont (TN), Maine College of Art; Center for Craft Windgate-Lamar Fellowship, SNAG Early Career Artist Award; residencies: Indigo Arts Alliance (ME), Arrowmont Pentaculum (TN); exhibitions: Salon Design (NYC), Zero Station Gallery (ME), UNE Art Galleries (ME), Cove Street Art Gallery (ME).
METALS FALL SHORT SESSION
SEPTEMBER 24 – 29, 2023 (four studio days)
Erica Bello
Solder, Rinse, Repeat
Students in this workshop will develop their fabrication skills through the repetitive process of chain-making. Starting with simple links, we’ll explore soldering techniques used to create movable design elements while developing habits for a streamlined workflow. Through design exploration and pattern studies, students will advance to create more complex chain using fabricated sheet and wire. Clasps and other finishing elements will be carefully considered as these can make or break any design. Along with soldering, we’ll cover sawing, filing, and other basic metalsmithing techniques. All levels. Lower metals studio.
Studio artist; teaching: Baltimore Jewelry Center, Center for Metal Arts (PA), Arrowmont (TN), Penland; exhibitions: New York Jewelry Week, Museum of Arts and Design (NYC), SOFA Chicago.
ericabellojewelry.com | @ericabellojewelry
Regular enrollment will begin on May 1.
METALS FALL CONCENTRATION
October 1 – November 10, 2023 (six weeks)
Leslie Shershow
Wild and Controlled: Material Explorations in Jewelry
This workshop will begin with experimental exercises and techniques as we dissect the meaning of various materials. We’ll create silicone and plaster molds to be cast with plastic, resin, expanding foam, and other materials and use these castings to learn additive, subtractive, and fabrication processes. Mid-session, a pivot to traditional metalsmithing techniques will cover the mechanisms needed to create functional jewelry. Topics will include cold connections, pin backs, hinges, settings, and other methods for capturing and connecting materials. We’ll turn our untamed material studies into wearable art and refine our conceptual intent by composing artist statements. All levels. Upper metals studio.
Lecturer at San Diego State University (CA), instructor at San Diego Community Education (CA); other teaching: New Mexico State University, School of the Museum of Fine Arts (Boston); residencies: Baltimore Jewelry Center, Haystack Open Studio Residency (ME), Houston Center for Contemporary Craft; exhibitions: Schmuck 2022 (Munich), Galerie Marzee (Netherlands), Gallery Loupe (NJ), Alliages (France); representation: Sienna Patti Contemporary (MA).
leslieshershow.com | @shersh_oh
Regular enrollment will begin on May 1.
