Metals/Enameling
Metals Classes incorporate intensive studio work, individual, group discussions and critiques, as well as lectures and presentations. The objective is for students to develop critical thinking skills and an understanding of the history and context of art and contemporary concerns, as they cultivate their own work. By experiencing a broad range of approaches and ideas, individuals are encouraged to develop an art practice that is relevant to their ideas and sensibility. The aim is for students to leave the area with an understanding of their own intentions and visual language, some strategies for sustaining an artistic practice, critical thinking skills, an understanding of the historical context and contemporary possibilities of metals and jewelry as a media for artistic expression.
Classes are organized to introduce students to the fundamentals of designing and fabricating objects, wall-pieces, or jewelry with sheet metal, wire, glass, and non-metal materials. Course content involves students in four major activities:
DESIGN, which includes a review of the elements and principles of design; renderings to express ideas visually with shape; revisions; models to express ideas visually with form; and study of historical and contemporary metalwork.
LEARNING SAFE AND EFFICIENT USE OF STUDIO FACILITIES, including general safety requirements; demonstration of major equipment such as the acetylene torch, the bench shear, the flexible shaft, the rolling mill, drill press, the hydraulic press, the polishing machine, kilns and hand tools.
DEMONSTRATION OF PROCESSES AND TECHNIQUES, including cutting and piercing with the jeweler's saw; finishing by filing, sanding, polishing, chasing and repoussé; roller embossing; roller printing; annealing; forming by stretching, folding, and soldering; riveting; and patinas and enameling among others.
CREATION OF ART in a manner that reflects competence and originality in design and technical approach, craftsmanship, and suitability of materials and processes to the ideas and/or functions implied by the object.
DEVELOPING THEMES AND CONTENT within a body of work, and building the best art portfolio possible.
Metals is Part of the Visual Art Department
Students apply to the Visual Art Department, and not into the six specific art areas offered.
Please refer to the Visual Arts Department home page for further information.
When applying, students may select Metals as one of their art areas of interest.
Students are NOT expected to have metals experience before coming to the Fine Arts Center.
Recent Supporters of Metals
Auro Hotels, Residence Inn/SpringHill Suites
Llyn Strong Fine ARt Jewelry
Palmetto Loom Reed
Art Inferno Foundry
Metropolitan Arts Council
Public Education Partners
sidewall pizza company
Many thanks to our above benefactors, who have supported student learning through volunteering their time, donating money or supplies, or providing internships and exhibition opportunities for FAC students!