Metals and Jewelry

JEWELRY AND METALS STUDIO FACILITIES

The studio is well equipped with over 20 workstations with the capacity to accommodate large and small-scale projects. There are six dedicated acetylene torch annealing/soldering stations and two oxy/acetylene mini-torch stations. A large oxy/acetylene torch system for melting metals for casting and pouring ingots is also available. A ventilation system keeps fumes away from the work area. The studio is equipped with: two rolling mills, several corrugation mills, bending break, jump shear, Beverly Shear polishing machines, rotary tumbler, pickle pots, ultrasonics, etching tank, drill presses, mini milling machine, belt sanders, grinders, 8 flex shafts, and an anodizer.  There is a 3D printer that can be used for direct printing of projects or 3D models can be burnt out and cast in metal. We also have multiple welders, a hydraulic press with forming tools and a wide assortment of hand tools.

ART METAL I: Explore the limitless possibilities and rewarding outcomes of working

in metal as your artistic medium

Grades 9 - 12

IA30 - ½ Elective Credit - ½ Year

This course is designed for students interested in exploring metal crafts as an art form.  Students will be exposed to making basic designs with copper, brass, tin-work and techniques in soldering and brazing.  The use of appropriate tools will be explored.  Students at all levels of ability and interest may apply.  This course may not be repeated.  Interested students should continue to Art Metal II.

ART METAL II: Did Art Metal I inspire you to value the rewarding experience of creating a hand made object? In this class we explore more sophisticated techniques that allow you the learner to progress as a maker with metal as your medium

Grades 9 - 12

IA32 - ½ Elective Credit - ½ Year

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art Metal I with a C or better

This course is a one-semester course where students will further develop the techniques and procedures learned in Art Metal I, taking them to a more advanced level of design and craftsmanship in the field of metal work.  Technique in artistic casting, brazing, and forming will be explored.    This course may not be repeated.  Interested students should continue to Advanced Techniques in Metals and Jewelry (IA36).

ADVANCED TECHNIQUES IN METALS and JEWELRY

Grades 10 - 12

IA36 - ½ Elective Credit - ½ Year, 1 Elective Credit - Full Year

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art Metal I and II

Advanced Techniques in Metals and Jewelry is an advanced course for students who have met the prerequisites.  This is a course where entrance is based on a review of students’ previous work in metal and the approval of the instructor.  Students will be expected to work at a sophisticated level where an emphasis will be placed on individual design and techniques.  Topics of instruction will be lost wax casting, hollow fabrication, fold forming, etching, metal patinas, and advanced instruction in welded structure. This course may be repeated. In this course you will also be expected to act as a peer tutor and role model to more novice students.

Special requirements include:

• Approval of the instructor

• A minimum of two completed metals classes

• Completed sample(s), project(s) utilizing techniques researched during Independent Study

• Completed brochure of your work describing techniques and projects covered with images

JEWELRY - PART I: Jewelry is a personal reflection of the individual who wears it. In this class we learn how to reflect our creativity through the challenging, technical and rewarding process of making wearable objects that will be worn for generations to come

Grades 9 - 12

IA37 - ½ Elective Credit - ½ Year

This class introduces basic issues and techniques that are unique to jewelry making as a creative and expressive medium. Traditional and contemporary designs will be explored.  Techniques covered: basic fabrication (cold connections, sawing, forging, soldering and finishing), casting and stone setting. Safety and proper use of tools will be covered in all areas.   This course may not be repeated.       

JEWELRY – PART II: Did Jewelry I make you want to develop your personal style as a maker? If so then Jewelry II will offer you the opportunity to expand your skills and refine your sense of design as we offer more advanced techniques with an emphasis on mastering what we learned in Jewelry I.

Grades 9 - 12

IA39 - ½ Elective Credit - ½ Year

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Jewelry I and instructor’s approval.

This course is designed for those students who want to continue their study of jewelry making.  Students will be expected to further explore the techniques learned in Jewelry I.  Emphasis will be placed on individual projects that integrate all the skills learned in Jewelry I.  Students will also be required to research a new technique and complete a project that employs this technique.  Possible areas of study: casting, repouse/chasing, Makume Gane, mechanisms, chain making, faceted stone setting.