Join Kenzie and Jen on a Friday evening on working on your own creations and have Jen or Kenzie available to answer questions and troubleshoot fabrication challenges!
Those who have taken Intro to Metalsmithing (or Metals 1 or equivalent) will have access to a flex-shaft, bench, our Intro to Metalsmithing tool box with tools, well-ventilated soldering station, rolling mill, vice, bracelet and ring mandrels, and hammers. You will be required to bring their own materials (i.e. metals and solder), KN95 or N95 mask for polishing metal, and hand tools beyond what is included in out student box.
Metal and materials can be ordered through Riogrande.com or Halsteadbead.com. Be sure to order at least 2 weeks in advance so your materials arrive on time.
The last 30 minutes of the evening will be reserved for an optional social on our desk where you can enjoy a glass of wine, beer, or sparkling water and light snacks.
Prerequisites: Metals 1 or equivalent
Duration: 3 hours, 5:00-8:00
Last day to cancel for full refund is June 10, 2022. By signing up, you agree to our dress code (long pants, closed toe shoes, hair tied back if can be), and abiding by all safety procedures and instructions.
About the instructors:
Kenzie Nelson: Metals 1
Kenzie has been enveloped by art and art making her entire life and loves nothing more than connecting with others through the act of creating. After taking an introduction to metalsmithing class in her first year of college, she became infatuated with the medium. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Colorado State University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a concentration in metalsmithing and jewelry making. She loves sharing her passion with others and has teaching experience ranging from K-12 art, museum education classes, as well as collegiate level metalsmithing courses.Jen Lesea-Ames: Metals 2
A former exercise physiologist and triathlete, Jen retired from her fitness career after receiving a diagnosis of hip dysplasia and decided to go full-time with her jewelry business in 2014.
Wanting more of a challenge after stringing beads for three years, she studied metalsmithing at the Denver School of Metal Arts (now called Denver Jewelry Studio) from 2012-2016. She decided to go full-time with her jewelry business in 2014 and opened Silver Peak Studio in July 2020.
She is the owner, designer, and metalsmith of Jen Lesea Designs, (2009-present); her jewelry is sold in over 50 stores, including Fallingwater Museum Store, the Denver Art Museum Gift Shop, and the national catalog Uncommon Goods. Her experience and work has landed her local and national press. Jen is an Applied Jewelry Professional from the Gemological Institute of America GIA.
Her fun and friendly nature is apparent in everything she does, whether its teaching metalsmithing, talking to art show patrons, or motivating people to try something new, like stand up paddleboarding!
As the owner of Silver Peak Studio, it is her intention to provide a safe, clean, professional and fun environment where students can grow in metalsmithing and enjoy the journey.
A few of Jen's favorite things is recreating outdoors, traveling, and hanging with her fur babies (kitties), Addie and Stevie.