Intro to Metalsmithing Jewelry (Metals 1): March 6 & 13, 10:00-2:00

Enter the world of making metal jewelry with Metals 1: Intro to Metalsmithing. This two-session weekday class gives you the foundational skills of metalsmithing jewelry and is the prerequisite for our more advanced classes. 

This workshop is jam-packed with information to get you introduced to the world of metalsmithing without a huge time commitment! In addition to learning safety procedures, you will learn the fundamentals of metalsmithing and at the end of class, you will have made a textured 7 mm sterling silver ring band with their choice in size and texture and a copper pendant necklace that is hand-sawn and hand-textured.

We will cover:

• Studio safety and ergonomics
• Sawing techniques
• Hammer texturing and stamping
• Filing and sanding
• Ring sizing
• Basics of soldering
• Texturing metal with a rolling mill and hammers
• How to use a flex-shaft
• How to create a comfort-fit ring
• Polishing

Details:

• 2 week session: Thursdays, March 6 & 13 from 10:00-2:00.  You must be able to attend both sessions as no makeups will be given
• 8 contact hours, ages 14+ located at the Silver Peak Studio Classroom 100 1/2 E. Cleveland St. Lafayette 80026
• # students: 3 minimum, 6 maximum
• Materials fee is $30 which includes metal and studio materials, Intro to Metalsmithing workbook, and use of tools. Due at the beginning of class via cash, check, or Venmo.
• Each student will work at their own dedicated jeweler's bench. 
• Prerequisite: none

The last day to cancel your spot in this class for a refund or transfer ($25 transfer fee) is February 20, 2025.

By registering for a class at Silver Peak Studio, you agree to our cancellation policy, dress code for class, and studio rules.

About the instructor, John Sullivan

John Sullivan is an artist, metalsmith, jeweler, and educator, whose work focuses on psychology, neuropsychology, and interpersonal relationships. Working as a contemporary artist and metalsmith, John explores the themes and issues surrounding dysfunctional relationships, psychological disorders, and the transformative process of healing. John was most recently an Affiliate Instructor of Metalsmithing and Jewelry and a Studio Technician at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, Colorado.
 
He attended graduate school at the State University of New York, New Paltz; the number one Metalsmithing program at a public university in the country. Prior to graduate school, John was the Sponsor Coordinator and a board member of the Colorado Metalsmithing Association.

John earned his Bachelor of Fine Art at the Colorado State University, Fort Collins and was an apprentice to artist Ira Sherman and an assistant to artist Nilda Getty. John has been a guest speaker and given demonstrations at events hosted by the Colorado Metalsmithing Association. As an educator, John has taught as a substitute art teacher at the private institute Kent, Denver, and as a Teaching Assistant at SUNY New Paltz, teaching Basic Metal in both a traditional setting, online, and hybrid classroom. After receiving his Masters, John taught Metalsmithing and Jewelry for the Highschool Summer Sessions at Snowfarm, The New England Craft Program.

John has exhibited work at several national and international venues, as well as having been published in numerous domestic and foreign publications.