Art & Design Summer Workshops

Casting Ideas- From Wax to Metal, Instant Fun!

Dates June 3–4 | Wed-Thur 6–9 p.m.
Non-credit Cost: $153 ($150 + $3 fee)
Instructor: Erica A. Meier
Location: Main Campus, ART 391
Level: Beginner
Capacity: 12

In this workshop you will be introduced to the ancient method of lost wax casting from start to finish. You will use wax injection molds to assemble your own creations and cast them into wearable metal objects! No experience needed, objects will be cast in bronze, silver can be provided at an additional cost.

Coppersmithing Basics: Make Copper Vessels

Dates June 15–19 | Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Non-credit Cost: $403 ($400 + $3 fee)
Instructor: Erica A. Meier
Location: Kenilworth Building, KSE B61
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Capacity: 12

This workshop will focus on basic sheet metal forming in copper. We will focus on processes in traditional metalsmithing and processes using copper sheet to create functional metal vessels and other functional copperware. We will explore historical perspectives in metalsmithing to make contemporary functional objects in copper! This workshop will include angle raising, synclastic and anticlastic forming and more!

Blacksmithing Basics- Making a Wearable Cuff

Dates: June 20 | Sat 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Non-credit Cost: $88 ($85 + $3 fee)
Instructor: Erica A. Meier
Location: Kenilworth Building, KSE B61
Level: Beginner
Capacity: 14

In this workshop you will learn the basics of forging. You will learn how to cut, shape, and hammer steel into functional and wearable object such as bracelets, cuffs, napkin holders and art objects. No experience needed, great for couples, friends, and family!

Making a Ring

Dates: June 23 | Tue 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Non-credit Cost: $103 ($100 + $3 fee)
Instructor: Erica A. Meier
Location: Main Campus, ART 391
Level: Beginner
Capacity: 12

In this workshop you will learn basic skills in the Jewelry and Metalsmithing world. Learn how to texture metal, pierce holes, saw out shapes, solder, and make a functional piece of jewelry!

Charms and Hand Stamped Tags

Dates: June 24 | Wed 5 p.m.–8 p.m.
Non-credit Cost: $78 ($75 + $3 fee)
Instructor: Erica A. Meier
Location: Main Campus, ART 391
Level: Beginner
Capacity: 14

In this workshop you will learn how to cut, stamp, and finish a custom tag for yourself, a friend, or a precious pet. What could you customize with a well-crafted brass or coper name tag? Participants can leave whenever they are completed or stay for the entire time to make your tag a masterpiece. Participants and can make as many tags possible in the allotted time.

Belts and Buckles!

Dates: July 8–9 | Wed–Thur 6–9 p.m.
Non-credit Cost: $168 ($165 + $3 fee)
Instructor: Erica A. Meier
Location: Main Campus, ART 391
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Capacity: 12

From wardrobe necessity to Rodeo. We will focus on the basic function of a belt buckle so you can create unique buckles of your own! Using steel, brass and copper, you will be able to create a functional and decorative belt buckle and a belt in this workshop.

Enameling: Color on Metal

Dates: July 13–17 | Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Non-credit Cost: $403 ($400 + $3 fee)
For-credit Course: 1 credit (ART 279/479)
Instructor: Erica A. Meier
Location: Main Campus, ART 391
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Capacity: 12

In this one-week workshop students will be introduced to tradition of Vitreous Enamel. Demonstrations of Limoges, Champleve, Kiln operations, and experimental methods for jewelry and functional objects. All participants will receive copper, enamel, and be exposed to many other bench skills to make heirloom quality objects and wearables!

The Copper Bloom: Crafting Realistic Flora

Dates: July 18–19 | Sat–Sun 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Non-credit Cost: $153 ($150 + $3 fee)
Instructor: Ryan Send
Location: Kenilworth Building, KSE B61
Level: Beginner
Capacity: 12

Turn a sheet of metal into a delicate, realistic bloom in this engaging, hands-on weekend workshop. This course is designed for artists, jewelers, and enthusiasts eager to explore the unique sculptural potential of copper. Over two days, you will explore essential metalsmithing techniques to create striking, lifelike copper flowers. Experience the satisfaction of making a hard material appear to have movement and flexibility, resulting in a floral bloom that is truly permanent.

Introduction to Blacksmithing: Decorative Utensils for Daily Life

Dates: July 27–31 | Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Non-credit Cost: $403 ($400 + $3 fee)
For-credit Course: 1 credit (ART 279/479-803)
Instructor: Erica A. Meier
Location: Kenilworth Building, KSE B61
Level: Beginner
Capacity: 10

Students will use etched steel and brass sheet, basic fabrication, and forging techniques to create a pair of heirloom quality utensils for daily life (functional spatulas, strainers, choppers, or sculptural utensils). Decorative custom etched steel plates will be provided to create and enhance utensils and numerous beginner techniques will be covered, including cold and hot forming (forging, sinking, basic sheet fabrication), cold and hot connections (riveting, silver or brass brazing), and finishing (sanding, filing, texture).

Blacksmithing Basics- Making a Fire Poker

Dates: Aug 1 | Sat 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Non-credit Cost: $88 ($88 + $3 fee)
Instructor: Erica A. Meier
Location: Kenilworth Building, KSE B61
Level: Beginner
Capacity: 14

In this one-day workshop you will learn the basics of blacksmithing to make a functional fire poker. You will learn basic forging, twisting, tapering and more, no experience needed, great for couples, friends, and family!