Spring 2009 - We're Expanding! The Jewelry/Metals classes at MCC are growing! Since I introduced the course in January of 2004, the program has more than doubled - growing from a single one-night-a-week class to two six-hour-a-week course sections – and beginning in January 2009 we have expanded to three course sections! The program now offers two articulated curriculums and numerous alternative curriculum designs for those repeating students who wish to continue to expand their level of skill. The program offers research and instruction in contemporary techniques and equipment as well as traditional methods and tools as part of the learning process. Our new rolling mill has been installed, and this spring we will be exploring it's possibilities in texture, pattern transfer, and mokume handling.
For more information on the Jewelry courses at McHenry County College, click on the following link:
The Chicago Metal Arts Guild announced it's Members Exhibit will be held February 6 through March 6 , 2009. This year the exhibit is being hosted by the Under the Wire Gallery at 2210 S. Halsted Street, in Chicago. If you are in the area, please come and see the amazing versatility exhibited by this talented group of metal artists!
Recent Exhibit: Beginning October14, McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, Illinois, is hosting an exhibit of my most recent work in body adornment. The exhibit will run through December 10 in Gallery 2. Please stop by and see it if you are in the area. For more information, click on the following link:
One of my students was recently interviewed for a local newspaper. She is a wonderful artist, and an incredible inspiration. Check out her story by clicking on the following link:
In the fall, it's back to school. This semester I will be teaching three courses at McHenry County College. The Jewelry I curriculum covers basic metal working techniques such as piercing, filing, texturing, finishing, cold connections, and an introduction to lost wax casting. Jewelry II covers the lost wax methods more in-depth, as well as introduces other methods of casting. This curriculum also covers varied methods to set stones, the process of silver reticulation, and hinges. Advanced and independent students research other metals topics such as forging, mold making and multiples, production designing, container forms, and chain making. This semester the jewelry program is installing a rolling mill, so look forward to topics pertaining to the use of our new equipment! I will also be teaching Art Appreciation, which is an introduction to the various media and methods used by artists to create art as well as an overview of the creative process and the development of art through history.
Also this fall, I was asked to demonstrate some jewelry techniques for McHenry County College's fall high school recuritment event, MCC Night (September 10). A large varieity of chain patterns were displayed, along with several finished examples. Chain weaving techniques were demonstrated throughout the evening, and a completed bracelet was donated (through the art department) for the evening's door prize drawings. It was an exciting evening!
Summer Happenings
This summer I relocated my studio from Crystal Lake, Illinois, to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. I love the town and the lake and it's people, and have just about finished settling in. The studio still needs a bit of tweaking, but is fully functional. Please check my Contact Me page for information on my updated mailing address.
