I’m also looking for thr right workshops to attend this summer in New
York and have collected from Metal Kitchen, C. Bauer and
Jewelry Arts. I would like to hear opinions on pros and cons of the
different schools. Thanks, Suzi
I’m also looking for summer workshops, but for beginners. Any
recommendations for the Berkshires, SE Vermont, Columbia County, NY
and nearby places in MA, NY, VT or CT?
Thanks.
Dian Deevey
Hi Suzi–Having been at Jewelry Arts and Cecilia Bauer’s for a number
of years, I would highly recommend Cecelia. If you have any specific
questions, contact me offline at Elegantbee@aol.com. I can’t comment
on Metal Kitchen since I haven’t taken any courses there. Sandra
Suzi…
Which workshop you choose depends on what you want to learn, and you
must decide that based on your goals and level of knowledge and skill
and then match it up with what’s available. I have taken several
workshops at Jewelry Arts workshop, when Ceclia Bauer was an
instructor there. The instruction was good, I particularly liked
Cecelia among all the instructors, and of course she is no longer
there.
I would like to recommend that you consider a workshop with Valentin
Yotkov in chasing and repousse. He is a master silversmith who is
the best teacher I have ever encountered…instills not only the
technical about a technique that is enjoying a
renaissance, but also the love for the technique, which is essential
to inspiration and success! Even if you are still in the discovery
stage, i.e., trying to decide what techniques you prefer, it is
certainly worth studying with him. You will never regret it! And
you might well decide that this technique is the one you wish to
concentrate on…like so many of his students. His depth of
knowledge and breadth of experience are second to none. You can
reach him at VYotkov@aol.com. Good luck! Elizabeth
Suzi: Metal Kitchen is great!!! They offer a wide variety of classes
taught by experts in the field so you get a well rounded knowledge of
jewelry making. I highly recommend them (tell Whitney the owner that
DeDe refered you!)
Bauer and Jewelry art teaches strickly granulation and ancient chain
and jewelry construction . They follow ancient techniques to the “T”.
If you are only interested in creating one of kind high karat gold
times- they are both good schools. I however prefer metal kitchen
because you can learn ancient techniques as well as production
techniques, a whole variety of good things. Plus Whitney studied at
Bauer and I think also taught there. She is amazing!
One more person you should add to your school list is Fred De Vos and
his school. He is a master wax and model maker. He is amazing!!! I do
not have his number off hand but he is listed in the white pages on
Broadway.
good luck!
dede
GIA will have one week classes in wax carving, platinum fabrication
and basic, intermediate and advanced stone setting classes in
Secaucus NJ starting around the begining of june.
GIA 1-800-421-7250
For Massachusetts, how about Interlocken in Stockbridge. Another New
England choice would be Haystack in Maine. I don’t know if the North
Bennett Street School in Boston does metalsmithing but you might want
to call them as well. The downside of Boston in the summer is the
humidity!
Shael
dakotahdog@msn.com
Dian:
I live in the Berkshires and wanted to change my kscope style from
stained glass to more of a metal working “thing.” Jewelry classes
give the basics of metal working, and other assorted skills. I
signed up two different times with the Interlaken School in
Stockbridge Mass, which holds many classes, some of which are in
jewelry. Each time I signed up, beginner classes, I would be the
only attendee, therefore the class was canceled. I gave up on
Interlaken, can’t fault the school if no one signs up.
I happened upon an advertisement in the Berkshires Shoppers Guide for
a jeweler giving lessons. I called her up and started taking
lessons, one on one. As typical with me I took several lessons,
bought my own equipment, and am practicing, practicing, and
practicing. Her price was very reasonable, believe me I am not rich
and I couldn’t believe how reasonable she was. She first shows
several different techniques of jewelry making and you pick what you
want to learn. She is a wealth of and I have learned a
lot from her. She is also very patient, and just smiles when you say
crap or darn. She is located in Great Barrington Mass.
She may answer you, as she belongs to this service also…must
say, thanks Barbara for all your help (AKA my instructor).
You can e:mail me if you want her number.
Carol
fleamarkt@aol.com
I agree with Dede that Fred de Vos is an amazing instructor. Not
only with respect to the art of wax modeling (he has created some
very beautiful jewelry), but also regarding tool-making. He grew up
around a machinist’s shop, and gained the amazing ability to modify
and/or create tools designed for very specific tasks. He has a great
talent, and is also one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
I have studied with Cecelia Bauer for approximately 4 years, and I
must say that she is fabulous. She is very generous of herself in
her teaching (especially with very enthusiastic students who just
want to soak up whatever they can get) – she will always
go out of her way to help you understand what it is your are doing
and why. With Cecelia you are learning from one of the best (in
ancient fabrication techniques – particularly granulation). In
Cecelia’s studio she is the only instructor. She takes up to 10
people per class, and instructs each person individually. Therefore,
people of all abilities can take any of her classes – she will work
with you at your level and pace.
Whitney Abrams (of the Metal Kitchen) also studied at Cecelia’s
school for a number of years. She did not, however, teach there, as
Cecelia is the only instructor at the school. Though I have not been
to the Metal Kitchen, I understand that Whitney brings in a lot of
great talent from all over the country to come and teach classes at
her school.
I hope that you enjoy any workshops that you ultimately decide to
take.
Neda Nassiri
You’ll get lots of info on NYC … here’s one in semi rural Conn.
which is quite decent. It’s the Brookfield Craft Center in
Brookfield, CT. Phone: 203-775-4526. They’ve got once a week,
weekend only, and one day workshops. Reasonably priced, well equiped
studios, small classes. Go for it! Stacy
(also always learning!) in NYC
Since no one has mentioned it, I will…
You might check out the summer workshop schedule at Metalwerx in
Woburn, Massachusetts. This workshop/gallery is run by Karen
Christians, who is on Orchid. The Web site is
http://www.metalwerx.com.
Suzanne
Suzanne Wade
writer/editor
SuWade@ici.net
Phone: (508) 339-7366
Fax: (520) 563-8255
Suzi, I have taken courses at both JAI and C. Bauer Studios. Most
recently I have been studying at the 92nd Street ‘Y.’ I find the 'Y’
by far the most comfortable environment and the most professional.
Their studio is well-equipped. They offer everything from beginner
metalwork to stone-setting to working in wax. The neighborhood is
great, and there aren’t any ‘personalities’ to deal with - the
instructors there are just great, and so are the other students. I
also feel you get the most for your money in terms of time and the
open studio offerings if you’re registered for a class (studio time
is free if you’re registered - can’t beat that!)
I have heard a lot of good things about Metal Kitchen, but have not
studied there as yet. A few months ago, I did take a look at their
studio. It was very clean and organized. Their space is more
limited than some of the others for students, but that might mean
that you get more personal attention than at some of the other
privately-owned studios. Their brochure also looks very enticing,
and the many people I have spoken with recommend Metal Kitchen
highly, saying Whitney Abrams is a true professional. Good luck in
your quest. Arts Umbrella