Jewelry and Metals
The jewelry-making classes taught in our Metals Department include the traditional focus on technique and materials, as well as contemporary considerations of concept, design, and experimentation.
Materials List
Classes not listed here will either have required materials in the class description, discuss needed materials during the first class, or the materials will be supplied.
Class details (meeting times, tuition, etc.) are listed below.
Metals Supplies Notes
Tuition for metals classes covers basic studio supplies, chemicals, and access to tools and equipment. Some classes include a limited supply kit unless otherwise noted. Students should anticipate additional fees for other tools, metal, and findings for their samples or projects. Please see website for specific supply list.
Metals Open Studio
Open studio time will be permitted prior to and immediately following class time; limited outside of class for open studio time will be discussed in class.
Registration Information - Summer 2023
Classes are open-enrollment to the community. Class registration is a simple process. Read 'How to Register' below to get started. Click here to view all registration policies and guidelines, including information on payments, class withdraws and cancellations, refunds, and more.
- Click the 'Register Now' button below to begin the registration process.
- Click onto 'Sign In' at the top right side of the page.
- To sign in, enter your user name and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one quickly by specifying a user name, password, and email address.
- Navigate to your desired course. Click the 'Add to Cart' button associated with the course.
- After completing the registration process and remitting payment, you will receive an email containing your registration confirmation.
Jewelry & Metals Classes - Summer 2023
Course Description
What does it take to make a ring? Construction of handmade rings will be the focus of this two-day course in metal. Students will be introduced to the basic techniques of working with non-ferrous metals (copper, brass, and silver), basic hand tools, forging, forming, silver-soldering using a torch, surface embellishment, and finishing techniques. In two days, students should expect to walk away with at least two finished projects. See *Metals Supplies Note. Please bring a bag lunch.
Instructor
Sarah T. Roberts
Dates
Sat & Sun, Jun 10 & 11 | 10:00am – 4:30pm
Location
Willson Metals Studio | Santikos Building
Sessions
2
Tuition - Regular
$180
Tuition - Friends
$165
Course Description
Learn the fundamental techniques and tools used to create unique jewelry and small metal sculptures as you work through a series of projects focused not only on technique, but also on encouraging individual expression. Techniques covered will include sawing, basic forming, surface textures, silver-soldering, riveting, ring-making, and surface finishes. Note: Bilingual instruction is available for Section B. Tool kits and some supplies included; see *Metals Supplies Note.
Instructor
Laura Quiñones
Dates
- Section A: Tue, May 30 – Jul 25 (No class Jul 4) | 9:30am – 12:30pm
- Section B: on, Jun 5 – Jul 24 | 6:00 – 9:00pm
Location
Willson Metals Studio | Santikos Building
Sessions
8
Tuition - Regular
$295
Tuition - Friends
$280
Course Description
In this follow up course to Basic Skills.1, students will hone their sawing, soldering, forming, and surface finishing skills and apply those basic metalsmithing techniques to create more complex projects. Student will be encouraged to design and fabricate independent projects. Demonstrations will be covering various techinques. Students can anticipate completing at least two projects.
Instructor
Alejandra Salina Perez
Dates
Tue, May 30 – Aug 1 (No class Jul 4) | 6:00 – 9:00pm
Location
Willson Metals Studio | Santikos Building
Sessions
9
Tuition - Regular
$310
Tuition - Friends
$295
Course Description
This short course will cover basics of creating cuff and bangle bracelets out of copper, brass, or silver. Learn how to form metal, use the hydraulic press, and other basic metals skills such as soldering, surface textures, and patination. Students should expect to create at least two finished bracelets. If students plan to use silver they will have to purchase metal ahead of time or discuss with instructor on the first day of class. See *METALS SUPPLIES NOTE.
Instructor
Laura Quiñones
Dates
Thu, May 25 - Jun 15 | 6:00 - 9:00pm
Location
Willson Metals Studio | Building: Santikos Building
Sessions
4
Tuition - Regular
$175
Tuition - Friends
$160
Course Description
In this fast-paced workshop learn how to make sculptural and colorful earrings using a variety of techniques. Exploring how unique pieces of jewelry can be created as a great introduction to wearable art or for those with prior metals experience to experiment with new processes and techniques. Students will begin by sawing shapes out of copper or brass and then use scoring and bending to create finished form. A variety of enamel techniques will be demonstrated to add color and texture. How to solder earring posts and create jump rings to connect multiple pieces together will also be covered. See *METALS SUPPLIES NOTE. Please bring a bag lunch.
Instructor
Sarah T. Roberts
Dates
Sat & Sun, Jun 24 & 25 | 10:00am – 4:30pm
Location
Willson Metals Studio | Building: Santikos Building
Sessions
2
Tuition - Regular
$180
Tuition - Friends
$165
Course Description
This beginner class will cover the low-tech casting method using Delft Clay, a reusable, ultra-fine clay mix that allows for small-scale single-use mold casting. This process allows you to quickly cast small objects or jewelry in bronze or silver and unlike investment casting does not require a kiln or large equipment. Learn how to choose the right objects to cast, set up a successful mold, melt and pour metal as well as go through any troubleshooting. You should expect to finish several components or pieces. Basic metal skills and finishing processes will be covered in this course. See *METALS SUPPLIES NOTE. Tuition includes bronze casting grain for one casting; selecting or purchasing silver for casting will be covered.
Instructor
Sarah T. Roberts
Dates
Fri, Jun 2 – Jul 21 | 9:30am – 12:30pm
Location
Willson Metals Studio | Building: Santikos Building
Sessions
8
Tuition - Regular
$305
Tuition - Friends
$290
Course Description
This class is for motivated students wanting to apply design principles and processes to compliment the technical skills learned in previous classes. The class will begin with an in-depth look at design fundamentals and the creative process. Through discussions and design exercises, you will develop a cohesive and interesting series of artworks in your own personal style. Technical demonstrations will be given based on your individual need. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Metal Skills.1 and Metal Skills.2 or equivalent experience. See *METALS SUPPLIES NOTE.
Instructor
Sarah T. Roberts
Dates
Wed, May 31 – Jul 19 | 6:00 – 9:00pm
Location
Willson Metals Studio | Building: Santikos Building
Sessions
8
Tuition - Regular
$295
Tuition - Friends
$280
Course Description
For the advanced student wishing to pursue a new or continued topic of metalworking and/or jewelry-making or to create a small body of work. Although projects are self-directed, the instructor will work with each student to assist with design, aesthetic, and/or technical decisions. Prerequisite: Students must contact Jill Sortore at jill. sortore@utsa.edu for prior approval before registering and should have successfully completed at least three metals courses or equivalent intermediate metals experience. See Metal Supplies Notes.
Instructor
Alejandra Salinas Pérez
Dates
Wed, May 31 – Jul 26 | 9:30am – 12:30pm
Location
Willson Metals Studio | Building: Santikos Building
Sessions
9
Tuition - Regular
$310
Tuition - Friends
$295
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