In the Jewelry/Metals specialization, students explore a range of fabrication, casting and metalsmithing techniques in the creation of unique, one-of-a-kind objects. Emphasis is placed on personal initiative, development of technical expertise, critical thinking and creative approaches to problem-solving. Projects are designed to encourage students to explore unique solutions to design problems in traditional jewelry and metalsmithing forms as well as the freedom to explore non-objective design solutions.
The Jewelry/Metals specialization in the B.S. in Studio Art Program at Southern is the only academic program of its kind in the state of Connecticut.
Studio equipment and processes
- Soldering station with new ventilation system
- Centrifugal, vacuum and sand casting equipment
- Full complement of metalsmithing stakes, hammers and forming tools
- Large and micro drill presses
- Sandblasting cabinet
- Acid etching and patination
- Sheetmetal roller
- Flexshaft station
- Burnout, enameling and glass kilns
- Tumbling and polishing machines
- 100oz and 30oz Electromelt casting furnaces
- Electroplating
- Drawbench and drawplates
- Moldmaking and wax working tools
- Durston rolling mill
- Hydraulic Press
- Large hand and foot shears
- Milling machine
- 13 x 40 Machine lathe
- Spinning lathe
- Orion Laser Welder
- 3D Printing/Makerbot (Shared with the Sculpture Department)
Past Visiting Artists and Workshops have included
- J. Arthur Loose - Bladesmithing
- Mark Herndon - Mokume Gane
- Mary Lee Hu - Working with Wire
- David Peterson - Hollow Core Casting
- Boris Bally - Visting Artist Lecture
- Dan Clayman - Visiting Artist Lecture