Jewelry and Metalsmithing Emphasis - B.F.A.
Degree Information
Format: Face-to-face
Credits: ~126
The program in Jewelry/Metalsmithing engages you with materials, technique and craft while reinforcing a dedication to innovation and experimentation. The field embraces a wide range of ideas, objects and methods of making including emerging technologies. Career development and professional practice skills are an integral part of the curriculum. You can choose a direction from a broad range of professional options that best complement your personal goals.
Degree Options
BFA in Studio Art - Jewelry and Metalsmithing Emphasis
Students interested in a Jewelry/Metalsmithing may pursue a B.F.A. in Studio Art with this emphasis, or pursue a B.A./B.S. degree in Art Education with this emphasis as well
BFA in Studio Art, Jewelry/Metalsmithing Emphasis
The B.F.A. in Studio Art is designed for students interested in a professional career in art. Aside from Jewelry/Metalsmithing, seven other Emphasis Areas are available to choose from in the B.F.A. degree.
BA/BS in Art Education and K-12 certification
Students may also pursue a BA or BS Degree in Art Education in which they can choose to take Jewelry/Metalsmithing courses.
Coursework
Regardless of whether they adopt traditional or contemporary practices, undergraduates gain an understanding of the art, its historical context, and business practices. Introductory courses teach the essentials of metal fabrication, surface embellishment, and simple stone setting. As students advance, they gain expertise in the processes of casting, generating multiples, forging, container forms, and hollowware production. Opportunities to experiment with traditional, contemporary, and mixed-media techniques encourage students to develop a personal approach to the medium that integrates their chosen methods with a strong conceptual focus.
Studio Art (Jewelry and Metalsmithing) - B.F.A. Advising Guide
ART 245 - Fabricating Adornment: Jewelry Basics and Design
This course will explore traditional and fundamental jewelry-making within a conceptual context. Specific techniques to be covered include cold connection, etching, surface embellishment, simple stone setting, and finishing. Additional topics will include the historical and contemporary significance of jewelry in cultural production.
Credits: 3
ART 246 - Fluidity in Small Form: Jewelry Casting
This course will examine the casting process as it relates to jewelry production. Emphasis will be placed on the lost-wax process of casting and related fabrication techniques. As a conceptual focus, the course will explore the practice of adornment as it relates to the casting process.
Credits: 3
ART 347 - The Functional Metal Object in the Domestic Space
This course will explore the impact of metalsmithing on both functional art and domestic spaces. Focus will be placed on hollow construction techniques, enabling students to produce basic tableware and kitchenware from semi-precious sheet metal. Offered fall semester. Prerequisite: ART 245.
Credits: 3
ART 348 - The Body Adorned: Constructed Identity
From the earliest humans to punk rockers, fashion, jewelry, body modification and other forms of adornment have played a critical role in the expression of self and cultural identity. This course will explore how non-metal and mixed media techniques are used in the production of such adornment.
Credits: 3
ART 349 - Jewelry and Metalsmithing Production
This course will investigate methods of producing artwork in multiples, including limited production runs serving as a springboard for commercial/entrepreneurial endeavors. Historic and current trends in jewelry/metalwork will be examined, and students will be encouraged to develop both a personal direction and critical dialogue with respect to their studio practice.
Prerequisite: ART 245.
Credits: 3
ART 447 - Advanced Jewelry and Metalsmithing I
ART 447 - Advanced Jewelry and Metalsmithing I
The focus at this level is on ideas that challenge traditionally held concepts and perceptions in the search of a personal interpretation. Technical and material concerns will be addressed as needed for realization of the work. Work should begin to show a cohesive idea. Offered fall and winter semesters. Prerequisite: ART 347.
Credits: 3
ART 448 - Advanced Jewelry and Metalsmithing II
The focus of this course is the demonstration of the use of knowledge of metalsmithing materials, techniques, and design concepts to explore new ground and ask new questions in a search for a personal statement. A body of work exploring a particular idea is required. May be repeated for credit. Offered fall and winter semesters. Prerequisite: ART 447.
Credits: 3
Faculty
Natalie Lowe
Visiting Professor
Foundations, Jewelry and Metalsmithing
Renee Zettle-Sterling
Professor
Jewelry and Metalsmithing Coordinator
Student's Works
“"And never underestimate an art student's skills at thinking about ANY problem creatively!"”
—
JEN SURINE, BFA, JEWELRY AND METALS, 2010
Facilities
The metalsmithing studio offers students the resources to help them learn the diverse techniques of the medium. This includes the equipment necessary for metal fabrication, casting, forging, enameling, raising, generating multiples, and hollowware production. Majors earning a BFA in this program have individual studio spaces in a common area shared with sculpture students.
Alumni Outcomes
Graduates of the Studio Art – Jewelry/Metalsmithing program possess knowledge, experience, and unique skills that are highly desirable and transferable, enabling them to seek employment in career fields both within and outside of the fine arts. Art degrees can lead to future work opportunities in a gallery, non-profit cultural organization, or museum.
Jewelry/Metalsmithing Emphasis Graduates Work As...
- Freelance artist/ entrepreneur
- Jewelry designer
- Metalsmith/goldsmith
- Bench Jewelers
- Dental Lab Technicians
- Gallery owner/assistant/ director/ curator
- Salespeople
- Art Teachers
- Community-based artist
Where GVSU Alumni Have Worked / Been Accepted to Graduate Degrees...
- Edinboro University
- Founder's Brewery
- Davis Dental Lab
- Jensen's Jewelers
Professional Networking
Jewelry/Metalsmithing emphasis students are encouraged to pursue professional connections from the start in the program, engaging in exhibition work, on-campus employment, among other options.
GVSU Jewelry and Metalsmithing Social Media
GVSU Career Center
The Career Center offers a wide variety of events to help you successfully land after graduating from GVSU!
Schedule a VMA Tour
Interested in visiting VMA? Schedule your student lead tour today!
Tours are available during open VMA Office hours:
Monday -Friday 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
(Closed on Public Holidays)
VMA Main Office: (616) 331-3486
[email protected]
Other Areas
Art Education — Art History — Ceramics — Film & Video Production — Graphic Design — Illustration — Jewelry and Metalsmithing — Painting — Photography — Printmaking — Sculpture — Visual Studies