Classes
The Metal Museum offers various education programs ranging from public demonstrations to middle and high school programs to blacksmithing and casting. Metalsmithing and foundry classes are taught on site. Classes start at beginner levels and go to advanced specialized sessions. After students take a basic class, they are eligible to use the Metal Museum's co-op shop facilities. The Metal Museum also offers acid/copper etching, silver bracelet fabrication and aluminum casting and participates in the Memphis City Schools Summer Arts Program.
Our current class list is below. This year we are offering Blacksmithing I and II, Intermediate Blacksmithing, Sand Casting, Copper Weathervanes and Enameling. To sign up for classes contact Judy Davis at 901-774-6380.
Basic Blacksmithing I
January 10-11, 2009
Tuition: $210 (Museum Members: $170)
This class is designed to acquaint students with the fundamentals of blacksmithing. Students learn to build and manage a fire, study the use of blacksmithing tools, proper hammer and striking techniques, basic forging techniques and work on specific projects such as coat or pot racks. Tuition covers tools and materials. Students must provide their own safety glasses, hearing protection and gloves.
Limited to 10
Saturday and Sunday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Basic Blacksmithing II
A. December 6-7, 2008
B. January 24-25, 2009
Tuition: $210 (Museum Members: $170)
This class will focus on a “grill” using various types of scrolls such as ribbon, fish tail and snub-end. The grill will be assembled and fitted using the traditional techniques of punching, forge welding, riveting and collaring. Tuition covers tools and materials. Students must provide their own safety glasses, hearing protection and gloves.
Limited to 10
Saturday and Sunday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Copper Weathervane
Two Weekend Sessio
n
Session I: February 6-8 and February 14-15, 2009
Session II: April 24-26, 2009 and May 2-3, 2009
Tuition: $300 (Museum Members: $260)
Lab Fee: $75
Students will explore the process of open die forming. It employs the use of a plywood and Masonite form or die. A profile of the object to be made is cut out of the die; the copper is placed between layers of Masonite and hammered into a three-dimensional shape. The two sides are then blazed together and any decorations are added. The total size of the die is 16” x 32”, which allows for a 10” x 26” hollow form. Tuition covers tools and materials. Students must provide their own safety glasses, hearing protection and gloves.
Note: Students must come to class prepared on Friday with a full size drawing.
Limited to 9
Friday 6:00p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Enamel as Material
Deborah Lozier, Instructor
March 14 & 15 2009
Tuition: $300 (Museum Members: $260)
Lab Fee: $75
Enamel fused onto copper turns this humble material into an amazing range of color and texture. From shimmering golds and blues to muted tones of subtle variation, enamel is an incredibly versatile material. Fusing the enamel with a torch creates a spontaneous and direct approach to the process.
Color and design will be the emphasis of the class. Enamel applications, firing, texturing & creating pattern both on the metal and with the enamel will be the technical focus. Applying the learned information into more complex ideas will be discussed, but the focus of the class will be experimenting with the process. No enameling experience necessary. An understanding of beginning jewelry techniques helpful, but not required.
Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Instructor Bio
Deborah Lozier lives in Oakland, California where she is a studio artist and adjunct professor at the California College of the Arts. Attended Arizona State University, Tempe (B.F.A. crafts, 1984). Exhibits and teaches internationally and is best known for her techniques of enameling onto fabricated copper forms. Her jewelry and metalwork have been printed in numerous publications, most recently the Lark Publications 500 Series: Rings, Bracelets, Brooches, Vessels and Pendants & Lockets, The Art of Enameling by Linda Darty and Enameling with Professionals by Lilyan Bachrach. She has received artist grants from the City of Oakland and the Society of North American Goldsmiths and is currently serving on the Public Art Advisory Committee for the City of Oakland.