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Skill Builder Series

This class combines several skill building topics and presents them in a weekly format with the goal of improving hand-skills through a series of technical exercises. There will be a particular focus placed on sawing/piercing, precision filing, soldering, and finishing. The class will culminate with a final project that puts all of these skills to the test as students fabricate an intricate piece of jewelry.

Come and build upon fundamental jewelry making techniques and acquire elevated bench skills that will prove to be an asset with any jewelry project!

Meet the instructor

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William Vanaria is a Massachusetts based artist with a penchant for oddball materials. His work utilizes traditional metalsmithing techniques and a wide verity of non-traditional materials to produce jewelry which both questions and comments on notions of romanticism, value, fakery, and the hierarchy of materials present within modern day consumer culture. Through his work he pushes for a broader system of value which has been formulated though experience, consideration, and critical thinking.

William received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design with a concentration in "Jewelry & Metalsmithing" in 2012. Afterwards, he spent time working within the jewelry industry and volunteering as a teacher's assistant for various art institutions. He found that the latter was much more fulfilling, so he went on to further his education within the arts and to pursue a career in teaching. William received his Masters of Fine Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts: Dartmouth in 2016; once again with a concentration in "Jewelry & Metalsmithing."

Materials & Tools

There is a $45 materials fee for this course which is payable upon registration. The materials kit includes copper and brass sheet, ring blanks, silver findings, as well as numerous other tools and flex shaft attachments needed for class projects.

Students should bring
  • notebook/sketchbook & writing utensil
  • very fine tip marker
  • any of their own favorite tools
 

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