Silversmithing Open Studio with Jamie Halpern & Susie Sawin – G24070404
This course offers open use of the Ghost Ranch silversmith studio, with optional silversmith and lapidary coaching. It is intended for students who already have basic silversmith skills and wish to work independently. Studio work may be supplemented by demonstrations, discussions and guest instructors. Lapidary and silver channel inlay instruction will be provided to interested students. Students will leave the class with wearable jewelry art. Prior instructor approval may be required for enrollment in this class.
The fully-equipped Ghost Ranch jewelry studio provides a wonderful opportunity for students to learn the skills and techniques of advanced silver jewelry-making in a beautiful location with a long history in the creative arts. Ghost Ranch is a place of beauty and serenity that nurtures the creative spirit with a lengthy history in the creative arts. Silversmith students come away from this class with unimagined creations, a proud sense of accomplishment, and a personal connection to the arts of the Southwest.
The open studio will be staffed by experienced silversmith instructors who will be available for consultation, assistance, and demonstrations. The studio is equipped with all the needed tools, supplies and equipment. Students may bring their own hand-tools, stones, and silver supplies, if desired. Sliver used in class projects can be purchased at the studio. Note: Students should expect to spend between $100 – $300 on silver for the week unless brought from home – this cost is NOT included in the class fee and will be paid at the end of class.
Instructors
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Jamie Halpern
Jamie Halpern is an accomplished silversmith, lapidary artist and metalsmith instructor. His work reflects southwestern art and jewelry-making styles and is influenced by travels throughout the United States, the South Pacific and Europe. Working with silver and colorful semi-precious stones through metal fabrication and inlay, and through his teachings with beginning and advanced jewelry students and artists, Jamie celebrates creativity and personal exploration and nurtures artistic expression. His jewelry is sold through private commissions. He has taught silversmithing and lapidary art at Ghost Ranch for a number of years to rave reviews and testaments to how professional pieces can be crafted with focused time. Examples of Jamie’s work can be found at: Jehalpernjewelry.com.
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Susie Sawin
Susie Sawin is an artist, dentist, and mom. She started her study of silversmithing and lapidary arts under the wonderful instruction of Dale Smith and Judith Foster here at Ghost Ranch. Over the past 8 years, Susie has continued to explore and refine her skills both at the ranch and at her studio in Columbus, Indiana. She loves the confluence of technical challenge and artistic freedom that comes when silver and stone is brought together in a piece of work. Susie’s jewelry has been featured at local galleries and shows around her hometown and examples can be seen online at keepinghillecoart.com.