The Jewelry and Metals studio within Iowa State University’s Department of Art and Visual Culture offers a dynamic and comprehensive metalsmithing curriculum that prioritizes both technical mastery and critical engagement with contemporary art, culture, and social issues. Our program encourages students to explore the intersection of craft, personal expression, and innovation, pushing the boundaries of metalwork in both traditional and experimental forms.
Through interdisciplinary projects and multimedia curricula, students are inspired to integrate diverse ideas and collaborate across departments and the broader university community. This collaborative environment fosters the development of new applications for metalwork while deepening students’ understanding of the artistic and cultural contexts surrounding their craft.
Studio Fundamentals and Advanced Techniques
The Studio Fundamentals Course introduces students to essential metalsmithing processes, providing a solid foundation in both traditional and contemporary techniques. Students learn the core skills necessary for creating jewelry, functional objects, and sculptural pieces, including sawing, cutting, filing, abrasive work, textural treatments, finishing processes, and silver soldering.
As students advance in their studies, they gain expertise in more complex techniques such as hollow construction, stone setting, lost wax casting, and advanced metal forming and raising. The curriculum emphasizes both technical skill and conceptual development, guiding students to refine their work while encouraging thoughtful communication and evaluation of their creative process.
Through this rigorous and supportive program, students are equipped to explore the full potential of metalsmithing, creating work that speaks to both personal vision and broader cultural conversations.
The Jewelry and Metals studio is located room 0044, College of Design.