Jewelry & Metals   

Sand casting is a low-tech casting method using a reusable, ultra-fine clay sand mix that allows for small-scale single-use mold casting. This process allows you to quickly cast small objects or jewelry in bronze or silver and unlike investment casting does not require a kiln or large equipment, therefore perfect for home studios. Learn how to choose the right objects to cast, set up a successful mold, melt and pour metal as well as go through any troubleshooting. You should expect to finish several components or pieces. Basic metal skills and finishing processes will be covered in this course. Tuition includes bronze casting grain for one casting; selecting or purchasing silver for casting will be covered; see *METALS NOTE

*METALS NOTE: Tuition for metals classes covers basic studio supplies, chemicals, and access to tools and equipment. Some classes include a limited supply kit unless otherwise noted. Students should anticipate additional fees for other tools, metal, and findings for their samples or projects. Please see website for supply lists.

Jewelry & Metals Open Studio: Open studio time will be permitted prior to and immediately following class time; limited open studio time outside of class will be discussed in class.

In this follow up course to Metal Skills.1, students will hone their sawing, soldering, forming, and surface finishing skills and apply those basic metalsmithing techniques to create more complex projects. Students will be encouraged to design and fabricate independent projects and can anticipate completing at least two projects. Demonstrations will cover various techinques. See *METALS SUPPLIES NOTE.

For the advanced student wishing to pursue a new or continued topic of metalworking and/or jewelry-making or to create a small body of work. Although projects are self-directed, the instructor will work with each student to assist with design, aesthetic, and/or technical decisions. Prerequisite: Students must contact Jill Sortore at jillian. sortore@utsa.edu for prior approval before registering and should have successfully completed of at least three metals courses or equivalent intermediate metals experience. See *METALS NOTE.

*METALS NOTE: Tuition for metals classes covers basic studio supplies, chemicals, and access to tools and equipment. Some classes include a limited supply kit unless otherwise noted. Students should anticipate additional fees for other tools, metal, and findings for their samples or projects. Please see website for supply lists.

Jewelry & Metals Open Studio: Open studio time will be permitted prior to and immediately following class time; limited open studio time outside of class will be discussed in class.