New Director Brings a Vision of Education, Innovation, and Community
For Immediate Release: September 4, 2024
Waltham, MA – It’s a new era for Metalwerx Studio and School in Massachusetts. Today the nonprofit metalsmithing and jewelry organization announced the appointment of Laura Burkett as Executive Director. With roots in contemporary craft, education, and business, Burkett is uniquely suited to be the next leader of Metalwerx and she fosters a fresh vision for the future.
No stranger to the contemporary craft community, Burkett comes to Metalwerx after serving as the founder of ArtSmart Productions and running a leather goods business, Laura Burkett Designs, in Pawtucket, RI. Under her leadership, ArtSmart Productions founded and produced the Art Providence Show from 2017-2019; curated the 90th Annual League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Art, Craft & Design Exhibition; and acquired Mad Dog Artist Studios, a shared artist workspace serving artists in ceramics, jewelry, textiles, printmaking, and painting.
Balanced with her entrepreneurial spirit and connections to the fine craft community, Burkett’s career trajectory through education, marketing, and strategy shows a well-versed leader ready to take the reins of Metalwerx. Prior to ArtSmart Productions, Burkett worked in study abroad education as the Director of the Barcelona Center for Education Abroad in Spain and the Marketing and Student Services Director for the Umbra Institute in Italy. In addition, Burkett holds an MBA in Marketing from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and spent 15 years in corporate marketing and brand management.
"I am incredibly excited to join the Metalwerx team and lead an organization so committed to excellence in education, community, and metalsmithing," said Burkett. "At Metalwerx, I see a unique blend of community and innovation in craft that resonates with my own background and passion for contemporary craft. I look forward to working with the talented staff, educators, board and community to expand the reach and impact of Metalwerx, elevate others through education and artistry, and inspire the next generation."
Metalwerx Board Chair Melissa Clough added, "Laura's impressive background, experience, and passion for the arts make her the ideal leader for Metalwerx. We are confident that under her direction, Metalwerx will continue to thrive as a hub for metalsmithing education and innovation."
Laura Burkett officially assumed her role as Executive Director at the end of August. You can connect with her and the Metalwerx team via email at [email protected].