More than Making: Ideas, Services and Practices Beyond the Bench
Saturday, October 21: Inspiration and Identification
11:00 AM Marlene Richey, A History of American Jewelry
Gain insight and learn the inspiration behind the beginnings of some of the most well-known artists in the field and what inspired these artists to begin their career in jewelry. This presentation covers the genealogy of the American jewelry design movement and its beginning after World War II. Discover the financial, political, social, and technical reasons behind what made it possible for jewelry designers today to make a living.
Marlene has over 30 years of experience in the jewelry field, including running a wholesale business, retail gallery, and serving on numerous boards of directors. She has authored an award-winning book about running a small jewelry design/craft business - "Profiting by Design" through the MJSA Press.
1:00 PM Arthur Hash, Crafting in Virtual Space
Arthur’s work is part limited production and part one-of-a-kind art jewelry that combines 3D printing, laser cutting and CNC routing with traditional metalsmithing and jewelry fabrication materials and methods. He is committed to the contemporary exploration of what jewelry is and can be, while retaining the sense of elegance and beauty found in the long tradition of body
adornment. Arthur will discuss how he utilizes 3D printing and new technology at the bench and in the classroom.
Arthur Hash is an assistant professor at Rhode Island School of Design. Before coming to RISD, Arthur Hash co-founded the Makerbot Innovation Lab for Fine and Performing Arts at the State University of New York, New Paltz and taught jewelry design and metalsmithing at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. His work is exhibited in various galleries around the world and is included in a number of private and public collections around the US.
*With special introduction and demonstration by sponsor 
3:00 PM Mark Haughton from Rock Deco, Identifying and Purchasing the best Gemstones for Your Designs
Selecting gemstones for your work can be difficult. This lecture eases that concern by discussing the use, quality, sourcing, pricing and marketing of your gem selections. A brief synopsis on the Kimberley Process (the process that sets out the requirements for controlling rough diamond production and trade) will be discussed in reference to diamond purchases. Major markets for gemstones, establishing a supplier relationship, spreading knowledge about the gems in your work, and marketing your work to galleries are areas of particular importance to success and will be discussed in this presentation.
Sunday, October 22: Creativity and Compatibility
11:00 AM Paulette Werger, Creative Uses for Commercial Components
Learn creative ways to save time and expand your inventory by working with commercial chain, findings, settings, and other pre-made components. This demonstration will focus on modifying prefabricated parts and creatively integrating them into your work.
Paulette works in a variety of materials including high karat gold, platinum, precious stones, sterling silver, and pewter. Her work is exhibited and sold both nationally and internationally through museums and galleries. She currently serves as a board member for the Society of Arts and Crafts in Boston, and formerly for the Society of North American Goldsmiths and teaches throughout the country.
*with special introduction by sponsor Hilary Scott, President of Halstead Bead 
Halstead Design Challenge: Memento Digital Slide Show
Halstead Bead Challenge Digital Slide Show: Take a look at some of the 2017 Halstead Bead Design Challenge entries. Artists were asked to incorporate a photo into a brooch made primarily from materials in the Halstead challenge kit which inspired this demonstration.
1:00 PM Patrick McMillan, Applying the Pulse Arc Welder to Everyday Studio Practices
Learn how a seasoned, full-time studio jeweler integrates Pulse Arc welding into his everyday studio practices. Compare before and after photos of commission pieces and repairs to see the endless uses of a micro welder.
Patrick McMillan teaches jewelry and metalsmithing at School One High School and The Steel Yard in Providence. He is also the owner and operator of The Bench in Pawtucket, RI, a creative studio space for jewelers and metalsmiths providing access to tools and equipment with affordable workspace. Patrick received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University and his Masters of Arts from the Birmingham School of Jewellery in England
*with special introduction by sponsor 
3:00 PM Cynthia Eid, Advantages of Argentium
Watch a demonstration of annealing, fusing, granulating, and soldering this highly tarnish-resistant sterling alloy. It will become your new favorite metal to work with! Cynthia will offer expert explanations while giving close-up demonstrations. You’ll learn all the tips that you need to successfully work with Argentium Sterling at this demo!
Cynthia Eid has been working with Argentium Silver since she was first introduced to the alloy in 1999. Her hammered metalwork has won awards, has been featured in publications internationally, and exhibited extensively. She is an independent metalsmith and educator, teaching classes at Metalwerx and workshops all over the globe. Cynthia earned her Master of Fine Arts in Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design from Indiana University in 1980 and has a B.S. in Art Education. This year, Cynthia Eid is one of 5 people chosen as Massachusetts’ “Women to Watch in Metal 2018.”
* sponsored by 