We are taking a pause on the Metalwerx Virtual Spring Symposium in 2025. Stay tuned for new information coming later this year!
An online summit of inspiration, creativity, connection, and education for all! Metalsmiths, jewelry artists, and makers of all experience levels are invited to join us as we gather together online for live demonstrations and studio tours with new and established artists from around the country. We learn new skills and techniques, broaden our jewelry and metalsmithing knowledge, take a peek into fellow artists’ studios and bodies of work, and be inspired as we start the spring! In addition to daily symposium presentations, the Symposium includes online social meet-ups throughout the week to meet other makers and make valuable, long-lasting connections.
The Symposium has featured talented emerging and established artists each year. During their sessions, presenters share their jewelry and metalsmithing knowledge and inspiration, demonstrate one or more of their signature techniques, and give us a peek inside around their studios or at their body of work!
Past Presenting Artists
2024
- Gokul Bakshi - Hot-Forging Silver Spoons
- Ben Cooke-Akaiwa - Faux Granulation
- Margo Csipő - Working with Mother of Pearl
- Andy Lowrie - Layered & Distressed Color on Metal
- Kim Nogueira - Hand-Colored Decals on Enamels
- Nanette Pengelley - Double-Sided Prong Setting
- Vincent Potter - Pattern Rolling for Cuffs & Bangles
- Marne Ryan - Exploring Texture Through Fusing
- Greg Wilbur - The Art of Raising
- Logan Woodle - Demystifying Pewter
2023
- Curtis Hidemasa Arima - Engraving & Milgraining
- Adam Atkinson - Form and Movement from Flat Sheet
- Aminata Conteh - Woven Metal Baskets
- Nancy Mēgan Corwin - Chasing & Repoussé
- Mi-Sook Hur - Painted Enamels
- Margaret Jacobs - Powder Coating
- Carin Jones - Casting Multiples
- Momoko Okada - Japanese Inlay and Patinas
- Sandra Salaices - Forming and Painting on Steel Mesh
- Joe Wood - Combining 3D Printing with Metals
2022
- Alejandra Carrillo-Estrada - Applications for Gold Pen-Plating
- Christine Clark - Fabricating with Steel on a Jewelry Scale
- Taylor Fentz - Cages and Captures
- Alicia Goodwin - Reticulated Textures
- Shane Hendren - Engraving Techniques, Tips, and Trickets
- Taylor Zarkades King - Borrowed Color: Working with Repurposed Aluminum
- Kirk Lang - Anodizing Reactive Metals
- Michael Nashef - Concrete for Jewelry & Small Sculpture
- Aric Verrastro - Unconventional Assemblage: Combining Traditional and Nontraditional Materials
- Denise Wallace - Tradition Today: The Art of Scrimshaw
2021
- Paul Bartnik, Create + Elevate: From sharp gravers to client connection
- Mando Bee, Making a new reality through form and color
- David Harper Clemons, Riveted Handle Ladles: Forming, Forging & Assembly
- Funlola Coker, Building a Jewelry Collection in Colour
- Tanya Crane, Meditating on Pattern
- Ryan Gardner, Beyond the Cab: Carving Stones at the Bench
- Nicole Ringgold, Inspired by Nature with Nicole Ringgold
- Taylor Saleem, How I Found My Artistic Voice Using the Language of Flowers
- Adam Whitney, Raising and Sculpting Metal; a process neither additive or subtractive
- Laura Wood, Color Stories + Developing a Visual Language through Material Study
2020
- Tim McCreight, Lessons From the Tool Box Initiative
- Matthieu Cheminee, Stamp Making
- William Vanaria, Casting an Ingot from Scrap and Forging a Simple Ring Band
- Jeffrey Georgantes, Jewelry Studio Set-Up: From Beginner to Professional
- Bill Fretz, Spinner Ring Set and Alluring New Tools
- Jim Dailing, Sturdy Stone Settings with Structural Bezels
- Melissa Muir, All About the Finish Line: Polishing and Surface Treatments
- Corkie Bolton, Metalsmith Society: Going From 0 to 100K Followers in Two Years
- Kate Richbourg, Exploring Hollow Forms: Making Metal Beads Using Disc Cutters
- Cynthia Eid, Form and Details: An Artist Talk and Demonstration
Symposium Format
Artist Presentations
An exciting showcase of presentations and demonstrations designed to introduce you to new skills and techniques, along with a peek into artists' studios to look at their work and diverse practices. All presentations are recorded and available to watch online for several months.
Social Events
Symposium attendees are invited to connect with each other and with the presenters at virtual social events throughout the week. Social events include two morning mingles and one evening events.
Giveaways and Resources!
Yes, you can win tools! Attendees at each Symposium presentation and social event will have the opportunity to enter to win tools, books, and swag generously donated by Rio Grande, presenters, and friends. All attendees will also receive an info-packed digital resource guide with tips and products referenced in each presentation, so the benefits of the experience can keep going long after the weekends.