Metals Week

Hopi Jewelry: Silver Overlay

18+

Explore the uniquely classic Hopi technique of silver overlay metalsmithing. Silver overlay, as a technique for conveying traditional Hopi designs in silver, originated in 1938 from drawings produced at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Later, Fred Kabotie (Hopi), a noted former Idyllwild Arts faculty, taught this technique for World War II veterans' classes held from 1947-1951 in Arizona.

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Overview

In this workshop, the silver overlay designs are created using multiple sheets (layers) of silver with hand-cut-out designs. These layers are textured, and recessed layers are oxidized. The top layers are finely polished to create a contrast in silverwork. In this workshop, you will complete at least two small to medium works of art. Consider making a bracelet, ring, pendant, belt buckle, or a small pair of earrings. Close instruction means this workshop is well-suited for all levels of students. Ronald, your instructor, will discuss the evolution of styles from traditional to contemporary. You are encouraged to draw inspiration from Ronald’s stories and insights or from your ideas, insights, and experiences.

Note: With the many techniques in silversmithing to be covered throughout this workshop, you will be encouraged to start two pieces and focus entirely on finishing at least one to take home at the end of the week.

Beginners: Learn about silversmithing’s primary materials, processes, and techniques.

Intermediate/Advanced: If you have some experience, you will fine-tune your skills while mastering new techniques and designs.

Additional Information

Ronald Wadsworth, or Lomatsikeme (his Hopi name), is a member of the corn and water clans. He is originally from Songòopavi, on Second Mesa, a village in Northern Arizona, where he still lives. In addition to being an established Hopi Silversmith, Ronald is also an advisor to the Hopi Tribe’s Cultural Preservation Department and proudly serves on the Hopi Preservation Committee. Ronald and his family continue to practice sustenance farming, which he is passing down to the next generation.

The program will begin Sunday morning, with a brief orientation at 8:30 am. Workshops will start at 9 am.

Sunday night will feature a program mixer, where you will have an opportunity to meet with your classmates outside of the studio, as well as meet other students in our adult programs for the week.

Monday nights feature an opening reception at the Parks Exhibition Gallery, featuring work from our very own summer faculty!

Daily instruction occurs from 9am-12 pm, with a break for lunch in the campus dining hall (included in tuition), and followed with more instruction from 1pm-4 pm.

Artist Talks will be held in the evenings on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This is a wonderful opporunity to listen to Metals Week and HOT Clay instructors speak on their art.

On Friday afternoon, you will be able to display your own work from the week at our Culmination event outside Parks Exhibition Center.

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This course will introduce mold-making and alternative material casting in jewelry using mediums ranging from porcelain to gelatin. Together we will cover basic metalworking skills such as piercing and soldering to create settings for the cast components.

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Hopi Jewelry: Silver Overlay

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