Registration for Fall classes begins August 7!
MAC Metals Classes- Fall 2009
To register for MAC classes, please call 480-644-6521, 480-644-6522 or 480-664-6523
If you have registered for Mesa Arts Center classes before and have a Web Trac account,
you can access that account by clicking here
Download and fill out a Registration Form here
See the list of classes in calendar form here.
Open Studio time is available to students registered in any jewelry class
(No instruction- students are limited to tools and techniques they have experience with).
9:30AM-12:30PM | Fridays
One-on-one private lessons are available upon request. Please contact Billy Jones at
480-644-6541 to arrange your lessons.
Beginning/ Intermediate Classes | Intermediate/ Advanced Classes | Michael Sturlin Workshops
Sculpture Classes | CAD Workshops
Enameling
Enameling Primer Intensive
Instructor: Jewel Clark
1 day
- Enameling is the ancient art of fusing ground colored glass to a metal surface. Click here for a detailed explanation if you would like to learn more about the process.
- In this one day intensive, students will learn the basics of enameling: metal prep, sifting, simple decoration techniques and firing.
- This class is intended for individuals wanting a basics refresher and/ or for students wanting to try the process without having to commit too much time before finding out if they like the process.
- If there is interest in continuing, students may sign up for the 6 week enameling class (see class in the Intermediate/Advanced section).
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to workshop.
- Download the Materials List
701312-01 | Sa | Oct 24 | 9 AM- 5 PM | $95
Enameling
Instructor: Jewel Clark
5 weeks
- Intermediate level.
- Beginners to enameling must take the one day workshop Enameling Primer Intensive on Saturday, October 24, 9am- 5pm to be eligible to take this class.
- Stencils, sgrafitto and painting are covered and students may learn processes by request.
- Please click here for a detailed explanation if you would like to learn more about the process.
- No class Nov 11.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the class.
711311-01 | W | Oct 28- Dec9 | 1- 5 PM | $110 R $131 NR
Enameling: Picture This!
Imagery in Enamel
Instructor: Mary Chuduk
2 days
- Intermediate/advanced level.
- Explore a fresh approach to drawing and painting in enamel, using ceramic pencils, line drawing, sepia decals from your own photos, and painted overglaze colors for delicate color washes and details.
- Experiment with the subtle and brilliant color of enamels for both representational and abstract imagery, on flat and slightly formed copper or silver.
- Enhance the images with colored lusters and silver foil.
- Drawing and/or painting experience is helpful but not required.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to workshop.
701306-01 | Sa/Su | Dec 5-6 | 9 AM- 5 PM | $160
Beginning Level Classes and Workshops
Introduction to Jewelry: Fabrication Basics
Instructor: Jonathan Brown (M/W) and
Jewel Clark (W)
12 weeks
- Entry level class. Designed for beginners, but advanced students may wish to brush up on skills and learn new processes from a new teacher
- Learn how to create earrings, rings, pendants and brooches in the beginning level class
- This intensive class focuses on basic skills needed for jewelry fabrication
- Learn the basics or use this class to refine your skills: sawing, filing, soldering and finishing as well as basic stone setting
- Please, no registrations accepted after class start date. It is important that students be able to attend the first class
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the start of class
711327-01 | M | Sept 14- Nov 30 | 6-9PM | $194 R $232 NR
711327-02 | W | Sept 16- Dec 2 | 6-9PM | $194 R $232 NR
Jewelry Fabrication 1A
Instructor: Jewel Clark
Four weeks
- Entry level class. Designed for beginners, but advanced students may wish to brush up on skills and learn new processes from a new teacher.
- One section of three classes that make up the content of one long beginning jewelry fabrication class. They are designed to be taken independently in any order.
- The focus of this section is on cold working skills: piercing, cutting, filing, bending and finishing.
- Cold connections will be covered such as nuts and bolts, rivets, and tabs.
- Students will take home samples of techniques learned. Motivated students that are able to put in extra time will be able to produce finished jewelry.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the class.
- Download Materials List (pdf)
711328-01 | M/W | Sept 14-Oct 7 | 9 AM- 1 PM | $168 R $198 NR
Jewelry Fabrication 1B
Instructor: Jewel Clark
Four weeks
- Entry level class. Designed for beginners, but advanced students may wish to brush up on skills and learn new processes from a new teacher.
- One section of three classes that make up the content of one long beginning jewelry fabrication class. They are designed to be taken independently in any order.
- The focus of this section is on hot working skills that require torches: annealing, soldering, roller patterning, and forging.
- Students will take home samples of techniques learned. Motivated students that are able to put in extra time will be able to produce finished jewelry.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the class.
Jewelry Fabrication 1C
Instructor: Jewel Clark
Four weeks
- Entry level class. Designed for beginners, but advanced students may wish to brush up on skills and learn new processes from a new teacher.
- One section of three classes that make up the content of one long beginning jewelry fabrication class. They are designed to be taken independently in any order.
- The focus of this section is on using hammers, forging, daps, and a rolling mill to reshape basic pieces of metal into useful jewelry items. These are basic skills used to create textured surfaces and jewelry pieces with varying thicknesses and curves.
- Students will take home samples of techniques learned. Motivated students that are able to put in extra time will be able to produce finished jewelry.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the class.
Introduction to the Jeweler's Saw Frame
Instructor: Nissa Kubly
1 day
- Entry level workshop
- Learn basic skills for jewelry making.
- Learn to saw through all types of metal and other materials with a hair thin line.
- Create simple or complicated patterns in metal, etc.
- Learn how to use your saw frame to sand and finish tiny spaces.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to workshop.
Soldering Basics
Instructor: Jonathan Brown
2 days
- A beginning-level workshop. Learn basic soldering methods used by jewelers.
- Start your jewelry making career or hobby here.
- Chip. Sweat or tinning, probe, wire and mud soldering will be covered while creating wearable jewelry.
- Cost of materials: $40 sterling silver kit available for purchase during workshop.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to workshop.
701322-01 | Sa/Su | Dec 5-6 | 9 AM- 5 PM | $160
Casting: Wax Carving
Instructor: Polly Smith (T) or Jonathan Brown (M)
4 weeks
- Entry level class. Designed for beginners, but advanced students may work independently.
- Students will focus on learning to use carving wax by working on rings and pendants.
- Design, layout and carving and finishing the model will be covered.
- Finished wax models will be cast in silver, bronze or gold.
- Wax will be available for purchase during class.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the class.
711343-02 | T | Sept 8- 29 | 6-9PM | $68 R $81 NR
Casting: Direct Methods
Instructor: Polly Smith (T) or Jonathan Brown (M)
4 weeks
- Entry level class. Designed for beginners, but advanced students may work independently.
- Learn to pour molten metal into organic forms made of tufa stone, cuttle bone, beans, salt, water and straw brooms.
- These low tech methods can yield created or unexpected final forms.
- Use the form you develop to make pendants, bracelets or other jewelry objects.
- No class Oct 12.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the class.
711308-02 | T | Oct 20- Nov 10 | 6-9PM | $68 R $81 NR
Casting: Organics and Found Objects
Instructor: Polly Smith (T) or Jonathan Brown (M)
4 weeks
- Entry level class. Designed for beginners, but advanced students may work independently.
- Turn found objects into metal. Use tree branches and leaves, spices, bark or plastics from doll parts to ball point pens, anything that will burn at 1250F.
- Cast pieces can be utilized to create jewelry or sculpture.
- May be cast in silver, bronze or gold.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the class.
- No class Nov. 24.
711309-01 | M | Nov 16- Dec 9 | 1:30- 4:30PM | $68 R $81 NR
711309-02 | T | Nov 17- Dec 8| 6-9PM | $68 R $81 NR
Casting: Lost Wax
Instructor: Jonathan Brown
Friday evening and 2 Saturdays
- Entry level workshop.
- Learn the basic process of Lost Wax Casting.
- Create a wax model. A variety of methods will be discussed.
- Invest, burn out and cast your creation in gold, silver or bronze.
- Estimated cost of supplies: $25 and up depending on metal used.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the workshop.
- One hour lunch included.
- Note: Workshop begins on Friday evening.
Casting: Direct Methods
Instructor: Jonathan Brown
1 day
- Entry level class. Learn to pour molten metal into organic forms made of tufa stone, cuttle bone, beans, salt, water and straw brooms.
- These low tech methods can yield created or unexpected final forms.
- Use the form you develop to make pendants, bracelets or other jewelry objects.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the class.
Precious Metal Clay
Instructor: Polly Smith (T/TH) or Alison King (W)
4 or 8 weeks
- Entry level class.
- Fine silver can now be shaped and worked like clay, then kiln fired and finished like cast silver.
- Learn to work this new, high-tech material.
- Use simple tools and hand manipulation to make rings, pendants, beads and small containers.
- Once fired it can be worked further with traditional jewelry tools such as files and hammers.
- Returning students are welcome to continue work on personal projects in an independent projects format.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the class.
- Estimated cost of supplies: $120.
711372-01 | T/TH | Sept 8- Oct 1 (4 weeks) | 10AM- 1 PM | $131 R $156 NR
711372-01 | W | Sept 9- Oct 28 (8 weeks) | 6-9 PM | $131 R $156 NR
Bronze and Copper Clay
Instructor: Polly Smith
1 day
- Learn to work with this recently developed metal clay.
- Works like clay, when fired fuses into beautiful bronze or copper.
- Suitable for jewelry or small objects.
- Beginning level, no pre-requisite.
- A $50 materials kit is available for purchase during the workshop.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the workshop.
- One hour lunch.
701320-01 | Su | Sept 13 | 9 AM- 5 PM | $85
Using Resins in Jewelry
Instructor: Ashley Weber and Crystal Bortfeld
1 day
- Easily create amazing color in your jewelry.
- Colorants used can be as diverse as kitchen spices like cayenne and turmeric or all the hues of powered eyeshadow.
- $20 materials kit will be available for purchase during class.
- Entry level, no experience necessary.
- Students will take home a pendant and pair of earrings that they make using the technique.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the workshop.
- Lunch break
701308-01 | Sa | Oct 3 | 9:30 AM- 3:30 PM | $65
Creating Cabochons: Beginning
Instructor: Bob Bortfeld
6 weeks
- Create beautiful stones for jewelry
- Here you will learn how to slice a pretty stone into slabs; then cut and polish them to make colorful cabochons for setting in rings, pendants or buckles
- These skills are also great for adjusting previously created cabochons to improve their look and fit in your jewelry designs
- Safe use of equipment and basic skill development will be emphasized
- Returning students are welcome to continue work on personal projects in an independent projects format
711303-01 | M | Sept 14- Oct 19 | 6-9PM | $98 R $121 NR
Beginning/ Intermediate Level Classes and Workshops
Metal Basics for Lampworkers
Instructor: Teri Jo Kinnison
4 weeks
- Beginning to advanced students welcome.
- Learn the characteristics of common metals used for jewelry and how to work with them to make unique elements for your bead-based jewelry.
- Learn to use common jeweler tools including hammers, pliers, files, a saw and a gas-air torch. We will also cover how to modify common tools to make them work better for you.
- Basic finishing techniques and patina will be discussed.
- Planned projects include: jump rings and basic chains, head pins (plain and fancy), simple clasps, end caps, lining larger hole beads with metal tubing and bent wire brooch.
- Bring your hand tools and some beads (not seed beads) to class. During the first class we will discuss what specific things participants want to learn. If possible, the planned projects will be modified to include other items.
- We will not have time in this short class to learn soldering.
- Copper will be used for making samples and practice pieces.
- Subsequent pieces can be made in silver, if desired.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the class.
- A $45 materials kit is available for purchase during the first class.
711363-01 | T | Oct 15-Nov 5 | 1:30- 4:30 PM | $88 R 105 NR
Modifying Metal Beads
Instructor: Teri Jo Kinnison
4 weeks
- Beginning to advanced students welcome.
- Use basic jeweler tools to modify commercial metal beads into unique pieces of your own.
- Primary tools will be a torch for annealing, daps, pattern punches, files and a saw.
- Basic skills of piercing and filing will be helpful.
- Basic patinas and gold application will be discussed.
- We will not have time in this short class to learn soldering.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the class.
- A $45 materials kit is available for purchase during the first class.
711365-01 | TH | Sept 10-24 | 5:30- 9:30 PM | $88 R $105 NR
Hand Engraving on Metal:
Beginning and Intermediate
Instructor: Dave Jones
4 or 6 weeks
- Join renowned gun engraver Dave Jones for this entry level class.
- The age old hammer and graver technique will be taught to give students greater ease and control in executing traditional designs.
- Students will learn the basics of engraving patterns on steel, nickel and aluminum. Silver is optional.
- Learn proper tool identification, use and care including tool shaping and sharpening.
- Class includes metal identification for engraving and design and layout
- Materials kit available for purchase during class, estimated cost is $75.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the class.
711313-01 | M | Sept 14- Oct 19 (6 weeks) | 1:30-4:30PM | $100 R $118 NR
711313-02 | M | Nov 9- 30 (4 weeks) | 1:30-4:30PM | $ $68 R $81 NR
711313-03 | T | Oct 20- Nov 24 (6 weeks) | 6- 9PM | $ $100 R $118 NR
Technology and Jewelry
Instructor: Jewel Clark
6 weeks
- Entry level to advanced.
- Learn how your designs can be realized using Waterjet and hydraulic press.
- Patterned metal can be formed and cut to shape in seconds.
- Create jewelry components for unique pieces or multiples for production.
- Suitable for earrings, pendants, bracelets, brooches and charms.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the class.
711374-01 | T | Sept 8- Oct 13 | 1:30- 4:30 PM | $98 R $121 NR
Raising and Sinking Vessels
Instructor: Polly Smith
4 weeks
- Entry level class.
- Learn how to take a flat sheet of copper and hand “raise” or “sink” it into bowl, vase, cup, or sculptural form.
- Adding edges, lips and bases as well as surface decoration will be discussed.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the class.
- Students must be physically able to swing a hammer for much of the class time.
711373-01 | T/TH | Oct 6- 29 | 10 AM- 1 PM | $131 R $156 NR
Lapidary for Jewelers and Beaders
Instructor: Bob Bortfeld
1 morning
- Mend or reshape broken stones.
- Size and shape purchased cabochon stones and glass to fit your bezel.
- How to choose which types of stones work best for different applications.
- What shows to attend to purchase cut or rough stones.
701307-01 | F | Oct 16 | 9 AM- 1 PM | $45
Electroforming Copper on Metal
Instructor: Polly Smith
4 weeks
- Entry level class.
- Copper can be electrochemically deposited on metal objects.
- Vessels and jewelry made of sheet or cast metal can be attached or decoratively accented with copper deposition.
- Light copper coloration for patina or heavy deposition for textured organic patterns are possibilities.
- Limited to non-ferrous metals like silver, copper, brass and bronze.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the class.
- No class Thanksgiving week.
711310-01 | T/TH | Nov 10- Dec 3 | 10 AM- 1 PM | $131 R $156 NR
Fiber Techniques in Metal
Instructor: Jewel Clark
4 weeks
- Students will learn how to manipulate sheet strips and wire with traditional fibers/ basketry techniques on a jewelry scale including: weaving, twining, multi-strand braiding, and more as time and the pace of the class allows.
- Finishing and presentation (i.e. the "now what do I do with it" phase) will also be covered.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the class.
711321-01 | W | Nov 18- Dec 9 | 6-9 PM | $68 R $81 NR
Patinas and Surface Textures
Instructor: Nissa Kubly
- Learn how to create rich color and texture.
- Explore the use of chemical patinas.
- A variety of texturing methods will be covered, including sand blasting, roller-printing, texture etching and hammering.
- Suitable for jewelry-scale and table top size non-ferrous metal work.
- Students will take home a completed set of test tiles for future reference.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the class.
701321-01 | Sa/Su | Nov 21- 22 | 9AM- 5PM | $160
Intermediate/ Advanced Level Classes and Workshops
Bracelets and Rings
Instructor: Teri Jo Kinnison
4 weeks
- Beginning to advanced.
- Use a hammer to form flat sheet or heavy wire into bracelets and rings
- Learn basic fold forming and forging.
- Copper will be used for making initial practice pieces.
- Subsequent pieces can be made in silver if desired.
- A $30 materials kit is available for purchase during the first class.
- No class Nov 26.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the class.
711307-01 | TH | Oct 15- Nov 5 | 6-9PM | $68 R $81 NR
711307-02 | TH | Nov 12- Dec 10 | 6-9PM | $68 R $81 NR
Creating Cabochons
Instructor: Bob Bortfeld
6 weeks
- Pre-requisite: Beginning Lapidary or equivalent experience
- Learn how to deal with difficult stones including backing of thin and fragile stones like turquoise and opal
- Learn additional shapes: tear drop, bullet, free form, double sided cabs, blades, etc.
- Learn production techniques for making multiple cabochons and earring pairs
- Bevel and polish flat topped cabochons using a faceting machine
711316-01 | M | Oct 26-Nov 30 | 6-9PM | $98 R $121 NR
Hammered Stone Setting for Cabochon Stones
Instructor: Jewel Clark
3 weeks
- Hammered stone setting is the traditional way jewelers set stones. Learn bezel-making /soldering tricks and how to hammer set any cabochon stone.
- Come with a cabochon stone to set (keep your stone medium in size, at least 20-25mm in length or width, and any shape except bullet that has a flat bottom), and a design in mind.
- Our goal will be to make and solder a bezel, make a stone setting tool, and set a stone in this 4-week class. Silver soldering experience required.
- You do not need any experience in stone setting.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the class.
- Download the Materials List
711325-01 | W | Oct 21- Nov 4 | 6-9PM | $52 R $62 NR
Technology and Jewelry II
Instructor: Jewel Clark
6 weeks
- Level: Intermediate/Advanced.
- Explore the Hydraulic press to make closed forms like boxes, lockets and double sided pendants, earrings and bracelets.
- Matrix dies and corrugation techniques will be used with the press.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to the class.
711375-01 | T | Nov 3- Dec 8 | 1:30- 4:30PM | $98 R $121 NR
Etching Metal: Copper Alloys
Instructor: Nissa Kubly
1 day
- Learn how to enrich the surfaces of your jewelry and metalwork with beautiful designs.
- Etch any B&W image or photograph onto copper or brass.
- Learn about etching acids and how to handle them safely.
- Workshop covers a variety of resists and methods of application.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to workshop.
701313-01 | Sa | Nov 7 | 9 AM- 5 PM | $85
Fabricating Metal Beads
Instructor: Teri Jo Kinnison
4 weeks
- Beginning to advanced students welcome.
- Learn the characteristics of common metals used for jewelry and how to work with them to make unique beads.
- Learn to form flat sheets of metal and basic wire into unique beads without soldering.
- Primary tools will be a torch for annealing, disk cutter, daps, pattern pouches and pliers.
- Basic skills of piercing and filing will be helpful.
- We will not have time in this short class to learn soldering.
- Copper will be used for making samples and practice pieces.
- Subsequent pieces can be made in silver, if desired.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to class.
- A $45 materials kit is available for purchase during the first class.
- No class Nov 26.
711317-01 | TH | Nov 12- Dec 10| 1:30- 4:30 PM | $68 R $81 NR
Workshops by Michael David Sturlin
Michael David Sturlin is the recipient of awards from the World Gold Council and the American Jewelry Design Council. He is internationally renowned for his body of work focusing on minimalism in precious metal. Michael teaches goldsmithing and professional development at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco. You can see Michael's jewelry at www.michaeldavidsturlin.com and www.goldcrochet.com. You can read his jewelry blog here
Professional Developmenet:
Pricing and Promotion for the Studio Artist
- This comprehensive one day professional development seminar will cover two of the most important concerns for the emerging artist and the seasoned veteran; developing an accurate pricing formula, and launching an effective promotional campaign.
- Expanding on his presentation for the Great Minds of Jewelry Education Program at MJSA Expo New York, Michael will present an in depth examination of pricing strategies; how to develop a formula tailored to fit the specific situation of your individual studio.
- The information presented in this class represents a business theory perspective applicable to any category of product or type of professional service. It is not limited to any particular medium or discipline.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to workshop.
701034-01 | Su | Oct 18 | 9 AM- 5 PM | $110
Forged Links
- Focuses on the fundamental skill of forging with a goldsmith hammer to create elegant and functional forms in precious metal.
- Forged links explores the use of repetitive elements which can be arranged as hinged assemblies for necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
- All levels. No prerequisite.
- Materials kit fee $75 available for purchase during the workshop.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to workshop.
701314-01 | Sa/Su | Nov 14-15 | 9 AM- 5 PM | $TBA
Mandala: Sawing and Piercing as a Meditation
- The jeweler's saw is one of the most versatile and functional tools on the goldsmith's bench.
- Controlled use of the saw provides an excellent opportunity for a meditative and purposeful exercise in creativity in the studio.
- This class provides basic instruction followed by skill refinement and development through the execution of a complex pierced mandala pendant in fine silver, complete with bail, ready to wear.
- All levels, No prerequisite.
- Materials kit fee $75 available for purchase during the workshop.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to workshop.
701315-01 | Sa/Su | Dec 12-13 | 9 AM- 5 PM | $TBA
Sculpture Classes
Blacksmithing - Foundry- Welding - Workshops
Blacksmithing
Instructor: Michael Sobrado
6 weeks
- Learn how to make steel hot and malleable.
- Basic skills of heating metal in a propane or coke forge then shaping it with hammers and anvils will be taught.
- Student projects will include creating traditional forms in steel, such as tongs, chisels, leaves, scroll forks. Scroll candle holders, trivets or door knockers.
- Returning students are welcome to continue work on developing skills learned in earlier classes in an independent projects format.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to class.
711306-01 | TH | Sept 10- Oct 15 | 6- 9 PM | $104 R $124 NR
711306-02 | TH | Oct 22- Dec 3 | 6- 9 PM | $104 R $124 NR
Blacksmithing: Damascus Steel for Knives or Jewelry
Instructor: Frank Christensen
5 weeks
- Beginning to advanced level.
- Using a coke forge and hydraulic press, we will forge weld up to 232 layers of 1084 and 15N20 type steels, to make a random pattern Damascus billet.
- Students will learn how to shape the layered billet into a small knife or flat sheets suitable for making jewelry.
- Projects will be finished with a final etching treatment revealing the beauty of the multi-layer pattern.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to class.
- A $40 materials fee payable to the instructor will be required at the start of class.
711393-01 | T | Sept 15-Oct 13 | 6-10PM | $110 R $131 NR
Blacksmithing: Bladesmithing
Instructor: Frank Christensen
4 weeks
- Beginning to advanced level.
- Learn to forge a knife blade to shape using a coke forge, hammers and anvil.
- Final shaping and finishing techniques for 1084 tool steel will be covered.
- Learn how to heat treat and temper using both forge and kiln.
- Complete the knife with a handle.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to class.
711392-01 | T | Nov 3- 24 | 6- 10 PM | $89 R $106 NR
Foundry Basics
This series of short courses allows students to learn different aspects of foundry work in short courses. They may be taken in the order offered or you may take just the one you are most interested in.
Foundry: Modeling
Instructor: David Crenshaw
4 weeks
- Entry level class.
- Learn the basics of modeling forms using oil based clay.
- Learn how and why to use an armature.
- Explore three dimensional form and texture at a table top scale.
- The subject, the body, is the chosen vehicle for learning how to manipulate form in three dimensions, though students have the option of using subject matter of their choice.
- The focus of the class is to learn skills not produce finished work.
- Students may wish to continue to learn mold making and pouring for a finished artwork by taking Mold Making, the Pour, and Finishing.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to workshop.
711395-01 | Sa | Sept 12- Oct 3 | 9 AM- 1 PM | $89 R $106 NR
Foundry: Mold Making
Instructor: David Crenshaw
4 weeks
- Entry level class.
- Learn how to make a mold of your original artwork, a found object, your hand, or anything you want to reproduce.
- Traditional foundry molds of plaster and silicon rubber will be covered.
- Final product will be cast in sculpture wax to test the mold and prepare for a foundry pour in a subsequent class.
- Follow this class with The Pour to cast in molten bronze, aluminum, various resins, hydrastone, or cold cast bronze.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to workshop.
711396-01 | Sa | Oct 10- 31 | 9 AM- 1 PM | $89 R $106 NR
Foundry: The Pour
Instructor: David Crenshaw
3 weeks
- Entry level class.
- Learn the basics of ceramic shell casting, burnout and pouring molten bronze and aluminum from a crucible furnace into your ceramic shell.
- Cold pour processes will also be explored such as resins, hydrastone, and cold cast bronze.
- Follow up this class with a short, two-week class on Finishing and Patinas.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to workshop.
711397-01 | Sa | Nov 7- 21 | 9 AM- 1 PM | $68 R $81 NR
Foundry: Finishing and Patinas
Instructor: David Crenshaw
2 weeks
- Entry level class
- Learn how to clean up your cast piece with hand tools, pneumatic and power tools, TIG and MIG welding.
- Various patinas will be demonstrated for different final finishes.
711394-01 | Sa | Dec 5- 12 | 9 AM- 1 PM | $42 R $52 NR
Introduction to Welding
Instructor: Elena Martin
4 weeks
- Beginners welcome!
- Learn to bend, shape, cut, weld and finish steel to make decorative objects for your yard or home.
- Learn Oxy/Acetylene and MIG welding
- Plasma cutting, shearing, grinding and other shop processes are used to manipulate and finish steel work.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to workshop.
- No class Nov 27.
711398-01 | F | Sept 11- Oct 2 | 6- 10 PM | $89 R $106 NR
711398-02 | F | Nov 6- Dec 11 | 6- 10 PM | $89 R $106 NR
Welding: Oxy/Acetylene
Instructor: David Crenshaw
2 weeks (4 classes)
- Entry level class.
- Learn to weld steel with an oxygen and acetylene torch system.
- Focus on building skills with the torch.
- Learn to recognize and produce strong attractive welds.
- Learn to use the plasma torch and shear for cutting as well as various other tools necessary for working with steel.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address or contact by instructor prior to workshop.
711399-01 | M/W | Sept 9- 21 | 2:30- 5:30 PM | $89 R $106 NR
711399-02 | M/W | Sept 9- 21 | 6- 9 PM | $89 R $106 NR
Welding: MIG
Instructor: David Crenshaw
3 or 6 weeks (6 or 12 classes)
- Entry level class.
- Learn to use a MIG (metal inert gas) welder to create objects using steel. These skills are useful for creating sculptures as well as objects for the home and yard.
- Learn the basics of a MIG machine and how to troubleshoot.
- Learn to use the plasma torch and shear for cutting as well as various other tools necessary for working with steel.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to workshop.
711301-01 | M/W | Sept 23- Oct 12 (3 weeks) | 2:30- 5:30 PM | $104 R $124 NR
711301-02 | M/W | Sept 23- Oct 12 (3 weeks) | 6- 9 PM | $104 R $124 NR
711301-03 | M/W | Nov 2- Dec 9 (6 weeks) | 2:30- 5:30 PM | $208 R $248 NR
711301-04 | M/W | Nov 2- Dec 9 (6 weeks) | 6- 9 PM | $208 R $248 NR
Welding: TIG
Instructor: David Crenshaw
3 weeks (6 classes)
- Entry level class.
- Learn how and when to use the TIG (tungsten inert gas) welder.
- Various metals will be explored, such as welding bronze, copper and aluminum.
- Learn to use the plasma torch and shear for cutting as well as various other tools necessary for working the metals.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to workshop.
711302-01 | M/W | Sept 23- Oct 12 | 2:30- 5:30 PM | $84 R $100 NR
711302-02 | M/W | Sept 23- Oct 12 | 6- 9 PM | $84 R $100 NR
Welding and Forming Sheet Copper in 3- Dimensions
Instructor: Larry Passey Jr
4 weeks
- Basic and advanced techniques for any level of experience to realize a 3-D copper object for sculptural or utilitarian use.
- Transforming an idea from a sketch into a tangible 3-D object.
- Working with distortion from process heat build up.
- Eliminating right angles from rounded forms.
- Removing welds and finishing techniques (directional, orbital, brush), cutting, shearing, scratching, sanding, polishing, patinas.
- Transferring patterns connecting forms, bases and plinths.
- Demonstration on joining different alloys together.
- Overviews of welding/cutting processes: Oxy/acetylene, MIG, TIG, plasma.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to workshop.
711312-01 | F | Oct 9- 30 | 6-10 PM | $89 R $106 NR
Sculpture Workshops
Please Note: There are no refunds unless a workshop is cancelled
Introduction to Welding
Instructor: Elena Martin
2 days
- Beginners Welcome!
- Learn to bend, shape, cut, weld and finish steel to make decorative objects for your yard and home.
- Learn Oxy/Acetylene and MIG welding.
- Plasma cutting, shearing, grinding and other shop processes are used to manipulate and finish steel work.
- One hour lunch.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to workshop.
701309-01 | Su | Oct 11 & 18 | 9 AM- 5 PM | $160
Blacksmithing: Build Your Own Forge
Instructor: Jerry Latham
2 days
- Build a propane fired two burner blacksmithing forge in one day.
- Everyone participating will come out with a working forge. Each forge is tested at the end of the session.
- Estimated materials cost for the forge: $210.
- Email polly.smith<at>mesaartscenter.com for more information.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to workshop.
701310-01 | Sa/Su | Sept 19- 20| 9 AM- 5 PM | $160
Blacksmithing: Introduction to Bladesmithing
Instructor: Frank Christensen
2 weeks
- Beginning to advanced level.
- Learn to forge a knife blade to shape using a coke forge, hammers and anvil.
- Final shaping and finishing techniques for 1084 tool steel will be covered.
- Learn how to heat treat and temper using both forge and kiln.
- Complete the knife with a handle.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to workshop.
701318-01 | Sa | Oct 10- 17 | 9 AM- 5 PM | $160
Welding for Women
Instructor: Elena Martin
2 weeks
- Beginners welcome!
- Learn to bend, shape, cut, weld and finish steel to make decorative objects for your yard or home.
- Learn Oxy/Acetylene and MIG welding.
- Plasma cutting, shearing, grinding and other shop processes are used to manipulate and finish steel work.
- Make sure our registrar has your email address for contact by instructor prior to workshop.
701311-01 | Su | Dec 6- 13 | 9 AM- 5 PM | $160
Computer Aided Design
CAD: Computer Aided Design
Instructor: David Crenshaw
6 weeks
- The program Solidworks is the primary program used in the class
- Student edition software available. Approximate cost $90- 130
- The program allows the students to design, shape and reshape their ideas with different materials, scales and revisions without potential waste of working with the materials themselves
- The program allows for work with sheet metal, welding, and castings as well as other materials such as plastics
- It also allows users to design molds around a computer generated object minimizing errors and waste when the molds are constructed
- These skills translate directly into applications already being taught in the sculpture, jewelry and ceramics departments
- Please check youtube.com and solidworks.com for more on how these applications are used in art, design, and manufacturing
- Requirements - student will provide laptop with Windows XP or Vista , with an Intel Pentium processor or equivalent, 1 GB ram, dvd drive, and Internet Explorer 6 or later.
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711304-01 | Su | Sept 13- Oct 18 | 9 AM- Noon | $TBA
CAD: Computer Aided Machining
Instructor: David Crenshaw
6 weeks
- Entry level class
- Students will learn MasterCam software to machine three-dimensional object.
- Fourth axis, lathe-like, rotary machining for rings and other ring-like structures will be available.
- Learn how to take jpeg, bitmap, and tiff image files and create 3-d relief forms.
- Applications for ceramics, jewelry, sculpture and industrial design.
- Requirements - student will provide laptop with
Windows XP or Vista , with an Intel Pentium processor or equivalent,
1 GB ram, dvd drive, and Internet Explorer 6 or later.
Software included.
Please call the Mesa Art Center for more information or to register at 480-644-6521 or 480-644-6608.
Thank You.