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Yellow Handle Necklace
Ginger Chase

MSG Jewelry + Objects 2013 Exhibiton

May 20, 2013 by Christine Bossler

click here to see the postcardThe Michigan Silversmiths Guild (MSG) is pleased to present Jewelry + Objects 2013, a national jured exhibition featuring 62 pieces by 26 artists. Jured by David Clemens Artist in Residence in Metalsmithing and Jewelry, Department Head at University of Arkansas at Little Rock. This exhibition will also include the work of 17 high school students from three regional high schools. Jewelry + Objects 2013 will be on view May 28th through June 22nd, 2013 at the Anton Art Center in Mount Clemons, MI. MSG will host a public reception and announce the award recipients June 22nd from 5-8pm. MSG has printed a full color catalog that will be available in print for $25 and digital editions will be available for free on line. Participating Artists: Amy Beeler, Lucia Behmer, Christine Bossler, Jason Burton, Gabriel Craig, Kara Daniel, Tammy DiSabatino, Andrea Earl, Motoko Furuhashi, Mary Hallam Pearse, Jessica Jacobi, Nicole Jacquard, Seo Jeong Woo, Rachel Kedinger, Andrew Kuebeck, Melissa Lovingood, Sharona Muir, Tom Muir, Dan Neville, Gretchen Otto, Katie Rearick, Meghann Sottile, L Sue Szabo, James Viste, Logan Woodle, Renee Zettle-Sterling. Stay tuned for additional information regarding events planned in conjunction with this exhibition.


Open Call: Play for Display

May 10, 2013 by Emily Saling

Click here for more informationPlay for Display is an initiative to create a playful encounter between an audience and the jewellery. The visitors will experience a close contact with contemporary jewellery - close enough to get under their skin. Play is a way to push boundaries and change norms. We need to establish an environment where imagination and creativity is appreciated and valued. Art remains one of the last frontiers where creative playfulness can get a free rein.


Call For Entry: The Lewton-Brain Foldform Competition 2013

May 2, 2013 by Christine Bossler

Click here for additional informationThe Center for Metal Arts is announcing the opening of the Second Annual Charles Lewton Brain Foldform Competition. The deadline for entries is July 1, 2013. This year the competition is using an online submission form to streamline the process. Visit our website for entry details. The juried competition will select four entries for top honors. Judges are Charles Lewton Brain, Hazel Wheaton, Editor of Art Jewelry Magazine, and Edward Mack, award winning metalsmith and director of the Center for Metal Arts. A preview screening of all of the entries will be presented at a dinner to be held at the Seligmann Center for the Arts. The top entries will be presented in a 2013 Jurors Choice video. In addition, the publication of an art book of curated entries from the competition will follow the conference. Winners will be named on August 5, 2013 at the Sixth Annual Charles Lewton Brain Conference at the Center for Metal Arts in Florida, NY. Prizes will include gift certificates from our generous friends at Rio Grande jewelry supplies. The evolution of the foldforming technique as pioneered by Charles Lewton Brain is best described as a creative combination of origami with other forming techniques. The conference is an opportunity for foldforming artists to work with and learn directly from Charles Lewton Brain. Click on the link for additional information.. Due Date July 1, 2013.


CALL FOR ENTRY: Showcase 1000 Beads

April 5, 2013 by Emily Saling

Click here for more informationLark Jewelry & Beading seeks excellent photographs of original, contemporary beads to publish in a new juried, international collection in our 500 Series of books: Showcase 1000 Beads. This book is scheduled to be published in April 2014. The book will be juried by Kristina Logan. We welcome and encourage submission of excellent photographs of your handmade beads in all materials (glass, metal, polymer clay, metal clay, paper, plastic, stone, etc.) and design styles. All work must be made no earlier than 2010, and the more recent the work the betterwed prefer to see your 2012 work over your 2011 work, and your 2011 work over your 2010 work.


Call for Entries: Contemporary Goldsmithing: Tradition and Excellence

March 6, 2013 by Emily Saling

Click here for more inforamtionThe Society of North American Goldsmiths and the jury invite you to submit jewelry and objects that celebrate attributes unique to the art of the goldsmith for the online exhibition Contemporary Goldsmithing: Tradition & Excellence. The jurors are George Sawyer, Judith Kinghorn, and Tom Herman.


Researchers Discover Bacteria That Produces Pure Gold

October 5, 2012 by Christine Bossler

Click here to read the full article as writen by Jesus Diaz for GizmodoThe gold you see in the photo above was not found in a river or a mine. It was produced by a bacteria that, according to researchers at Michigan State University, can survive in extreme toxic environments and create 24 karat gold nuggets. Pure gold. Maybe this critter can save us all from the global economic crisis? Of course not, but at least it can make Kazem Kashefi, assistant professor of microbiology and molecular genetics, and Adam Brown,associate professor of electronic art and intermediaa bit rich, if only for the show they have put together.


Company plans to mine asteroids for riches

April 24, 2012 by Christine Bossler

Click here for full article as written by SETH BORENSTEIN, Associated PressSpace faring robots could be extracting gold and platinum from asteroids within 10 years if a new venture backed by two Silicon Valley titans and filmmaker James Cameron gets off the ground as planned. Outside experts are skeptical about the project because it would probably require untold millions or perhaps billions of dollars and huge advances in technology. But the same entrepreneurs pioneered the selling of space rides to tourists a notion that seemed fanciful not long ago, too.


Jewelry + Objects: Michigan Silversmiths Guild 2011 Membership Exhibition Catalog now availabe through lulu

October 4, 2011 by Christine Bossler

Click here for additional informationThe Jewelry + Objects: 2011 Michigan Silversmiths Guild Membership Exhibition catalog is now available through lulu.com. Down loading a copy is free. Here is the link for free downloads (http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/michigan-silversmiths-guild-jewelry-%2b-objects-2011-catalog/17475698). Lulu is selling the printed paperback catalogs for $20.00 +shipping. Here is a link to the catalog: (http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/michigan-silversmiths-guild-jewelry-+-objects-2011-catalog/15834913). A limited supply of the catalogs are available for sale through MSG, just fill click on our membership form available on our website for the order form. We will distribute our remaining catalogs on a first come first come first serve basis, while supplies last. We are charging $25 each for catalog which includes shipping. Feel free to contact Christine Bossler (christine.bossler(at)gmail.com) to make arrangements to secure your catalog or click here is a link to the order form: http://misilversmith.org/documents/Application_2011_20112.pdf


Michigan Silversmiths Guild Presents: Salon d’ Autumn 2011

September 14, 2011 by Christine Bossler

Michigan Silversmiths Guild presents: Salon d Autumn 2011. An exhibition featuring over 75 wall mounted works by Michigan Silversmith Guild Members. Art work will include jewelry, functional objects and non functional objects. This exhibition will be held at the Ann Arbor Art Center October 10th through November 5th with an opening reception October 21st from 6 to 8pm in conjunction with Ann Arbors Art Walk.

Metals 2011 Exhibition

February 14, 2011 by Christine Bossler

Click here to see the digital exhibitionA collaborative exhibition sponsored by the Michigan Silversmiths Guild and Gifts of Art, part of the U of M Health System. This exhibition will be on view at the Gifts of Art Gallery from February 14th through April 3rd (there is a link under events with map and additional details). This exhibition features the work of students and some of their mentors from Bowling Green State University, College for Creative Studies, and Eastern Michigan University. Please click the link below for a digital edition of this exhibition. (please note several of the pieces of the actual exhibition are not featured in the digital exhibition due to the availability of digital image).


Jewelry + Objects: Michigan Silversmiths Guild 2009 Membership Exhibition Catalog now availabe through lulu

July 30, 2009 by Christine Bossler

Click here to go to our lulu pageThe Jewelry + Objects: 2009 Michigan Silversmiths Guild Membership Exhibition catalog is now available through lulu.com. Down loading a copy is free and lulu is selling the printed paperback catalogs for $24.40. Here is a link to the catalog: http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/michigan-silversmiths-guild-jewelry-+-objects-2009/7061088A limited supply of the catalogs available for sale from our fist order, first come first serve, while supplies last. We are charging $15 each for catalogs picked-up in person or $21 for catalogs shipped. Feel free to contact Christine Bossler to make arrangements to secure your catalog or click here is a link to the order form: http://misilversmith.org/documents/Application.pdf


MSG Exhibition: Jewelry + Objects 2013


The Michigan Silversmiths Guild (MSG) is pleased to present Jewelry + Objects 2013, a national jured exhibition featuring 62 pieces by 26 artists. Jured by David Clemens Artist in Residence in Metalsmithing and Jewelry, Department Head at University of Arkansas at Little Rock. This exhibition will also include the work of 17 high school students from three regional high schools. Jewelry + Objects 2013 will be on view May 28th through June 22nd, 2013 at the Anton Art Center in Mount Clemons, MI. MSG will host a public reception and announce the award recipients June 22nd from 5-8pm. MSG has printed a full color catalog that will be available in print for $25 and digital editions will be available for free on line. Stay tuned for additional information regarding events planned in conjunction with this exhibition.


Exhibition: Uncontained: Ohio Metalsmiths and the Vessel


The exhibit brings together sixteen metalsmiths from across Ohio to explore and expand the limits of the most basic, yet difficult form in their trade, the vessel. Pamela Argentieri, Michael Bendele, Danielle N. Crissman, Jackie Crissman, Susan Ewing, Gretchen Goss, Michael B. Hays, Matthew Hollern, Lauralee Hutson, Kelly Malec Kosak, Tom Muir, Pamela Morris Thomford, David & Roberta Williamson, Lisa M. Wilson, Stephen Yusko. Using the Vessel as a springboard for exploration the work represents a wide scope of conceptual strategies, techniques, and materials in which the artists engage a variety of contemporary themes and stylistic forms to create pieces that range from elegant dinnerware and ecclesiastical ware to personal adornment and conceptual work. Curators: Michael B. Hays and Kelly Malec-Kosak. We would like to thank the Cultural Arts Center, The Wexner Center, and The Ohio Craft Museum for their generous loans that made this exhibit possible. rn


Fused Glass Class


You may choose to create jewelry, sun catcher or a night light (or a combination) $25 special includes firings and glass materials findings and night light attatchments are extra. choose eitherrnTuesday at 6:30pmrnTuesdays 1:30pmrn(offered each week )


Shibu-ichi with Dan Neville


New Class!!! ADVANCED SKILL LEVEL REQUIRED Shibu-ichi is a Japanese silver and copper alloy with a long history. Its silvery pink on color lends itself well to contemporary art jewelry, its malleability gives it excellent working properties, and because of its composition, it patinates, depletion gilds and reticulates well. The class will begin with you creating your own shibu-ichi alloy that will be cast into an ingot mold. Then, using a mill and hammers, you’ll transform your ingot into useable sheet metal. Finally, Dan will guide you through depletion gilding and the successful application of various patinas.


TO FUSE OR NOT TO FUSE: ARGENTIUM SILVER 930


Make your own unique findings to add to your jewelry


Galaxy Bracelet




Tube Set Soldered Pendant with Mary Kernahan


Tube setting is a great way to add faceted stones to your designs. In this class, using sterling silver tube and a 6mm round cubic zirconia, you will become acquainted with several techniques for tube setting and will have fun while making yourself a classy pendant to boot.


Colored Pencil on Metal with Beth Katz


This workshop is for all levels. If you are a painter but not a metalsmith, we’ll fill the gap and help you to be fabulous. If you have metalsmithing desires but not a painter, we’ll guide you.


Hydraulic Die Forming with Dan Neville


A hydraulic press makes use of even, compressive force for embossing or for forming metal into desired shapes. This 2-day workshop will acquaint you with all aspects of effectively using a hydraulic press, including safety and maintenance considerations, and the principles of conforming, nonconforming (matrix and embossing), blanking (pancake) and experimental die forming. Die construction and heat treatment will also be covered, and ample time will be provided for practice use.


Basic Soldering with Lesley Di Piazza


Whether you are new to soldering or just looking to increase your skills, this class is for you. Lesley will guide you through the theory & practice of butane & acetylene torch soldering. Students will get valuable hands-on experience in class & leave with the knowledge & confidence to solder at home.


Fabricating Prong Settings with Emily Saling


NEW CLASS!!! Sometimes the perfect prong setting just isn’t available to enhance your stone or overall design. The ability to fabricate your own prongs will let your creativity and imagination go wild, allowing for endless variations. Let Emily get you started. In this class you will learn the essentials of basket prong construction, including material considerations, size and strength limitations, and lots of practical tips to make your fabrication process easier. Torch soldering skills are required.


Marriage of Metals with Lesley DiPiazza


Join Lesley to explore this advanced metalsmithing technique. Students will learn how to create bi-metal sheet by means of piericing, fitting, and soldering. The class will primarily focus on dot-inlay and line-inlay, but freeform shapes will be addressed as well. This skill will truly enhance your metalsmithing and set your work one step ahead of the competition. Basic torch soldering skills required.


Anticlastic Forming with Dan Neville


NEW CLASS!!! Known for its structural strength and graceful beauty, anticlastic forming simultaneously stretches metal into opposing curves that are in right angles to each other (think a saddle shape). Using a sinusoidal stake and a cross pein hammer, Dan will guide you through the anticlastic process, and when you’re done you will be ready to integrate your new skills to your small and large-scale work.


Soldered Bismarck Chain with Mary Kernahan


Do you love chainmaille, but feel the need to challenge yourself in a new way? Does the idea of soldered links intrigue you or are you simply looking for an elegant and unique chain for someone special? Think the Bismarck Chain. Its complex but refined look belies its relatively easy, but unorthodox construction technique. This is NOT a beginner class - successful completion requires time and strict attention to detail, and basic torch soldering skills are required. (You will NOT finish this in class.)


Saltwater Etching with Mary Kernahan


Chemical etching is a great way to introduce texture, contrast and interest to your metal work, but can be messy and toxic. If you are looking for a safer, greener, and ultimately more economical solution to your etching needs, saltwater etching may be just what you are seeking. Using a variety of resist techniques and energy sources, students will learn the process of saltwater etching, and will leave with the knowledge to set up their own etching equipment at home using easily obtainable and inexpensive equipment.


Workshop: Micro-Forming with Andrea Kennington and Julie Brooks


Micro Shell Forming techniques are very useful in todays market due to the rising costs of precious metals. Now, using these specially designed tools, metalsmiths will learn to use thinner gauge materials yet create voluminous and structurally sound forms using one half the typical amount of metal in a micro sized jewelry format. Using Micro Shell Forming Tools from NC BLACK Co., students will learn the basics of this technique in this workshop. Incredibly small forming on the micro scale is now possible with the NC BLACK series of Micro Synclastic and Anticlastic Shell Forming Hammers developed by NC BLACK Co. The NC BLACK Team will walk you through the benefits of using this micro set and get you creating small, delicate forms with ease. Students will participate in multiple exercises during this workshop and are sure to master micro shell forming as well as some macro sized pieces as well. Click the link for additional information.


Workshop: Price, Promotion & Presentation with David Sturlin


Learn to develop your professional potential by focusing on three primary concerns of all studio artists. Developing a personalized pricing formula. Designing a publicity campaign to promote yourself. Refining the way to speak about and present your work.


Workshop: Designing in a Series with David Sturlin


Under Michaels guidance participants learn to harness and direct their creative energy in an expressive and purposeful way by identifying resources for design origination and developing ideas through a systematic process of design evolution.


Workshop: Fabricating Hand Made Mill Products With Michael David Sturlin


This is where it all begins: the torch and the metal. This is the experience of the traditional approach to goldsmithing and jewelry fabrication. What distinguishes a goldsmith from other jewelry makers is the ability to control the entirety of their creative process. A classical approach enables the artisan maker to take their ideas all the way from raw material to finished product in a self reliant studio.


Workshop: Clasps, Bails & Findings With Michael David Sturlin


The distinction of well made clasps and findings is in the design and detail; simplicity, beauty, and functionality. This three day specialty, applied technique workshop focuses on the finesse and finishing touch in creating purposeful handmade findings to complete and compliment your exclusive jewelry designs.