Touchstone Center for Crafts Calendar

Outdoor Sculpture 1: Working with Nature and Time (17 May 2012)

Thu, 17 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

This class has been canceled.

Outdoor Sculpture 1: Working with Nature and Time

Wade Kramm / All Levels / $400/ Extended Weekend

For the past 50 years, many artists have decided to step outside of the studio to seek a direct engagement with the natural environment. Much more than simply displaying a studio work outdoors, these artists sought new and inventive approaches to using the landscape itself as art and as a means of creating a closer relationship with the natural world. This three-day course will introduce the student to making art outdoors in the natural environment. Students will learn to manipulate materials outside of the studio setting by creating and installing natural and manmade artworks into the natural landscape. Artists such as Andy Goldsworthy, Richard Long and the Land Art movement will be reviewed and discussed as a background and starting point for the student’s own personal approach and interests. Creative opportunities to work with the natural elements such as gravity, wind, rain, shadows and sunlight will be explored.

Wade Kramm is a national exhibiting sculptor, who holds a MFA in sculpture from Rhode Island School of Design. He has 10 years of teaching experience and has taught sculpture and art history at Carnegie Mellon University, Clarion University and Westmoreland Community College. His work is shown both locally and nationally, and he has recently returned from a two week artist residency in Berlin, Germany.

The Never New Workshop 1: Creative Recycling with Found Objects (17 May 2012)

Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

This class has been canceled.

The Never New Workshop 1: Creative Recycling with Found Objects

Meghan McCaffery and Zakaria Tefft / All Levels / $350 / Extended Weekend

In this workshop, students will create art and/or furniture from recycled and found materials. Objects from nature (leaves, twigs and what-not) will be incorporated as well. Basic carpentry, tool safety and unconventional construction techniques will be explored. The workshop will culminate by finishing the object with painted details. Students are encouraged to bring something in they want to repurpose or work on to create something fresh out of something old.

Meghan McCaffery and Zakaria Tefft are the artists behind Never New Furniture, an outfit dedicated to making singular objects from recycled materials. Zak learned his trade and developed his aesthetic as a carpenter working on historic homes in Providence, Rhode Island. Witnessing firsthand how much historic materials were just thrown away, he started to salvage and collect these remnants as interesting pieces of history. While experimenting on how to reuse them, Zak discovered how discarded materials are much more difficult to work with than store-bought, with issues like warping, rotting, bugs, de-nailing and cutting to make square edges. Meg, an illustrator who graduated from Rhode Island School of Design, incorporated her hand-painted style with his pieces, to add another dimension to the work. As a team, Never New Furniture's goal is to make one-of-a-kind works from reused materials that are artistic, modern and functional.

Thrown, Darted and Decorated (17 May 2012)

Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Thrown, Darted and Decorated

Jennifer Allen / All Levels / $375 / Extended Weekend Workshop
In this workshop, examine ways to manipulate pots both on and off the wheel by using a combination of wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques. Experiment with darting techniques in order to achieve out-of-round profiles, and study how to construct composite forms from one or more thrown-and-altered parts. Discover ways to construct spouts, handles and other forms from a variety of paper patterns. Learn how to compose applied decoration on a three-dimensional form. Explore methods of surface decoration with texture, slip and glaze. Basic wheel knowledge is preferred but not necessary.

Jennifer Allen currently teaches ceramics at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. She received her bachelor of fine arts from the University of Alaska, Anchorage (2002), and her Master of Fine Arts from Indiana University, Bloomington (2006). In March 2008, the National Council for the Education of Ceramics (NCECA) named Jennifer Allen as a 2008 National Emerging Artist. Among other awards, she was the recipient of the 2006-2007 Taunt Fellowship at the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, MT. In September 2012, Jennifer will be a presenter during the Utilitarian Clay Conference at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN. She actively exhibits her work nationally and internationally.

Painting with Tin: Creating Collages with Printed/Colored Metal (17 May 2012)

Thu, 17 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

This class has been canceled.

Painting with Tin: Creating Collages with Printed/Colored Metal

Robert Villamagna / All Levels / $350 / Extended Weekend Session / Materials Fee $40
In this class you will learn how to create a color, value and texture palette using printed/colored metal from tin cans and other metal product containers. Students will learn how to deconstruct various metal containers and materials, and then attach these materials to an armature. Using your palette of metal, you will learn to how to create unique and one-of-a-kind works of art that carry your personal vision.

Robert Villamagna works in assemblage, tin, paper collage and mixed media. Villamagna’s work has been exhibited at the Carnegie Museum of Art and Andy Warhol Museum (Pittsburgh), ART Gallery (Chicago), Penn State’s Robeson Gallery, Pittsburgh Center of the Arts, Erie Museum of Art, the Ohio Craft Museum, Huntington Museum of Art, the Clay Center and the West Virginia Cultural Center. Three of Villamagna’s works are in the State of West Virginia Permanent Collection. Villamagna’s work is shown at Gallery on 43^rd Street and the Society for Contemporary Craft, both in Pittsburgh. Villamagna is an Assistant Professor of Art at West Liberty University in West Virginia. In addition to his teaching schedule, Villamagna is director of the WLU Nutting Gallery. For more information go to www.robertvillamagna.com.

New to the Flame (25 May 2012)

Fri, 25 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

New to the Flame

Karen Leonardo / $250/ Beginner / Weekend Workshop

The New to the Flame class is designed for those who have never taken a bead class and would like to learn how to make their own glass beads. We will learn safety in the studio and how to use the equipment and tools properly. Flame control is the most important part of flameworking, so we will concentrate on how to use the flame to make beads, including a discussion on oxidizing and reduction flames, and what they do to your glass. We will learn how to pull stringers from glass rods, make twisties with two glass rods, and use frits and powders on your beads to decorate them. Bead shapes we will cover are round, barrel, square and cone beads. Our stringer and twistie will be used on dot and striped beads, whether melted in or raised. By the time you leave the class you will have discovered a new passion and know the basics of bead making.

Karen Leonardo has been a lampwork beadmaker and jewelry designer since 1996. She has written two books: Creating Lampwork Beads for Jewelry and Art Bead Jewelry "Seasons in Glass." She is known for her sculpted flower beads. She invented a glass tool line called The Leonardo Petal Pullers, which pull petals from glass rods to be used in sculpted glass flowers, and the new Leonardo Featherbone and Fishbone tools and the Leonardo Imprinters. Karen is the current regional director for the Mid-Atlantic States for the International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB). Her accomplishments include honors in the art world, as well as the business world, with nominations and awards such as Pennsylvania Artist of the Year and The International Who's Who of Business Women and Entrepreneurs. She runs a successful lampwork website with her beads, jewelry, books and tools. Please visit www.leonardolampwork.com for more information.

Fundamentals of Forging (25 May 2012)

Fri, 25 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Fundamentals of Forging
Matthew Yeomans / Beginner / $200

Although short in length, this course hopes to teach the fundamental skills of blacksmithing. Students will be taught the basic skills and techniques necessary to produce works of art in steel, such as tapering, upsetting, slitting/drifting, and riveting. Students will also learn the skills needed to work efficiently and safely in the forge environment, such as how to build and manage a fire, what safety equipment to use, and how to work to avoid fatigue. My hope is that this class will be a fun and valuable experience for all who attend.

Matthew Yeomans is a graduate of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Arts Education. He has spent the last 3 years working as a Studio Resident at the Touchstone Center for Crafts and has used that time to hone his skills in the art of blacksmithing, a trade that he began working in at the age of 17.

Primal Pottery in a Modern World (25 May 2012)

Fri, 25 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Primal Pottery in a Modern World

Becky Keck / All Levels / $250 / Weekend Workshop

Students will begin with basic pinch-pot techniques, and will progress through traditional and experimental forms in this fast-paced and fun class. Various surface treatments will be explored including organic material, chemical treatments, terra sigilatta and masking. Work will be fired overnight in a sawdust firing. Students are encouraged to bring three to five bisque-fired pieces.

Becky Keck began her studies in art at Edinboro University in the 1980s, and completed her bachelor of art in fine arts at Waynesburg University. She teaches privately in Greensboro, Pa., and is a frequent regional demonstrator. She has been pit-firing for the past four years, and has studied with Jimmy Clark at Touchstone. Her approach to teaching combines the historical uses of clay in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region with a more modern sculptural approach to pottery. Becky is an active partner and provider for Girl Scouts of Southwestern PA, and a member of The Potter’s Council. Her work has been sold to private collectors both in the US and in Asia.

Introduction to Silversmithing (25 May 2012)

Fri, 25 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Silversmithing

Robert Riffe / Beginner / $210 / Weekend Session

This workshop will focus on basic silversmith skills and techniques to create a silver and stone pendant. Silver soldering; sawing; bezel setting; polishing; design concepts and materials; and use of tools and studio equipment will be covered. Students may work on other jewelry projects as time, creativity and skills allow. More experienced students are welcome to expand on existing skills and create wearable art in Touchstone's jewelry studio.

Robert Riffe is a self-employed jewelry artist and metalsmith living in Bruceton Mills, WV. He has enjoyed working in this medium for more than 10 years. He has studied his craft extensively, working in unique apprenticeships and taking workshops from skilled teachers, combined with years of practical hands-on-learning techniques. Much inspiration for his work and designs is found in nature and the stones he sets into his jewelry. He sells his work at local and national art and craft shows and galleries. He also teaches workshops at Mountain Made Studios and Gallery in Thomas, WV. For more information go to http://www.mysticalcrystaljewelry.com.

Experimental Watercolor (25 May 2012)

Fri, 25 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

This workshop is full.

Experimental Watercolor

Kathleen Zimbicki / All Levels / $225 / Weekend Workshop

Experiment with the wide variety of techniques available to the watercolor artist. Explore traditional and non-traditional methods like collage with watercolor, ink with watercolor, carbon drawings with watercolor, etc. Students will block watercolor paintings with objects, spray with provided paint, or work on several paintings at a time. Students will work in Touchstone's Robert Little painting studio or take advantage of the wonderful grounds, weather permitting.

Kathleen Cochran Zimbicki is an artist, teacher, art advocate and gallery founder. She has received numerous honors and awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, the AAP Annual Exhibition Award from Laura Hoptman, and was chosen by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as "One of the 50 Cultural Leaders of Pittsburgh." Her work has also been exhibited regionally and internationally. Kathleen founded and directed Pittsburgh's Z Gallery, which was named "Best Gallery" by City Paper and its Pittsburgh readers and staff. As a teacher, she has instructed both children and adults from Pittsburgh to Spain to France.

Expand Your Palette: Mid-range Glazes for the Electric Kiln (04 Jun 2012)

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Expand your Palette: Mid-range Glazes for the Electric Kiln

Yoko Sekino-Bove’ / All Levels / $250 / Three Day Workshop

This hands-on workshop will offer students an opportunity to learn how mid-range oxidation glazes function, and how you can expand your work with them. Starting with basic glaze chemistry, this class includes glaze-coloring tests, glaze layering and post-glaze firing techniques. All levels are welcome, especially anyone who is thinking about switching from high-fire and wants to understand the mystery of glazes.

Yoko Sekino-Bove’ was born in Osaka, Japan. She earned her BFA in graphic design from Musashino Art University in Tokyo, Japan, and worked as commercial graphic designer in Los Angeles before her passion for ceramic art took her on a new path. After receiving her MFA in ceramics from the University of Oklahoma she served as an apprentice at Rowantrees Pottery in Maine, and as an artist-in-residence at the Armory Art Center in Florida. In 2009, Yoko served as a McKnight Residency Fellowship artist at the Northern Clay Center in Minnesota researching glazes in the mid-range, the results of which were feature in the January 2011 issue of Ceramics Monthly Magazine. Her ceramic works are featured in “500 cups” and “500 plates and chargers,” and has been exhibited in Canada, Turkey, Dominican Republic, and in the United States. Yoko was selected as one of “the emerging artist 2011” by the Ceramic Arts Daily Council, and her work is recently featured at 2012 NCECA Invitational in Seattle.

Exploring Lost Wax Casting Techniques (04 Jun 2012)

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Exploring Lost Wax Casting Techniques

Jim Bove’ / All Levels / $300 / Three-Day Workshop

Lost wax casting is one of the oldest methods of creating unique, sculptural jewelry. The process of creating a wax model and seeing it become an artwork in metal is a thrilling process. In this workshop, students will learn the traditional wax carving techniques used to create truly beautiful and unique works of wearable art. This class will bring the student through the wax working process, show how to spruce and invest their wax, the burn-out and finally the casting and finishing of their metal artwork. This workshop is open to all levels. An emphasis on wax working skills will benefit experienced jewelers, while enabling those new to the field to start with a strong foundation.

Jim Bové is a former technical editor to the Society of North American Goldsmiths and teaches jewelry/metals at California University of Pennsylvania, California, Pa. He has taught workshops in the United States and Japan, and exhibits his work nationally and internationally. His relationship with Touchstone goes back more than 16 years, when he took a weeklong workshop. Since then he has returned many times as an instructor and a volunteer.

The Magnificent Seven (04 Jun 2012)

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:00:00 GMT

The Magnificent Seven

John Medwedeff / Beginner - Intermediate/ $325 / Three-Day Workshop

A blacksmith can forge objects with infinite possibilities of design and function with variations as unique and personal as their own fingerprints. Ironically, the technical methods to create all utilitarian, decorative and sculptural forms at the forge are based on only seven fundamental processes. This class, for the beginner to intermediate-level smith, will introduce or refresh these skills in the context of experimentation with hot iron and making small objects, with an emphasis on craftsmanship, design and safe work practices. The goal of the class is to have fun while gaining an understanding of the basic skills required to open the door to the possibilities of the blacksmith’s imagination, from hand skills to business practices for the professional smith.

John Medwedeff, a full-time artist-blacksmith, has been producing site-specific public sculpture, sculptural fountains, architectural ironwork and furniture for 30 years. At 19 he began a three-year blacksmithing apprenticeship with Jim Wallace at the Metal Museum in Memphis, TN, and afterward earned his master of fine arts degree in blacksmithing from SIU Carbondale. Concurrent with his studio work, John has curated exhibitions, taught sculpture and blacksmithing workshops at numerous craft schools, and lectured at universities and symposia across the country. He has been featured in numerous recent publications and broadcasts, including WTTW Chicago’s program “Arts Across Illinois” and the "South of 64" 2009 Multimedia Workshop titled "A Weekend in Murphysboro." He wrote the forward to and is featured in the 2009 book From Fire to Form, Sculpture from the Modern Blacksmith and Metalsmith. A chapter is devoted to his life and work in the Hephaistos Yearbook 2006(Peter Elgass’ “Metal Design International,” Germany), and he has been featured in the journals Art & Antiques, Architectural Digest and Fabricator and Sculpture. Recent commissions include the design and construction of a city park in Murphysboro, Illinois, and a 20 feet tall bronze sculpture for the SAS Institute in Cary, NC.

Introduction to Resin Surfaces and Techniques (04 Jun 2012)

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Resin Surfaces and Techniques

Jillian Moore / All Levels / $300 / Three-Day Workshop

In this workshop, students will learn how to apply resin to 3-dimensional objects and create complex surfaces. Resin can be layered over nearly any medium/material to provide a durable, interesting and expressive surface. This means that more fragile materials can be made stronger and more durable while remaining lightweight. The process is not unlike the construction of a pearl in an oyster; however, the clarity of the resin means we can start with something much more interesting than a grain of sand. Participants will learn about applications relating to collage materials, found objects, paint and stains to add luster and depth. The material can also be worked further through manipulation in the form of carving, sanding and texturing to continue working toward a unique finish. In this way, resin can mimic lacquerware and complex glass techniques, but with much more immediacy.

Jillian Moore received her MFA from the Jewelry and Metal Arts Program at University of Iowa, and was recently a featured artist at Snyderman-Works Galleries. She was also a 2010 LEAP Award Finalist at the Society for Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh. Jillian chooses materials and techniques that are transformative, resulting in objects that do not readily reveal the processes of their making. Copper may be hidden under layers of paint, the only exposed metal oxidized. The electroforming process allows for wax forms to be coated in copper, leaving a hollow shell with textural encrustations--evidence of the accretive nature of the process of building copper on a molecular level. She designs resin pieces that are light in weight, and built on a core of carved foam that is strengthened by successive layers of an opaque, water-based composite resin. The clear epoxy resin is then layered with paint to create a depth of surface typically expected of glass work. For more information got to www.jillianmoore.net.

Best Business Practices for Artists (04 Jun 2012)

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Best Business Practices for Artists

Michelle Pajak-Reynolds / All Levels / $300

If you dream of turning your creative passion into income and want to build a successful art based business, then the Best Business Practices for Artists is just for you! This 3-day workshop is designed to help you learn essential business tools and set you on a path for success. Participants will leave this workshop with a business plan that is just the right size for their goals. Programming will include group work and one-on-one time with the instructor. Discussion topics include:

Getting Organized: Record Keeping & Tax Basics
Calculating Your Hourly Rate
Pricing to Thrive, Not just Survive
Budgeting and Sales Forecasting
Voice of the Customer: Learning About and Expanding Your Market
Effective Marketing Strategies for Building Your Brand
Inventory Management Tips

Michelle Pajak-Reynolds has run a successful couture and art jewelry business for over a decade. Her collections have been featured in numerous exhibitions, publications, red carpets events, and worn by celebrities. Michelle is also passionate about helping her fellow artist entrepreneurs live their dream. She writes and consults about business issues related to artists and the arts on her blog, eMERGE: A Business Blog for Creative People. The eMERGE blog has a global following and is used in professional practices classes at prominent art schools throughout the US. Michelle earned a BFA in Jewelry and Metals from Kent State University and an Entrepreneurship MBA from Baldwin-Wallace College.

Think Tank Symposium (07 Jun 2012)

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 20:00:00 GMT

The Think Tank Symposium is a collaborative effort spearheaded by Brigitte Martin, founder and editor of crafthaus. Co-organizers of the three-day symposium include the Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington, PA and the Society for Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh, PA.

The goal of the symposium is to identify and discuss creative solutions to some of the critical challenges currently facing the craft world. Leaders of various craft organizations, makers and creative thinkers in the field will convene on Touchstone's campus to start a dialogue about future collaborative efforts and about how to address questions and issues that affect everyone.

Programming also includes a day-trip to The Society for Contemporary Craft and the Pittsburgh Glass Center where the group will continue their discussions and experience the engaging programming these two world class organizations offer the general community and regional craft practitioners.

This event is by invitation only.

For more information on Crafthaus click here to visit the website.

For more information of the Society for Contemporary Craft click here to visit the website.

For more information of the Pittsburgh Glass Center click here to visit the website.

Wheel-Thrown Pottery Intensive (11 Jun 2012)

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Wheel-Thrown Pottery Intensive

Joe Sendek / Beginner-Intermediate / $495 / Weeklong Workshop

Immerse your mind, heart and spirit into the ancient and expressive world of clay! This week will allow each student a chance to focus, explore and expand his or her artistic and creative self. Especially helpful to those with basic throwing skills, this class is designed to encourage the development of new skills and techniques with the goal of being able to fire work in electric, gas and Raku kilns. Bring your tools, ideas and creative energies for a week that will lift you to the next level of working with clay.

Joe Sendek walks the edge where art meets education. Trained in materials engineering at Purdue, he also holds a BA from California State and an MFA from Arizona State. Joe currently works as an artist-educator for kindergarteners to senior citizens. He has done artist-in-residency work and has taught at all levels. He is a registered artist with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and his work is exhibited nationally.

Water and Wood Sprites, Nymphs and Other Ramblings (11 Jun 2012)

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Water and Wood Sprites, Nymphs and Other Ramblings

Christine Kocevar / All Levels / $450 / Weeklong Workshop

If you have ever thought you saw “something” out of the corner of your eye or had someone say you were imagining things, this workshop may be for you--we will be creating “imaginings” using textiles. This class will take you from the sketching phase where you will search through the woods of Touchstone for inspiration, then back to the studio where you will learn to use textile methods: dying processes, batik and very basic weaving and crochet techniques using natural and manmade materials to create matter. Produce a three-dimensional character or set of characters that have mass and occupy space – limited only by your imagination.

Christine Kocevar is a sculptor with a passion for drawing and art history, and has experience teaching distance learning courses online as well as traditional on-site courses for Westmoreland County Community College and Seton Hill University. As an undergraduate, drawing was her major with a minor concentration in art history. In graduate school, Chrsitine major studio of concentration was sculpture with a minor in print media. She studied with Dr. James Nestor, Patricia Villalobos Echeverria and Dr. Vicky Clark. At the Akademija za Likovno Umetnost, Univerza v Ljubljani, Slovenia, she studied sculpture from Joze Barsi (an exhibitor at the Venice Bienale) and figure drawing from Zmago Jeraj. At the American University of Paris, Christine studied drawing throughout the streets and museums of Paris from William Mackendree.

Pyro-Adventures in Large Format Black & White Photography (11 Jun 2012)

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Pyro-Adventures in Large Format Black & White Photography

Richard Stoner / All Levels / $400 / Weeklong Workshop / Material Fee $100

Students will be supplied 8x10”, 4x5” and medium format cameras and film, and complete instructions for use. All levels of experience will be accepted with an emphasis on directing students to see and compose more effectively with any camera. Field trips will be conducted off-campus. The instruction will result in students producing a set of matted prints on fine art black and white printing paper using fine art toner. Students may bring their own cameras, but none are required. All materials will be supplied for a modest at-cost fee.

Richard Stoner’scareer has included more than 150 exhibitions nationally and internationally, including exhibits in New York; Rome; Spoleto, Italy; and Scotland. His work is in the permanent collections of the Allentown Art Museum, Allentown, Pa.; the Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh; the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, Pa.; as well as numerous corporate and private collections. During this period he has worked almost exclusively with large format cameras, especially the 8X10 format. Richard teaches at Seton Hill University and St. Vincent College.

Imaginative Captures (Zengineering) (12 Jun 2012)

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Imaginative Captures (Zengineering)

Andrew Cooperman / Intermediate* / $500 /Four-Day Workshop

Imagine a more fluid way to incorporate a gemstone, enamel or found object into your work: a fresh approach that goes beyond the old standbys of prongs and bezels. By understanding and then reapplying the basic principles behind stone setting, we can develop new, elegant, more fully integrated setting solutions; break down some of the rigid walls that exist between ideas, processes and materials. This is Capturing. This information-packed workshop is designed to liberate the problem-solver within by discussing the why’s along with the how’s, and offering a wide variety of tricks, shortcuts and studio tips--along with some really bad jokes. Demonstrations and an extensive collection of samples will be used to illustrate topics including cold connecting, caging, back setting, the flex shaft and advanced soldering techniques.

*Participants must have basic jewelry skills and a familiarity with tools and studio equipment. Required skills include drilling with the flex shaft machine, sawing, filing, silver soldering and basic bezel setting. Students should have experience with: the rolling mill, torches, hammers, buffers, etc. Those who enroll must be able to hard silver solder unattended.

Andrew Cooperman is a metalsmith, writer and teacher who lives in Seattle, WA. His work is featured in galleries nationwide, including Patina Gallery in Santa Fe, deNovo in Palo Alto and Velvet daVinci Gallery in San Fransisico. He is a past recipient of a WESTAF/NEA Fellowship, and teaches seminars and workshops around the country, most recently as a visiting lecturer at the University of Washington. In addition to one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, Andy also works with clients as a custom jeweler and commission metalsmith. His work can be found in the permanent collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, Central College, Pella Iowa and most recently in the exhibitions The Art Of Gold, Metalisms, Chess and The Ring Show. Publications include the books Art Jewelry Today, 1000 Rings, 500 Brooches, The Craft of Silversmithing, The Penland Book of Jewelry and Fundamentals of Metalsmithing. For more information go to www.andycooperman.com.

Renaissance Ironwork (12 Jun 2012)

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Renaissance Ironwork

Phil Heath / Intermediate/ $450 / Weeklong Workshop

This workshop will be an exploration of period wall sconce with decorative scrolls, split ends, rivets, and finish.

Phil Heath is a fourth generation English blacksmith with more than thirty years experience. He operated a family-owned blacksmithing business in the southwest of England for twenty years before settling in the United States. He is a member of the Blacksmiths' Guild of the Potomac, serving on the board, and as shopmaster for the forge at Gulf Branch Nature Center in Arlington, Va. Heath has enjoyed demonstrating his traditional blacksmithing skills at multiple venues including Touchstone, the Appalachian Blacksmiths Association Fall Conference, the Blacksmiths' Guild of the Potomac Spring Fling, the Pittsburgh Area Artist-Blacksmiths Association, the Bill Gichner Memorial Hammer-In and Dan Boone's Annual Pasture Party.

Alternative Methods of Drawing (18 Jun 2012)

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Alternative Methods of Drawing

Ryder Richards / All Levels / $425 / Weeklong Workshop

This course is an exploration in drawing on cut, folded, cast or constructed paper forms. Utilizing minimal tools and lightweight construction techniques, the course will center on creating dynamic drawings that can be altered into three-dimensional forms that can act as either maquette (preliminary) or finished works. The course will include a myriad of ways to treat the surface including painting, glazing, drawing, masking and burning. The optional method of gunpowder drawing will also be displayed.

Ryder Richards grew up in Roswell, New Mexico, and currently lives in Dallas, Texas. He is the gallery director for Richland College, Dallas. As part of his artist practice he writes art reviews and curates exhibits while maintaining a prolific rate of art creation. Participating in nationwide collectives and being the recipient of several artist-in-residence opportunities has allowed Ryder the unique chance to travel and explore alternative ways to create art without access to complex tools. Currently using gunpowder and wood as his primary mediums, Ryder’s work explores patterning and power dynamics in our culture. He is also adept in digital design, figurative rendering and carpentry.

Forged Furniture in Scale (18 Jun 2012)

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Forged Furniture in Scale

Fred Crist /All Levels / $475 / Weeklong Workshop

This class will focus on designing and building scale models of furniture pieces and/or sculpture for commission based projects. The pieces will be made using the same process and techniques (forge welding, mortise and tenon and wedging) as we use on larger scale pieces, except these objects will only require about 1/10th the time to build. The end purpose of these objects is presentation for large-budget commissions which require drawings and models of the finished pieces. Bring your favorite drawing, or come with sketch book in hand. This class will be an intense week of small scale forge work.

Fred Crist has been forging metal into architectural, sculptural and functional objects for 31 years. In 1977, after graduating from the Philadelphia College of Art, he spent 11 years at Samuel Yellin Metalworkers as a blacksmith, and the last 19 years making a living as an artist blacksmith. He has executed many private and corporate commissions including the Book of Kells display case for the University of Pittsburgh, Lighting for the Black Friars Theater, a sculpture for the Massey Caner Center and a memorial bench for Norfolk Academy. His work is shown and sold in galleries nationally, as well as in Canada. For more information go to www.facristmetalsmith.com.

Chasing and Repoussé (18 Jun 2012)

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Chasing and Repoussé

Sean Macmillan / Intermediate - Advanced / $ 450

The goal of this course is to introduce and give an understanding of the decorative technique of chasing, how to form shapes and add detail. The course will cover the making of chasing tools. Some previous experience of metal forming and hammer and tool usage is preferred, but assistance and encouragement will be available. Throughout the course there will be a series of brief demonstrations at the beginning of each class, and then you will be able to work on your own projects with the instructor for the remainder of the day. As part of this longer course it might be possible to make a simple raised and planished bowl or dished plate that could then be decoratively chased. Everyone should produce a small decorative piece in copper having been chased and decorated with a possible patina.

Sean Macmillan earned a MFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing from the University of Kansas in 2005, and a BFA from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 2000. His recent work is an exploration of hammered organic forms and textures combined with scrap steel. Most formal influences are the result of decisions in response to the found steel elements. After a year working as a metal spinner, welder/fabricator and production bench jeweler, he returned to academia in 2006. He has shown his work at numerous national galleries including the Courthouse Galleries of the Portsmouth City Museums, Erie Art Museum, University of Kansas Art and Design Gallery, Zaruba and Zaruba Gallery, Alice Sabatini Gallery and the Craft Alliance. Sean has taught metals workshops at California University of Pennsylvania, Murray State University in Kentucky, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and the Society for Contemporary Craft. His work has been published in 500 Metal Vessels and TheBest of New York Artists and Artisans. He currently resides on a three-acre farm in Butler, Pa.

Transitioning from Functional to Sculptural Ceramics (18 Jun 2012)

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Transitioning from Functional to Sculptural Ceramics

Ian Thomas / Intermediate – Advanced / $495 / Weeklong Workshop

This hands-on workshop will examine wheel-throwing, hand-building and molding as a means for idea generation. Participants will be encouraged to push their understanding of material and construction methods for developing both functional and sculptural works. This class will be high energy.

Ian Thomas earned an MFA in ceramics at Texas Tech University, and is currently an instructor of art at Slippery Rock University. His research explores traditional and nontraditional ceramics, sculpture and installation. Within Ian’s work there is an underlying focus that explores what is it to be a 21st-century craft artist.

Art for Kids Bridget Mayak (18 Jun 2012)

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Art for Kids

Bridget Mayak /Children/Ages 6 to 12 years / $225 / Weeklong

Children enrolled in Art for Kids will experience quality art instruction from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Children will explore the processes and creation of both two and three-dimensional art. Drawing, painting, sculpture and various crafts will be taught within historical and cultural contexts, and are often linked to adult programs offered across campus. Instruction will be geared toward age, abilities and interests of students.

Bridget Mayak is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, with a degree in art education. She teaches art in the Somerset Area School District, where she is coordinator of her department, mentor to new teachers and site coordinator for artist in residence programs. Bridget has been managing the children’s program at Touchstone for the past three years, and also coordinates the Teen Program. She was named Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Elementary Art Educator in 2008, Delta Kappa Gamma’s Woman of Distinction in 2009, and Touchstone’s Artist of the Year in 2010. She is a member of Handmade Along the Highway and the Somerset County Artists Association.

Nature Photography (18 Jun 2012)

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Nature Photography

Christopher Rolinson / All Levels / $400 / Weeklong Workshop

During this workshop you will learn a variety of landscape, nature and wildlife photography techniques including strategy, location scouting, high dynamic range imaging, and image preparation and presentation. Students will be required to have any digital SLR or point and shoot camera, and a laptop computer with imaging software. Those students using film should be prepared to use 1-hour developing for digitalizing images.

Christopher Rolinson joined Point Park as a full-time faculty member in the fall of 2006. He teaches photography and photojournalism courses and employs a hands-on teaching approach that enables students to build polished portfolios for professional employment. He earned a bachelor’s degree in art from Slippery Rock University in 2000 and his master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from Point Park University in 2004. Rolinson began his career as photojournalist at the Steubenville, Ohio Herald-Star. He has since started his own freelance photography company, StartPoint Media, Inc., whose clients include the Associated Press, Washington Post, as well as other local and national publications. He has introduced new courses, collaborations and partnerships to expand and diversify the photojournalism program. He is a member of the Pittsburgh Press Club, American Legion, National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) and the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP), in which he is the treasurer of the Pittsburgh chapter. His work can be viewed at www.startpointmedia.com

Forge Welding for Knives (25 Jun 2012)

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Forge Welding for Knives

Bob Rupert / All Levels / $450 / Weeklong Workshop

Plan for a fun-filled week forging metal from the past into a pattern-welded blade! Working together and sharing skills with other artisans, each student can expect to improve their abilities as well as forge a one-of-a-kind piece by the end of this week. Each student will receive a class outline, benefit from daily demonstrations and process examples while taking time to explore the ancient trade of blacksmithing. One, two and three-day students welcome!

Bob Rupert is the owner of Iron Hill Forge and has taught at Touchstone since 2004. Bob first experienced metalworking with his father. Those early years were filled with opportunity and time to explore. Five decades have passed and the fascination of shaping glowing, hot steel has not changed. Now with more than four decades of metal working experience, Bob seeks to share his passion, in hopes that others might enjoy the simplicity of tradition, taking some time to explore the texture and beauty of forged iron. Bob has led ABANA seminars at Kent State University, and was twice featured as the centerfold subject in Knives. His work is prominently featured in Ironwork Today II, a recent release from Schiffer Books.

Finding Creativity in Your Pottery Forms (25 Jun 2012)

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Finding Creativity in Your Pottery Forms

Jerry Wagner / Intermediate – Advanced / $495 / Weeklong Workshop

Learn the mechanics and discipline to produce repeatable forms, as well as define your personal manufacturing process through to conceptualized glaze finish. We will work on personal growth in the development of Form, Function and Finish, to allow you to produce and individualize a well-crafted, finished product that is repeatable and satisfying to make. Repetition forces you as the artist to define essential and nonessential ornamentation, as well as how your personal vision fits the finished piece and intended use.

Jerry Wagner received his master's of fine art degree in ceramics from Edinboro University in 1982 and has worked in the industrial ceramics field for Swindell Dressler International and SBL Kiln Services Inc., and in the area of glass annealing for E.W. Bowman Inc. In 2001, he started Wagner Pottery, a wholesale pottery business. He currently provides assistance and equipment to industrial manufacturers and pottery producers through Danser Inc.

Glass Beadmaking Basics (25 Jun 2012)

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Glass Beadmaking Basics

Joy Knepp / Beginner - Intermediate / $475 / Weeklong Workshop

Using glass rods and a torch as our paintbrush, students will create miniature works of art: glass beads. Basic techniques will be taught from lighting the torch to making a variety of bead shapes and designs including round beads, bicones and lentils, as well as sculptural shapes. You will explore the magic of color in glass by encasing colors with transparent glass and using metals such as copper and silver in the glass. You will finish the week with a treasure trove of beads to make one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. We will use 104 COE glass, (such as Meretti and Vetrofond), a variety of tools and other supplies such as copper and silver leaf, reduction frits,\ and enamels.

Joy Knepp has been working in glass since 2003 and is a member of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB) and the Three Rivers Glass beadmakers. She has an art and art education degree from Pennsylvania State University, and has been an art teacher for 22 years at the Shanksville-Stonycreek School District.

Beginner's Jewelry (25 Jun 2012)

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Beginner’s Jewelry

Melissa Davenport / Beginner / $425 / Weeklong Workshop

Learn the basics of jewelry making or fine-tune skills you already have. The topics covered are layout and design, sawing, filing, light forging, cold connecting, patinas and soldering. Students will learn tool use, studio setup, and other aspects of jewelry making. Students are encouraged to bring all questions and unusual or interesting materials to add to the discussions of design and problem solving. You will be able to work at your own pace on projects of your own design, with the guidance of an instructor, and explore new ideas in an equipped studio.

Melissa Davenport is a regional artist who shows and teaches numerous classes within Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. As a rostered artist with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, she teaches diverse techniques. Currently, Miss Davenport is on the advisory board at Westmoreland County Community College, and has helped to setup various studios, including the Touchstone metals studio. Her studio is located at the base of the Laurel Highlands, where she creates a one-of-a-kind, custom, limited production line in silver copper and gold.