EXECUTIVE BOARD Mary Kernahan - President mckernahan@yahoo.com Julie Sanford - Vice President
SPRING 2017 NEWS
juliesanford@charter.net
From the President
Lori Brauer - Vice President lorib@mi.rr.com Ericia Bartels - Treasurer ericiab@yahoo.com Jennifer Marcson - Secretary jennifermarcson@gmail.com Christine Bossler - Past President christine.bossler@gmail.com Danielle Blanchard - Newsletter daniellesings@comcast.net Janice Degen - At Large janice.degen@gmail.com Sondra Hoffman - At Large shweaver1@comcast.net Katie MacDonald - At Large katie.macdonald@wayne.edu John Myer—Webmaster
Dear Members, It's been a busy year so far for MSG and it looks like that trend is going to continue for the rest of 2017. Spring brought the return of some favorite MSG events, beginning in early March with the Metals 2017 Exhibition at Eastern Michigan University. It brought together an incredible collection of over 70 pieces from 11 colleges and universities, representing both student and faculty work. Later in March the Hammer-In made its comeback at College for Creative Studies and Wayne State University with lectures and demos by artists Jim Cotter and Nicole Jacquard. April brought the return of the All Member Salon Exhibition at the City Hall Artspace Lofts. It was a small, but well received. April also brought two highly successful
workshops, starting with the damascene workshop at CCS, led by Tom Madden, and ending with the Beginning Inlay workshop at Studio JSD taught by Jeff Fulkerson. May will bring the Open Studio Process: Exploring Three Dimensions with Idelle HammondSass. For details or registration please visit the MSG website. In June MSG is hosting a graduation exhibition and party for all graduating metals students from College for Creative Studies, Wayne State University, Eastern Michigan University and Bowling Green State University. The exhibition will be at the City Hall Artspace Lofts in Dearborn, from June 3 to June 29. The opening on June 3 will be a combination serious opening and graduation bash, giving the graduates a chance to showcase their work while celebrating their graduation. The exhibition will be organized (Continued on page 9)
john_myer@yahoo.com
SUMMER ART FAIRS
Chloe Lewis—At Large
Being a demonstrator is a great way to get some art fair experience, so consider MSG will again have a booth at the South applying. For more information visit University Ann Arbor Art Fair, which will either the MSG website or Facebook be held July 20-23. Ten members will be page, or contact Charlotte or Lorraine directly. exhibiting, including coordinators, ____________________________________ Charlotte Allen and Lorraine BETSY LEHNDORFF offers a resource Kolasa, Dyanne Christian, Betsy article on other shows and fairs and how Lehndorff, Jennifer Marcson, Anastasia they are handled around the world. The Oravec, Teri Ritter, Tina Sayer, Carol link below, which appeared in Jewelry Tomasso, and Kate Wilcox-Leigh. Art Forum, offers a mind-blowing look at some of the finest art jewelry shows in As always, members will provide live demonstrations. We're hoping for a lot the world. https://artjewelryforum.org/surging-andof student participation this year.
erbabellaverde@gmail.com Eric Okon - Publicity ericokon@gmail.com Ralph Paruszkiewicz - Sponsors rparus2000@yahoo.com Lyn Wagner-Ditzhazy - Membership funkybeadz@comcast.net
MSG at the South University Ann Arbor Art Fair
hopeful-jewelry-weeks-around-the-globe
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Upcoming MSG Workshops 2017 Look for e-mail, web and Facebook blasts for details as they are released. OCTOBER 21st – Pearl Carving with Betsy Lendhoff at Armstrong Tool and Supply NOVEMBER (exact date to come) – Mokume with James Viste location will be finalized at a later date
4 week class: Intro to Enameling with Idelle Hammond-Sass: 12hrs July 6, 13, 20,27th Materials $20. $195. Copper enameling offers a way of including color in your jewelry pieces. Explore opaque and translucent enamel, preparing metal to be enameled by etching, roller printing and fold forming. Sifting, scraffito, stenciling and other
Also in the works with dates to come:
ways of developing a rich surface will be
James Zelinske - Engraving
demonstrated. Students may choose to make a linked bracelet or necklace with multiple pieces. Fee covers copper and enamel. Basic metals
WORKSHOPS at STUDIO JSD
skills will be introduced. Registration is thru Ann Arbor Recreation and Education. contact www.aareced.com,
Mokume Gane--Patterning, Processing,
Hammond_sass@msn.com
and Fabricating--May 19 & 20, 10am-5pm $395.00
Idelle will be taking a three day class at Penninsula Art School in Door County in June,
Drilling Stone, Glass and Found Objects-Saturday, June 10, 10am-Noon $45.00
with enamellist Jessica Calderwood. I hope to
Lapidary Class--Saturday, June 10, 1-3pm $45.00
and texture. Stay tuned!
Gemstone Stack Rings--Thursday, June 15, 6-9pm $65.00
have some new techniques to share on color
SEND your tips, ideas, creative observations, design problems to
VISITING ARTISTS AT STUDIO JSD Richard Salley: The Clasp Class— Monday, July 17, 10am-5pm $215.00 Michael David Sturlin: Forged Bracelets— August 16-18 $895.00 Michael David Sturlin: Fine Silver Chain August 19 & 20 $585.00 Michael David Sturlin: BOTH WORKSHOPS August 16-20 $1430.00
solve, tutorials, product reviews, pictorials to DanielleSings@comcast.net Newsletter cycle this year: Nov 1, Feb 1, May 1, Aug 1
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MEMBERS IN ACTION
Jen Townsend and Renee Zettle-Sterling are proud to present their new book, CAST: Art and Objects Made Using Humanity's Most Transformational Process. Featuring exquisite photos of 800 contemporary and historic works, this first-of-its-kind book reveals how the process of cas ng―pouring material into a mold―has transformed our world through its history and omnipresence. In these image-rich pages, craft, fine art, design, and everyday objects offer us perspectives on casting’s unique possibilities, its place in history, and its role in contemporary object creation.
L. Sue Szabo was accepted into the Best of 2017 Ohio Craftsman Show and won the Collector's Award. It opens 5/7 at the Ohio Craft Museum. She was also accepted into Alchemy 4, the
Comprehensive and insightful, the book includes writings on casting as it relates to Art History (by Suzanne Ramljak), Ceramics (by Ezra Shales), Glass (by Susie Silbert), Large Metal (by Joe Becherer), Jewelry (by Jen Townsend), and Alternative Materials (by Elaine King). A multi-disciplinary approach―including everything from tradi onal lost wax cas ng in nonferrous metals to casting rubber, glass, porcelain, plaster, and some very unexpected materials―makes this an essen al resource for ar sts, craftspeople, historians, designers, and everyone interested in the objects that populate our world. It is out June 28th, 2017 and can be pre-ordered on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cast-Objects-Humanitys-TransformationalProcess/dp/0764353381/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493677926&sr=81&keywords=cast+art+and+object
international enameling show in Gatlinburg, TN this year, opening this summer.
Thomas Muir just sold one of his major works from nearly 30 years ago to the Toledo Museum of Art. Check the details on the next page!
WORKSHOPS at ARMSTRONG Harvest Moon Chainmaille with Mary Kernahan: Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $45.00 plus supplies (approx. $6 in copper) Delft Clay Casting with Mary Kernahan: Wednesday May17, 6-9 p.m. $60 plus supplies (bronze or sterling) Basic Soldering with Lesley Dipiazza: Wednesday May 24, 6-9 p.m. $65 plus supplies (approx. $15) Spinner Rings with Lesley Dipiazza: Wednesday May 31, 6-9 p.m. $55 plus supplies (approx. $15) Introduction to Rivets with Christine Bossler: Wednesday June 7 - ($60) Prong Setting with Mary Kernahan: Wednesday June 14 - ($60)
Intermediate Riveting with Christine Bossler: Wednesday June 21 - ($60) Colored Pencil on Metal with Lori Brauer: Wednesday June 28 - ($60) Freeform Bezels with Lesley DiPiazza: Saturday July 8 - ($65) Basic Soldering with Lesley DiPiazza: Wednesday July 12 - ($60) Chasing and Repousse with Christine Bossler: Wednesday July 19 - ($60) Fold Forming with Lesley DiPiazza: Wednesday July 26 - ($60) Delft Clay Casting with Mary Kernahan: Wednesday August 2—($60)
Check Website for Additions to Schedule www.armstrongtoolsupply.com (248) 474-1600
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THOMAS MUIR SELLS ICONIC WORK TO TOLEDO MUSEUM Cycladic Figure Impregnated," a serving vessel I made in 1987, was purchased by the Toledo Museum of Art in 2017. This is the second in a series of works I made between the mid 1980's and 1990's. The first in the series, "Cycladic Figure with his hair in a roller," is in the Art Institute of Chicago. The hollowware vessel, across cultures, is a fundamental vehicle for functional as well as aesthetic exploration. Historically, and in my own interpretation of it, it can represent the body and life; its emphasis is on the interior and speaks of containment, shelter, and nourishment. The vessel is one of the most basic, ancient, and accessible artistic forms. All of the things that sustain, enrich, and celebrate life can be encapsulated in the vessel: it evokes the womb, the seed, cooking and food storage, human dwellings, and the like. Metaphorically, the vessel addresses issues of renewal, transformation, and growth, as well as social, psychological, and ecological concerns. Throughout my work, an intimate knowledge of natural history supports my visible mechanics; this symbiosis is vital to my conception of hollowware. My interpretation of the Cycladic figures is both playfully anthropomorphic and evocative of nature’s “engineering” through the stylized elements of womb and teats (that serve as the base). Additionally, the sacred quality of the figures is transposed into affectionate reverence for the living vessel that is the body. These works were based on Cycladic figures in the Indiana University Art Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art; they are included in the first series of works for which I used a direct reference to historical artworks. For my artistic practice, these works are the most challenging and rewarding in the simultaneous integration and successful resolution of key factors: the history of art, the history of craft and metalsmithing, my aesthetic concerns, utility, engineering, and my sense of humor.
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My Experience at William Holland School of Lapidary Arts, Young Harris, GA by John Myer
I have been attending gem and mineral shows for many years and got to know Rich Williams. Rich Williams is an instructor and board member at William Holland. Rich had for years tried to get me to attend William Holland and in 2015 I finally took a class. And now I have been taking a class there at least once a year and continue to plan on taking a class for the foreseeable future.
class until 5:30 PM which is when dinner starts. Depending on the class and the instructor you may be able to continue working after dinner.
While Lapidary Arts is part of the their name, William Holland is much more than just lapidary artists retreat. They have courses in enameling, etching, metal clay, silver, wire just to mention a few. Their year runs from April through October and their courses start at $395, which includes room and board. And in my opinion you are feed well, buffet style.
William Holland has some special events during the week. Tuesday night they have an auction, where students and instructors may donate any type of items. With all of the proceeds going into the school’s maintenance, equipment and supplies. I have donated one of my copper ants and a pair of wine glasses I etched with the school’s logo. Thursday evening they have tailgating. Here again students and instructors may buy, sell and trading their items. And finally on Friday before lunch there is show and tale. Here you get the opportunity to see what everyone made in the classes for that week.
Your week officially begins Sunday afternoon with dinner, where you meet the instructors for that week. After dinner you will go to your assigned classroom for your class orientation and maybe start on some work. A warm breakfast begins at 8:00 AM with class starting at 9:00 AM. You will work until lunch which begins at 12:30 PM. Back to
William Holland has been a great experience. A great time for learning and socializing with those who have the same interests as you. If you should ever get the chance to attend a class or two, I would highly recommend William Holland School of Lapidary Arts, Young Harris, Georgia http://www.lapidaryschool.org.
LESLEY DIPIAZZA REPORTS NEW JEWELRY CLASSES THAT INCORPORATE MODERN TECHNOLOGY TechShop Detroit is now offering Jewelry-Making classes! The first of these new classes will be on Enameling. Jewelry classes offered will either be 3-4 hour workshops, or weekend intensives. The Enameling Weekend Intensive is super exciting because it will incorporate using the laser-cutter to make custom stencils, and the water-jet cutter to cut custom metal blanks, as well as traditional enameling techniques. The class also includes 10 hours of open studio time. Full course descriptions and sign-up information is available here: http://www.techshop.ws/ take_classes.html?
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ALL MEMBERS SALON EXHIBITION REACHES OUT TO ELEMENTARY YOUTH The Michigan Silversmiths Guild All Members Salon Exhibition at City Hall Artspace Lofts, was toured by approximately 100 3rd and 4th grade students from Miller Elementary before the show closed. Miller Elementary is a school in Dearborn. The two MSG members that live at City Hall Artspace Lofts also gave demonstrations. Dan Gumina demonstrated the lapidary process, and Ralph Parus gave a demonstration on the die forming process. After the demonstrations and tour, the children ate lunch then left for a tour of the DIA, for an entire day of art. All of the work in the Exhibition was loved by all and gave inspiration to future artists.
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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Jurgen J. Maerz I reached out to an artist I admire on Facebook to see if he would consider contributing an article or tutorial from his Facebook group I subscribe to. I made a new friend! Jurgen shares so very much of both his design ideas, but also fabrication how to and troubleshooting. He answered my request with his biographical info and a nice tutorial. We have opened a line of communication, and he is open to coming to Michigan to do workshops. More to come. If you have an artist you’d like to reach out to, send them our way. Maybe they will participate in this giving exchange as well In the meantime, enjoy the following info and tutorial! — Danielle Blanchard
Director of Technical Education for Platinum Guild International Retired in 2010 Accomplishments Published “The Platinum Bench” and “Adventures at the Bench” books Published author in 7 countries and 5 languages Host, speaker and MC of the “Platinum Day Symposium” Recognized expert in Platinum
BIO:
Jewelry Industry Consultant dob 12/22/1946
Awards APEX Award for Excellence in published information for “The Platinum Bench” JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler SFS Ambassador Award
Started career 1961 as apprentice Gold and Silversmith in Germany, specializing in Platinum Taught Jewelry Manufacturing Arts at Gemological Institute of America
Hobbies Writing articles, tutorials and teaching fabrication classes, singing, traveling, magic. Hosting FB Group “Ask Jurgen"
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JURGEN MAERZ TUTORIAL
Nugget Pendant Copyright 2015 Jurgen J. Maerz This project is fun and useful at the same time. It is made from scrap gold and silver and employs a bone carving depicting the sun and moon image The making of the pendant body requires torch control and thus is a good exercise.
Materials List Scrap Silver Scrap gold Bezel strip Medium silver solder Hard silver solder Bone carving Blue silicone wheel 600 Sand paper Cont.d on Page 9
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Materials List Jeweler’s saw Soldering setup Designer punches Chasing hammer Bezel pusher Safety glasses Liver of sulfur WUBBERS bezel making pliers Files
Making the pendant body Use scrap silver and start melting it so that it connects. Using a soldering pick move the pieces so that they connect leaving a pleasant shape. This will take some practice. Avoid melting the metal completely, as it will ball up and not maintain the shape you like.
Cont.d on Page 10 9
PRESIDENT’S LETTER (Cont.d)
documents to make them accessible to all. If you are interested in assisting, please contact Tina.
by our Student Liaison Committee, headed by Chloe Lewis. We're excited to be sponsoring this, and intend to make this an annual event. Come on out and support our newest metalsmiths as they John Myer continues to work hard to completely renovate our MSG website, and recently demonstrated the prototype for the begin the next phase of their artistic careers. board. I think it's safe to say that you all will be impressed with his efforts once it goes live. Preparations continue for the MSG booths at Ann Arbor Art Fair in July, and the call for demonstrators will be going out We have also undertaken a step to increase MSG's student soon. Look elsewhere in the newsletter for an Art Fair update. membership by offering a special "two for one" discount. For each college or high school student that gets another student to We have not just secured a lecturer for the annual all member join, the $15 membership fee will be reduced to $7.50 for meeting that will be held at Eastern Michigan University on each. This offer is for a limited time, so act quickly to take September 10, but also scheduled a workshop for September advantage. 9. Marissa Saneholtz, metalsmith. object maker and current BGSU faculty member has agreed to do a one day workshop for As always, we will keep you informed of all of these events as MSG in addition to being our guest lecturer. More information they develop via all our usual methods (email, our website, about Marissa and her work can be found at https:// Facebook and US Mail). And many thanks to all who make these marissasaneholtz.com. events possible and to those who participate in them. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. In other news, Tina Sayer has agreed to fill our vacant historian position. Thank you Tina. In conjunction with the new website Sincerely, that is in development, in the coming months we will be looking for volunteers to help digitize our vast collection of historical MSG Mary Kernahan, MSG President
Nugget Pendant Tutorial (Cont.d) Using the pick, move the metal so that it creates different heights and levels and sections that are connected. The trick is to make the metal hot enough to be plastic, but not hot enough to be all liquefied. This will make a nice nugget, which is organic and will show of the carving in a very nice way.
CENTER FOR CRAFT & APPLIED ARTS DETROIT
The Center for Craft Applied Arts has a monthly recurring event known as the Maker Mixer that will be happening on May 20th. Maker Mixers are an opportunity for craftspeople in the Detroit area to gather in a casual setting and exchange ideas. The upcoming mixer is being held at Mutual Adoration in Detroit. Mutual Adoration is a woodworking studio that utilizes reclaimed wood to create furniture and housewares. The mixer begins at 7 PM. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided. The address: 14500 Kercheval Ave., Detroit MI 48215. Secondly, the CCAA is currently looking for teachers for recreational classes. If there is anyone that is a part of MSG that would be interested in teaching, I can provide more information about the process of submitting a class proposal. http://misilversmith.org/documents/ TeachingProposalForm.pdf
Cont.d on Page 11
Keegan Sullivan, Program Officer Supporting, Promoting, and Organizing Craft in Detroit info@ccaadetroit.org www.ccaadetroit.org 10
Nugget Pendant (Cont.d) Using Wubbers bezel making pliers, create a bezel for the bone carving.
Use hard silver solder to solder the bezel together
Trim it to the proper height and sand top and bottom to be level. Use a file to trim and 600 grid sand paper on a flat surface.
Be sure the carving has plenty of room. Bench trick: Because the carving is not exactly round. Making the bezel round will make it appear to be round when set. Create room for the bezel on the surface of the nugget and solder it in. To do this, use medium solder. Check and see that the carving still fits comfortably Cont.d on Page 12
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Nugget Pendant (Cont.d)
Set aside four designer punches to decorate and set the piece. Create a pleasant look on the surface of the nugget.
Solder gold embellishment on to the nugget to create the desired look. For decoration, melt some scrap gold into little balls and solder them in place. Bench trick: Use a ball bur to make a spot where the balls go, melt a small amount of medium silver solder into the spots and then lay the balls on top and heat until the solder melts and attaches the balls to the nugget. Make a bail and decorate it with silver balls to match design
Solder the bail in place using medium solder
Cont,d on Page 13
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Nugget Pendant (Cont.d) With all the soldering and melting done, the nugget is pickled, wire brushed and tarnished with Liver of Sulphur. Using a bezel pusher, the carving is pre set. Once the bezel is pushed close to the carving and no longer moves, use a punch to go on.
Using a setting punch and a hammer, the setting is completed. Using a punch provides a great deal of control and eliminates the chance of slipping and damaging the carving.
Using a silicone wheel, all tool marks are being removed. The gold embellishments are being pre polished as well.
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