The department's approach is one of breadth rather than of narrow specialization. Because jewelry deals with the illusionary space of painting and the real space of sculpture, this medium inspires infinite options. The possible transformations of metal are so many, in fact, that students must maintain flexibility and openness to new ideas. In beginning jewelry courses, students develop skills in fabricating, casting, learn the complexities of soldering, and develop a vocabulary in jewelry aesthetics. In advanced courses, students explore metal and stone potential in its many forms.
Traditional boundaries expand and new issues arise as the student s perception changes.
The department offers several multilevel courses in jewelry, metal-smithing, and theory. The department also features extensive sculpture process equipment. The potential of independent work and course work are available to the student who wishes to be pursue signature work in jewelry.