MassArt’s Jewelry and Metalsmithing program combines direct practice with conceptual problem solving, in both traditional and contemporary metal work.
As a Jewelry and Metalsmithing BFA student at MassArt, you’ll explore your own creative practice. Whether you choose to focus on producing jewelry and body adornment, functional objects, or sculptural works, you’ll have access to the resources, facilities, and community support that will help you succeed. You’ll also gain a deep understanding of the history and traditions of metalworking and jewelry that inform today’s makers.
Casting Intensive for Jewelers
With the eyes and hands of a jeweler, this course investigates various casting techniques with non-ferrous metals, including bronze and sterling silver and possibly gold. This course combines tried and true ancient casting methods with state of the art and experimental approaches.
Throughout the semester students create samples, finished pieces, multiples and one of a kind wearables or components for utility. Students are introduced to historical and contemporary examples of cast jewelry, and are encouraged and supported in building their own creative voice through personal research and observation.
Alumni Success
Many Jewelry & Metalsmithing graduates have launched careers as gallery owners, college professors, jewelry designers, jewelers, studio managers, and directors of artist spaces. Among them are:
- Jennifer Trask ’93, internationally renowned jewelry and sculpture artist
- Lauren Kalman ‘02, internationally renowned concept-based metalsmith
- Leslie Shershow ‘06, jewelry artist and professor, writer for Metalsmith Magazine, 2021/2022 Schmuck selected artist
- Sophie Hughes ’08, named Best Jewelry Designer by Boston Magazine (2016 & 2017)
- Adam Grinovich ‘08, Internationally renowned artist and Penland School of Craft Resident Artist 2024-2025
- Monique Rancourt ‘08– Owner of Monique Rancourt Artisan Gallery in Waltham, MA
- Alumni Jill Martinelli ’06 and Sabine Le Guyader ’05 co-founded Lady Grey Jewelry, designing jewelry for Beyoncé and other celebrities
- Elisa Melegari ‘14 designed an emerald bracelet sported by actress/comedian Whoopi Goldberg to New York Fashion Week 2017.
- Brie Flora ‘15, co-owner of The Silver Fern, a gallery and storefront in Cookeville TN
- Nanette Pengelley ‘15, Artist and designer, founder of Hew Jewelry
BFA Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the Jewelry & Metalsmithing BFA program are expected to be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes.
- Develop skill and an understanding of the importance of craftsmanship
- Understand a wide range of approaches and methodologies to problem solving
- Develop good working habits & self discipline
- Develop cross disciplinary awareness
- Develop an understanding of conceptual, symbolic and metaphoric issues
- Develop an awareness of historical, contemporary, cross-cultural issues and artists working in their field
- Encourage their personal vision and imaginations to become a tangible reality
- Develop a working knowledge of design principles
- Develop a sense of being an artist using life and studio experience to support their ideas
- Cooperative classroom experience
- Foster collaboration among peers
- Establish relationships/ work with community
- Safety: tools, equipment, materials, processes
- To assume the responsibility of the development of their own professional career in whatever direction it may take
- Participate in critical dialogue with peers in their field
- Develop professional and vocational resources
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