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When in Athens, Make Jewelry

A person with short, light brown hair and glasses is smiling at the camera, inviting you to get involved. They wear a dark top and a statement necklace. The background is softly blurred, with indistinct figures and warm lighting.

Jewelry and Metalsmithing Professor Heather White takes students to Greece both to see private collections and work in a jewelry factory.

History and Making Under the Light of the Acropolis: MassArt Greece Travel Course

Written by Jen Roy

In the spring of 2018, students were introduced to contemporary and historical Western and non-Western jewelry, objects, art and culture beginning in Boston and culminating in a 2-week trip to Athens, Greece.

It seemed only natural to partner with the Lalaounis Jewelry Museum which has historical jewelry and a contemporary exhibition space and an opportunity for residencies for young students. Heather White Professor, Program Area Chair, Jewelry and Metalsmithing

MassArt Film/Video student Gaby Gonzalez created a video (above) on the MassArt travel course, History and Making Under the Light of the Acropolis, taught by Jewelry and Metalsmithing Professor Heather White, and in collaboration with the Ilias Lalaounis Museum.

While in Greece, students participated in exclusive tours and curated visits to historical sites and museums, including access to private collections not open to the general public, such as that of one of the world’s leading institutions for jewelry: the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum in Athens. Students visited studios of practicing Greek artists, toured the distinguished Greed Gold Studio, and were the first group of students to be invited to work in the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Factory. While in Athens, students created projects in a variety of media, both concept and technically based, and completed the experience with an on-campus exhibit of their work.

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