Jewelry & Metalsmithing, BFA

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Program Details

Location
Akron Campus
Level
undergraduate
Academic Pathway
major
Degree/Program Type
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Format
In-person
Course Info
Jewelry & Metalsmithing, BFA
College
Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences (BCAS)
School/Department
Mary Schiller Myers School of Art

Program Contact

Sherry Simms

Associate Professor, Metalsmithing Area Coordinator

330–972–5964 Send an Email

Overview

Explore traditional and contemporary approaches to jewelry making and metalsmithing while developing your own creative practice. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jewelry & Metalsmithing at the Myers School of Art combines conceptual thinking, innovative design and refined craftsmanship.

You’ll work with traditional techniques, new technologies and alternative materials while gaining an understanding of the history of the field. Whether your interests lead you toward fine art, design or craft, you’ll develop the creative, technical and professional skills to pursue opportunities in fine art, industrial and entrepreneurial settings.

Admissions Requirements

Students must meet the general admissions requirements of The University of Akron.  

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Jewelry & Metalsmithing BFA may pursue: 

  • Studio artist or craftsperson roles 

  • Jewelry design and production 

  • Metalsmithing and fabrication 

  • MFA programs in fine art or craft 

  • Entrepreneurship or small business ownership 

  • Work in galleries, design firms, or arts nonprofits 

Make your mark in metal

Develop your craft through dedicated studio access, opportunities to exhibit and sell your work and hands-on experiences with artists and the professional community.

Jewelry and metalsmithing students work with wire and hand tools in the studio.
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STUDIO ACCESS

Create on your schedule

Take advantage of 24-hour studio access to develop your skills, experiment with materials and techniques and spend more time creating your work.

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Learn alongside working artists

Gain hands-on experience through internships with local and regional artists, studios and businesses. Past students have interned with Zenia Lis, Stephen Yusko, Tap Studios, Seth Gould and Cambridge Jewelers.

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SHOW AND SELL YOUR WORK

Take your work beyond the studio

Gain experience presenting your work to the public through exhibitions and sales at the University and regional venues, including the annual Myers Holiday Shop and Akron Art Museum Holiday Sale.

Connect your craft to the community

Take your work beyond the studio through exhibitions, professional experiences and opportunities to connect with artists and the jewelry and metalsmithing community.

Gain experience presenting your work to audiences beyond the classroom. Jewelry & Metalsmithing students have opportunities to exhibit their work at the University and regional venues and participate in sales including the annual Myers Holiday Shop and Akron Art Museum Holiday Sale.

Connect with practicing artists and gain hands-on experience in the field. Students may participate in internships with local and regional artists, studios and businesses and travel to the biennial Society of North American Goldsmiths conference. Past internship experiences have included Zenia Lis, Stephen Yusko, Tap Studios, Seth Gould and Cambridge Jewelers.

 

Become part of a creative community through Akron Jewelry & Metals Club activities and jewelry and metalsmithing events throughout Akron and Northeast Ohio. Students have opportunities to engage with museums, schools and community organizations while connecting their studio practice with the broader community.

Gain experience presenting your work to audiences beyond the classroom. Jewelry & Metalsmithing students have opportunities to exhibit their work at the University and regional venues and participate in sales including the annual Myers Holiday Shop and Akron Art Museum Holiday Sale.

Connect with practicing artists and gain hands-on experience in the field. Students may participate in internships with local and regional artists, studios and businesses and travel to the biennial Society of North American Goldsmiths conference. Past internship experiences have included Zenia Lis, Stephen Yusko, Tap Studios, Seth Gould and Cambridge Jewelers.

 

Become part of a creative community through Akron Jewelry & Metals Club activities and jewelry and metalsmithing events throughout Akron and Northeast Ohio. Students have opportunities to engage with museums, schools and community organizations while connecting their studio practice with the broader community.