Metalwerx Becomes Non-Profit School for the Jewelry and MetalArts

Located in Waltham, MA, Metalwerx combines a jewelry school with 15 resident jewelry artists. Focused towards art related and technical jewelry classes, Metalwerx draws students from New England and beyond.

Metalwerx, Inc. has become a non-profit Metals Educations School and 15 member Community Studio in June, 2005, Waltham, MA. The school's mission is to promote education in the metal arts and serve the needs of metal artists and jewelry professionals everywhere. Achieving this goal were experts and educators in their field who helped build the only jewelry school of its kind in the US.

Described by many students as "community spirited but professional", Metalwerx, now in its 7th year of operation, has provided a niche of specialized workshops relating to jewelry and metalsmithing, both in the arts and in the technical arena of professional bench jewelry. Metalwerx also focuses on young high school students looking for creative expression, not found in mainstream high school art programs. Formally Metalwerx, Inc.”, Executive Director, Karen Christians says, "We are thrilled for the opportunity to access specialized grant programs for teaching young students and to give assistance grants to those on fixed incomes".

As a school, Metalwerx offers both weekly jewelry classes and intensive 2-4 day workshops for students with time restrictions due to family commitments. Ms. DiCecca states "the two day format gives me everything I need to know in a schedule that doesn't interfere with my work week. I leave feeling I can fabricate a great piece of jewelry!"

Metalwerx also focuses on the business aspect of jewelry making. Says Jennifer Mank, long time studiomate and business owner, "Metalwerx has given me access to marketing strategies, tools, techniques and the confidence to run a successful business venture. I couldn't imagine trying to do this on my own." Jennifer also says, "I love being a studiomate for the access of tools and equipment, ongoing events, collaboration on ideas and for the community spirit of its members".

Instructors at Metalwerx are top professionals in their field and teach techniques ranging from lapidary, engraving, stone setting, mechanisms and marketing, as well as art inspired contemporary metalsmthing. Karen Christians states, "Sometimes instructors at other schools are overlooked as professionals. We work very hard to provide essential and specialized equipment, a broad range of students and teachers assistants in every workshop. We feel that this allows the instructors to do their job and creates a world class teaching experience."