PMC Projects

Level: Intermediate and above
Requirements: Experience Working with PMC
Program: Spring
Status: Closed
Length: 3 Days
Tuition: $ 0
Materials: $ 0
Date: May 09, 2008 - May 11, 2008
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Metalwerx

To register for this workshop, contact:

• Rio Grande
• Phone: 505-839-3216 (local) or 866-346-2698 (toll-free)
• email: education@riogrande.com
• FAX: 505-833-7522
• You can also visit the Rio Rewards website for more information and details about this class, specific projects and the Rio Rewards program.

Rio Grande's Rio Rewards PMC® Certification Program is designed for the serious and dedicated PMC enthusiast who seeks the recognition that a standardized level of expertise offers. Taught by Chris Darway, the curriculum is demanding and tests specific skills and techniques (apart from artistry) for working with PMC over the course of three days. Students who complete certification leave the class equipped with advanced skills and knowledge, prepared to teach PMC classes and to incorporate PMC into their own work.

Students should have considerable working experience with the product and should be comfortable with techniques such as joining, slip joining, hollow forms, ring construction, rolling out equal thicknesses of clay, stamping textures and working with two- and three-dimensional forms.

A series of seven specific projects test students' proficiency in using PMC in a variety of ways. Techniques taught include stamping, carving, simple tool-making, gem-setting, building a hollow form, embellishing beads, patterning, texturing, mold-making, making slip, ring sizing, rehydrating PMC and surface finishes. Also included are various firing techniques from kiln-firing to torch-firing gold PMC, discussions on metallurgy, gemology, teaching techniques and ways to set up a PMC business. Each project is designed to present several aspects of Precious Metal Clay. By proving their skills through these pieces, students demonstrate to themselves and to the instructor that they have a solid understanding of these diverse uses of the material. Successful completion of this intense three-day workshop provides confidence for artists and teachers, preparing them for a wide range of professional pursuits.

Instructors evaluate each of the projects to assess students level of accomplishment. Students whose work meets the established standard are awarded a certificate and enrolled in the Rio Rewards Program. In addition, they receive a one-year membership to the PMC Guild, a $25 value.

Limited to only 10-15 students, classes are small and guarantee plenty of one-on-one instruction. All certification classes are the same in cost, duration and established standards. The cost for the workshop is $425, which covers everything needed to complete certification. 

Chris also has a website PMC Tool and Supply you may like to check out.

Materials & Tools
While travel, meals, and lodging are the responsibility of the student, tools and PMC will be provided in the class—along with finishing and mold-making materials. Students do not need to bring anything but are welcome to bring personal tools they may want to use.