Metalsmithing

Metalsmithing Fundamentals

The metals program at the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art combines art theory, craft history, contemporary issues and personal influences with the many techniques used in the metals studio. Students refine their skills as they study and create utilitarian objects, nonfunctional objects, jewelry and metal sculpture.

Metalsmithing majors work with ferrous and nonferrous metals using these and many other tools:

• full anodizing system
• individual soldering stations, an assortment of raising and forming stakes and hammers
• electroformer
• centrifuge and vacuum for casting
• enameling kilns
• sandblaster
• die former

Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, providing comprehensive preparation for professional practice, also are offered in the following areas:

• Ceramics
• Graphic Design
• Painting and Drawing
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Sculpture

Students in the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art at UA also may earn a Bachelor of Arts in:

• Art Education
• Art History
• Studio Art

Our Faculty

• are practicing artists, designers and scholars
• place a premium on personal attention and excellent advising
• work side-by-side with students to help turn aspirations into accomplishments

Akron Advantage

Hands-on Experience

The Mary Schiller Myers School of Art, located in Folk Hall, offers 70,000 square feet of learning space — enabling students to explore new areas of creative research and ensuring that their professional skills are cutting edge. Well-equiped studios are devoted to:

• ceramics
• commercial photography
• computer imaging
• drawing
• illustration
• metalsmithing
• painting
• photography
• sculpture
• two-dimensional design
• three-dimensional design

Folk Hall also is home to the Emily Davis Art Gallery, which showcases art and design of regional, national and international significance as well as student, juried student and scholarship exhibitions.

In addition, art majors benefit from the visiting artists and lecture series sponsored by the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art.

Real World Experience

Students are encouraged to participate in co-op programs and internships. In recent years, students have participated in co-op and internship programs at such diverse sites as:

• Disney World
• Central Intelligence Agency
• New York Stock Exchange
• advertising agencies
• design studios

Art Student Organizations

• Student Art League
• Design x Nine

Sample Curriculum

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Metalsmithing

FIRST YEAR		THIRD YEAR
Fall Semester		Fall Semester
Arts Orientation	0	Special Topics in Metals*	3
Foundation Drawing I*	3	Advanced Metals*	3
Foundation 2D Design*	3	Art Studio Elective	3
Survey of Art History I	3	Natural Science Option/ Lab	4
English Option	4	Social Science Option	3
Math (see adviser for placement)	3	Total	16
Total	16	Spring Semester
Spring Semester		Advanced Metals*	3
Foundation 3D Design	3	Metals Junior Review*	0
Foundation Life Drawing	3	Art Studio Elective	3
Intro. to Computer Graphics*	3	Art Studio Elective	3
English Option	3	Social Science Option	3
Survey of Art History II**	3	Art History Elective	3
Natural Science Option	1	Total	15
Total	16
SECOND YEAR		FOURTH YEAR
Fall Semester		Fall Semester
Foundation Review*	0	Advanced Metals*	3
Intro. to Metals*	3	Art Studio Elective	3
Intro. to Sculpture*	3	Art Studio Elective	3
Intermediate Drawing* (see note)	3	Art History Elective	3
Survey of Art History III	3	Natural Science Option	3
Oral Communication	3	Cultural Diversity	2
Physical Education	1	Total	17
Total	16	Spring Semester
Spring Semester		Advanced Metals*	3
Metals II*	3	Open Elective	2
Intro. to Ceramics*	3	Art Studio Elective	3
Intro. to Photo*	3	Art Studio Elective	3
Open Elective	3	Senior Exhibition	0
Humanities in the West. Trad.	4	Humanities Option	3
Total	16	Cultural Diversity	2
		Total	16
		Total Required Credit Hours	128

(Note: Students may choose 7100:132, 7100:231, or 7100:283.)
* Must be taken in order
** Must be taken in designated semester sequence