< Back Simple Lockets October 28, 2023 Instructor Lisa Winn | Does your jewelry speak to you? It can! Learn to make a locket with a message of your choice using the hydraulic press and a special set up for soldering hinges. Previous Add to Cart Next This is an IN-PERSON workshop at the MAGG Studio. Please plan to arrive no more than 15 minutes early to the class.

< Back The Poetry of Motion: Kinetic Earrings March 9, 2024 Instructor Ace McCasland | Take an organic approach to creating a pair of unusual kinetic earrings that dance and sway. Explore a variety of hinges and unusual, organic silver elements to add texture and intrigue to your pieces. Previous Add to Cart Next Register for EITHER the in-person OR virtual event. If attending virtually, live interaction with the in-person class will occur via Zoom. If attending in-person, please plan to arrive no more than 15 minutes early to the class. ----- CAN'T ATTEND LIVE? ----- ----- WANT TO REVIEW WHAT YOU LEARNED? ----- A recording of the workshop will be available to all participants for 30 days following the workshop. Let’s get moving! I have always been intrigued with motion and movement and kinetic energy, and I truly enjoy incorporating movement into my creations. Join me as we take an organic approach to creating a pair of unusual kinetic earrings that dance and sway. We will explore a variety of hinges, as well as introduce unusual, organic silver elements to add texture and intrigue to our pieces. We will also discuss certain elements and principles of art and design and what it means to embrace the art of imperfection. This is an INTERMEDIATE class: There will be lots of tricky soldering, and teensy tiny tubing to fuss with. But you know it will be worth it. So let’s get together, get moving, and create some kinetic poetry in silver and stone.

< Back Wine & Cheese at Topaz Gallery October 13, 2022 Peter Embarrato talks about what artists should expect when working with a gallery. Previous Add to Cart Next Peter Embarrato of Topaz Gallery is hosting a wine and cheese party exclusively for MAGG Members. He will talk about what artists should expect when working with a gallery. Space is limited to 20 people.

LOST WAX CASTING Current Lost Wax Casting Classes **THIS EVENT MUST REMAIN ACTIVE** Tue, Dec 31 TEST ONLY More info Details Volunteer Orientation & Work Day Sat, Aug 08 Metal Arts Guild of Georgia More info Details Sip 'n Saw with Todd Conover: Sculpting the Raven's Skull Workshop Preview Tue, May 19 Virtual via Zoom More info Details Sip 'n Saw with Rita McMorris: Custom Grillz Fabrication Wed, Apr 08 Metal Arts Guild of Georgia Studio B More info Details 4th Bremer Design Challenge Wed, Mar 25 ACJS Nov 4-6 More info Details Queer Metalsmiths x Metal Arts Guild Community Open House, Sunday March 15, 2026 Sun, Mar 15 Metal Arts Guild of Georgia - Studio A More info Details Sip 'n Saw with Ryan Gardner: Stone Setting Gamut Wed, Mar 11 Virtual via Zoom More info Details Sip 'n Saw with Fyli Sissoko: Rhino 3D Modeling Sat, Feb 21 Metal Arts Guild of Georgia Studio B More info Details Sip 'n Saw with Todd Conover: Sculpting the Raven's Skull Tue, Feb 17 Virtual via Zoom More info Details Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Metal Arts Guild of Georgia Thu, Feb 05 Metal Arts Guild of Georgia More info Details It All Hinges on This Fri, Jan 09 MAGG Studio OR Virtual More info Details Sip ' Saw with Alex Boyd Thu, Dec 18 Virtual Zoom Call More info Details Guerilla Gold: More Flash Less Cash Mon, Dec 08 MAGG Studio More info Details Painting with Powdered Metals on Steel Sat, Dec 06 Instructor Bette Barnett at MAGG Studio More info Details Guerilla Gold Mon, Oct 20 MAGG Studio More info Details Wanna Mesh Around? Fusing and Enameling Woven Steel Mesh Mon, Oct 20 Instructor Bette Barnett at MAGG Studio More info Details Painting with Powdered Metals on Steel Sat, Oct 18 Instructor Bette Barnett at MAGG Studio More info Details Field Trip to the Judie Raiford Gallery Sat, Sep 27 Raiford Gallery More info Details Load More Lost wax casting, sometimes called cire perdue, is an ancient method of metal casting where a duplicate metal sculpture is cast from an original wax sculpture. Intricate works can be achieved by this method, which is still widely used for art and jewelry today. Rings, pendants, bracelets, and even gold teeth are all commonly made via the lost wax process. The History and Evolution of Wax Casting Lost wax casting dates back thousands of years , with its earliest known use in ancient jewelry making. Over the centuries, the technique has been refined and adapted, but the basic principles remain the same. It’s been used to create some of the world’s most famous sculptures, including those from the Renaissance era. The Lost-Wax Casting Process Lost wax casting involves several key stages, each requiring precision and care. Here’s a more detailed, step-by-step look as it would apply to the creation of a bronze sculpture (though this could be applied to other alloys & metals) Creating the Model The journey begins when you sculpt a model of the desired object in wax. This model is the exact replica of what you wish to cast in metal. The wax used can vary in type, ranging from beeswax to more specialized modeling waxes. The choice depends on the required detail and durability of the model that sculptors need to create. Investing the Wax Model Once the wax model is ready, it’s encased in mold material. Traditionally, this material is a kind of plaster and silica mixture called investment that can withstand high temperatures. The investing process involves encasing the wax model in investment captured in a stainless-steel tube called a flask, ensuring every detail of the wax is captured. Wax Removal After the investment is set and hardened, the flask is heated in a kiln. The heat causes the wax to melt and run out through the channels called sprues leaving behind a hollow cavity in the shape of the original wax model. This step, known as burnout, is crucial and must be done carefully to prevent the mold from cracking or the details from being lost. Pouring the Metal (Bronze Casting) After burnout, molten metal (in this case, molten bronze) is forced into the cavity left behind by the wax. There are two methods commonly used to accomplish this. Centrifugal casting, which uses a spinning mechanism to sling the molten metal into the cavity. Vacuum casting, which uses a powerful pump to suck the molten metal into the cavity. Cooling and Quenching After the metal has been poured, the mold is briefly left to cool. This cooling process is vital as it allows the metal to solidify properly. Once cooled, the flask is submerged in cold water to break up the investment and reveal the metal casting. Finishing Touches The final step in wax casting involves cleaning and polishing the cast metal. Any imperfections, such as seams or leftover bits from the sprues, are removed. Further details can be added by the artist or craftsman, and surfaces are polished or treated to prevent oxidation as required for the final piece. Rubber Mold Making When duplicates of an item are needed, rubber molds are used to produce duplicates of the same wax. These molds can either be vulcanized from layers of mold rubber with a metal master sandwiched between them. Alternative RTV (room temperature molds) can be made directly from wax or 3D-printed originals. As each wax makes one metal piece, being able to make waxes in quantity is the key to production casting. Investment Casting Also known as “Precision Casting”, the investment casting process specifically uses a ceramic shell for higher precision and detail (whereas lost-wax casting can use multiple materials), making it ideal for intricate, identical industrial parts. Investment casting is more time-consuming and costly, focusing on detail and repeatability, while lost-wax casting is more versatile. Foundry Applications in Art and Industry In art, wax casting is revered for its ability to produce sculptures with incredible detail and fidelity to the original design. Artists can create intricate and delicate works that would be impossible with other methods. In industry, it's used for making jewelry, dental fixtures, and components for machinery and electronics, demonstrating its versatility. The Future of Lost-Wax Casting Today, technology is shaping the future of lost-wax casting. 3D printing, for instance, is used to create more accurate models, expanding the possibilities for what can be created. Despite these advancements, the basic principle of lost-wax casting remains unchanged, proving its enduring value. Lost wax casting is more than just a method for creating objects; it’s a bridge between the past and the future, showcasing human innovation and artistic spirit. Stunning jewelry can be created through this process. Lost wax casting remains a vital and fascinating process. If you'd like to learn more about Wax Casting, or about dozens of other metalsmithing techniques, check out our classes here at the Metal Arts Guild of GA!

< Back Visiting Artist Nash Quinn is a metalsmith who specializes in pattern-formed enameled vessels and smallscale spring-based mechanisms. Originally from Wyoming, he earned his BFA from the University of Wyoming and his MFA from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. He teaches, lectures, and exhibits his work at craft schools, universities, and jewelry institutes nationwide. Nash currently lives in Houston, TX. http://nashquinn.com Nash Quinn

< Back Friday Night Fabrication with Helen Blythe-Hart July 8, 2022 In-Person | 8 Class Sessions | Join us Friday nights for some jewelry making free-form fun! Put your techniques to work making some personalized bling. Previous Add to Cart Next Click here for class details This is a LIVE, IN-PERSON event. Please plan to arrive no more than 15 minutes early to the class.

< Back Metal Clay Madness (EVENINGS) July 14, 2023 Instructor Kate Larrabee | Have you heard of precious metal clay? It's particles of metal such as silver, gold, bronze, or copper mixed with an organic binder. Come learn how to use this amazing material to sculpt unique fine silver jewelry. Previous Add to Cart Next This is a LIVE, IN-PERSON event. Please plan to arrive no more than 15 minutes early to the class.

Leadership Dedication. Expertise. Passion. The Metal Arts Guild is led by a team of dedicated individuals who are about promoting the art of metalworking. Our leadership is committed to providing opportunities for our members to learn, grow, and connect with other artists in the community. We are proud to have a strong and supportive leadership team that works tirelessly to ensure the success of our organization. Susan Wachler President susan@metalartsguildga.org https://susanwachlerjewelry.com Sandra Gordon-Klob Secretary sandra@metalartsguildga.org Anne Genova Treasurer, Vice President anne@metalartsguildga.org https://www.instagram.com/annegenova_designs Alan Bremer President Emeritus, Advisory Board Member alan@metalartsguildga.org Dana Burmeister Board Member dana@metalartsguildga.org https://www.raraavisobjects.com/ Susan Wachler Board Member, Workshops Chair susan@metalartsguildga.org https://susanwachlerjewelry.com Erich Claxton Board Member erich@metalartsguildga.org Michele Henson Board Member michele@metalartsguildga.org Dallas Vinson Board Member dallas@metalartsguildga.org Sandra Gordon-Klob Board Member sandra@metalartsguildga.org Leah Fedeli Board Member leah@metalartsguildga.org https://www.instagram.com/leahfedeli/ Ben Horton Board Member ben@metalartsguildga.org Diane Treuman Classes Chair diane@metalartsguildga.org Larissa McPherson AV Productions larissa@metalartsguildga.org https://larissamcpherson.godaddysites.com/metal Piper Espey Advisory Board Member piper@metalartsguildga.org Rian Archer Studio Manager & Communications Coordinator rian@metalartsguildga.org

< Back Beginner 2 to Intermediate Metalsmithing (EVENINGS) September 19, 2023 Instructor Susan Wachler | Get tailored instruction in the specific approaches and techniques needed to complete your designs. Some examples will include texturing, forming, stone setting (prong, bezel, tube, tab) as well as melting scrap, repurposing metals and fusing. Previous Add to Cart Next This is a LIVE, IN-PERSON event. Please plan to arrive no more than 15 minutes early to the class.

< Back Visiting Artist My art is inspired by plants I encounter while hiking, a rock, shell, bug, feather, and anything that catches my eye in my natural surroundings. I hand forge each piece from silver sheet and wire, and often incorporate recycled scraps. While fabricating each piece I take time to research and learn about the form I am attempting to replicate. When each piece is complete, my goal is to share my process to teach and inspire aspiring silversmiths, as well as to further the dialogue about the challenges we face in a changing environment and how our choices and actions make a difference. https://www.nicoleringgold.com/ Nicole Ringgold

Join the Waitlist Thank you for joining our waitlist. We appreciate your interest! As the class of your choice is currently full, your commitment to join the waitlist is noted. Rest assured, if a spot becomes available, you'll be among the first to know. We value your enthusiasm for MAGG, and we're dedicated to ensuring you have the opportunity to participate. Keep an eye on your inbox for updates, and thank you for your patience! First Name* Last Name* Email* Phone Select an option for which in person weekly class you would like to join the waitlist for: Which class do you want to take? What class session would you like? Join Waitlist

< Back Southwestern Cuff Stampings with Danny Wade June 6, 2022 Virtual OR In-Person | 2 Day Workshop Stamp and form a cuff bracelet using proper techniques and methodology. Previous Add to Cart Next Click here for workshop details NOTE: There is an additional $60 fee for the supply kit, payable to the instructor. Refer to the supply list on the details page for what is included, plus other required tools and materials. Virtual participants: Contact Danny directly at ferrovalleytool@gmail.com regarding shipment of supply kits. Register for EITHER the in-person OR virtual event. If attending virtually, live interaction with the in-person class will occur via Zoom. If attending in-person, Please plan to arrive no more than 15 minutes early to the class. If you cannot attend live, a recording of the workshop will be uploaded each evening after the day's instruction is complete. This recording will remain available to all participants for 30 days following the workshop.