< Back Visiting Artist odd Conover Associate professor of Design, Syracuse University School of design, College of Visual and Performing Arts Member- SNAG, Society of North American Goldsmiths Member- Society of Illustrators Member-American Crafts Council While I don't intentionally create work with preconceived conceptual meanings, my artistic endeavors serve as a channel for expressing memories and experiences. My creative process isn't typically predetermined; however, I constantly carry a sketchbook and camera to observe the macro level, seeking small shapes, patterns, and details that ignite my creative inspiration. Often, these initial sketches and photographs give way to more prevailing concepts that arise during my explorations. This cycle of conceptual birth, development, occasional abandonment, and eventual re-birth fuels my creative energy and keeps the element of surprise alive in my artistic output. My journey into working with metal wasn't initially planned. Metal found me through my fascination with collecting early 20th-century American Arts and Crafts Period metalwork. In an effort to deepen my appreciation as a collector, I delved into understanding the fundamental aspects of design and production behind these century-old pieces. I contextualized these questions within the socio-political and economic environment of the Arts and Crafts Period, which directed the decorative arts of that era. Through hands-on exploration, I discovered that the techniques and processes used to create these objects had remained largely unchanged over centuries, regardless of the time period. My fascination with obscure techniques of hand metalworking led me down a path of obsession, driving me to learn and apply these techniques in my own unique works. As my technical skills and body of work expanded, I realized that incorporating metal into my artistic practice was a natural and significant development. This transition seamlessly integrated with my background in fashion design, as metalwork and fabric construction share similarities in fluidity and construction techniques. The design and crafting process for a piece of jewelry became analogous to that of a dress or jacket. With twenty-five years of experience in fashion design, I found it a logical progression to transition my focus from decorative objects to jewelry making. This pivot allowed me to invest my creative energy, design process, and studio practice into the world of jewelry. My pieces are often characterized by their boldness, drawing inspiration from natural forms to emphasize surface and materials. I incorporate colors through various means, such as using freeform cabochons of gemstones, glass, and rock, as well as employing ancient patina techniques and enameling methods. Additionally, my work embraces material experimentation, where I explore the application of raw and unrefined textures. This approach adds a distinctive quality to my pieces, allowing me to evoke a sense of raw beauty and authenticity. The interplay of unexpected yet interconnected materials and techniques has enabled me to craft jewelry that is not only unique but also embodies my artistic evolution. The amalgamation of metal and fabric techniques in my work captures the essence of natural forms while incorporating a range of materials to bring depth, color, texture, and a sense of unrefined allure to the pieces. https://www.toddconovermetalworks.com https://instagram.com/todd_conover_metal_works Todd Conover The Sun-Smart Collection Todd Conover Button View More

Members receive 8% OFF all classes and workshops! Advanced Studio (FRIDAY AFTERNOON) Instructor Dallas Vinson In-Person Only Fridays January 12 - March 1, 2024 2:00pm - 5:30pm EST 8 Weekly Classes $339 Past Members receive 8% OFF! Click Here to Join Class Description This exciting class is just what the doctor ordered to help students get back on track with unfinished projects and areas where they need the guiding hand of an expert! Dallas brings his vast expertise to the classroom to assist students with their own work, providing customized demos and instruction on individual projects and opportunities for the entire class to learn from each other. This class will help you overcome pain points and advance your jewelry making skills. Along the way, the following will be taught to further enhance student skills: Various types of prong settings Finishing techniques, tips, and tricks Learning to maximize tools, modifications, and care Take advantage of this unique class to learn from our in-house pro to develop your skills to soar! Prerequisite Intermediate metalsmithing skills Materials, Supplies & Tools Bring your unfinished projects and your favorite tools. Instructor Bio Class Dates January 12, 2024 January 19, 2024 January 26, 2024 February 2, 2024 February 9, 2024 February 16, 2024 February 23, 2024 March 1, 2024

< Back Metal Clay Madness with Kate Larrabee November 14, 2022 Learn to create completely unique, one of a kind jewelry using metal clay. Beginners welcome! 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.

President Emeritus, Advisory Board Member < Back Alan Bremer President Emeritus, Advisory Board Member alan@metalartsguildga.org Previous Next

< Back Wednesday Afternoon Directed Open Studio Beginners/Intermediate August 21, 2024 Instructor Donna D'Aquino | Did you start a project in a beginning class that you really wanted to finish? Maybe you ran out of time, or have questions about how to proceed? Come join me to complete those projects, build your skills and gain more confidence in your jewelry making journey. 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. Transitions: As of May 1, 2024, there will be an administrative fee of $30 applicable for any changes made to your class format, including moving from in-person to virtual sessions. This fee is implemented to cover the administrative costs associated with processing such changes. Did you start a project in a beginning class that you really wanted to finish? Maybe you ran out of time, or have questions about how to proceed? Need more practice in a properly equipped studio space?Looking for a gentle, (very) experienced hand to help you out? Have you had at least one beginning class (or maybe several) but don’t feel confident enough to move to a more advanced class level? If you answered “YES!” To one or all of these questions, then this class is for you! Come join me to complete those projects, build your skills and gain more confidence in your jewelry making journey.

About The Full Story Metal Arts Guild of Georgia Historical Overview In 1998, a group of likeminded metalsmiths, feeling the need for an organization to mentor, network, and nurture their interests in learning and mastery of metal art techniques, established the Georgia Goldsmith’s Group, now known as The Metal Arts Guild of Georgia. For the first 20 years, the membership ranks grew, as well as the programs and the Guild assets. The Guild brought a steady stream of world-renowned artists to Atlanta to teach a range of workshops for members. In addition, the Guild arranged for member participation in local festivals, organized tool and stone swaps, tours of local galleries, and built an inventory of tools and equipment to support members' increasing needs. All through this period they were a band of ‘roaming artisans’, pitching tents and setting up tables and tool stations wherever they could find workshop space at reasonable cost. Several visionary members saw the value of establishing a physical home. In May 2015, the Guild became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. A location was leased and the space built out specifically for metalsmithing endeavors. November 2016 marked the Grand Opening and offered even greater value for members. Four “member studios” were created as well as the establishment of the best equipped metalsmithing studio in the region. Class and workshop offerings increased markedly and the First ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE program of its kind in Georgia. Creativity has been fostered via regular Design Challenges, and MAGG hosts its own annual Art Jewelry Show and Sale, where members showcase and sell their creations in the fall of each year. MAGG was able to weather the pandemic by offering both virtual and in-person classes and by supporting a jewelry tool business on site. It's 2023 and our 25th anniversary. The future continues to look bright for MAGG as we continue to grow by offering a robust class and workshop schedule for an ever growing membership with diverse skills and interests. Let’s Work Together Get in touch so we can start working together. First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

< Back Introduction to Liquid Polymer Clay December 2, 2023 Instructor Lynn Yuhr | Explore a wide variety of surface techniques using liquid clay that will enhance your polymer skill set. Previous Add to Cart Next See course details page for detailed information and supply list. SIGN UP by OCTOBER 20th for EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT - $12.50 OFF! **2 DAY WORKSHOP SPECIAL** When you register for Introduction to Liquid Polymer Clay AND Layers and Levels in Polymer Clay, you receive $10 off! After checkout for this course, check your email for a coupon code for Layers and Levels in Polymer Clay. 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.

< Back Lockets with the Hydraulic Press with Lisa Winn October 1, 2022 Design and make a locket that tells your story with texture, images, and words. 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.

Read through our FAQ page for some of the most frequently asked questions that students & visitors have about the Metal Arts Guild & the courses we offer. Frequently Asked Questions Questions about Registration: What is the age requirement to attend classes and workshops at MAGG? All classes and workshops require that our students meet the minimum age of 18 years old, unless stated otherwise. Additionally, members must be 18 or older to attend Open Studio . Can I get a refund? All refunds are subject to a nonrefundable service fee of $30. If a participant withdraws from a class or workshop more than 30 days prior to the first day of the class or workshop, Metal Arts Guild of Georgia, Inc. will grant a refund less a 20% cancellation fee and a nonrefundable service fee of $30. If a participant withdraws from a class or workshop less than 30 days prior but more than 14 days prior to the first day of the class or workshop, Metal Arts Guild of Georgia will grant a refund of 50%. Metal Arts Guild of Georgia cannot issue a refund for cancellations received 14 days or less before the first day of a class or workshop due to contractual obligations with our instructors. Metal Arts Guild of Georgia, Inc. reserves the right to cancel any class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances. You will be notified of class cancellation at least one week in advance of the class start date. If a class is cancelled, your registration may be transferred to the upcoming class of your choice. If there is no upcoming class offered which you wish to take, you will be issued a full refund. MAGG is not responsible for supplies purchased by enrollees for the class if the class is cancelled. MAGG will not reimburse students for supplies purchased in anticipation of a class. MAGG has implemented a minimum enrollment policy of four students per class, effective immediately. By registering, the student understands that if the minimum enrollment of four students is not met, MAGG reserves the right to cancel the class. All students must register at least two weeks before the class start date to allow sufficient time to meet the minimum requirement and confirm the class will proceed as scheduled. If the class for which you are registering does not meet the minimum, you will be notified and given the opportunity to enroll in another offering. What if I miss a class? Students who miss one or more days of a class will be allowed to attend a maximum of ONE Open Studio Session for up to 4 hours for free. The student must schedule and complete their makeup session before the start of the next term's classes. To schedule the free Open Studio session, students must email the Office Manager Rian rian@metalartsguildga.org , and schedule the session in advance. Students who turn up to open studio without a scheduled makeup session will be turned away. What happens if a day of my class is cancelled? If the instructor misses a class, or the day's classes are cancelled due to inclement weather, your instructor will choose the makeup date for their class. New Student and Beginner Questions: What skills do I need to take Intro to Metalsmithing or Beginning Metalsmithing 1? No experience needed. What will I learn as a Beginner? We will teach you how to saw and pierce, texture, form, forge, make cold connections, sand, polish, set round or oval cabochon stones, use a flexshaft, use a torch to solder, and how to design jewelry. What do I need to buy as a beginning Metalsmith Student? When you take an in-person class at MAGG, you get access to our tools while you are in class. Tools can also be purchased from Dallas’ Tool Shop, located upstairs at MAGG. What tools are included in the purchase of the class? None. Each class will have a supply list of items you will need to purchase along with recommended tools from the instructor. Check the supply list on the class page for each class or workshop. How many Beginner Metalsmithing classes do I need to take before I can move to the Intermediate Level? We recommend that you take at least three Beginner (foundations) classes or 6 months of weekly classes before you sign-up for a higher level. Each student learns at a different pace. What is the difference between Intermediate and Advanced Classes? Once you possess a strong foundation in metalsmithing skills and are good at sawing, soldering, and forming metal, you can expand your knowledge by taking an Intermediate class. You will learn skills like setting faceted stones and how to work with prongs. You may also learn how to make chains and explore other metalsmithing techniques. Advanced students are serious metalsmiths and may often be professionals or skilled hobbyists. How often do you offer new classes? We have five sessions per year. We launch classes for registration 6-8 weeks before they start. Refer to our website for launch dates. Questions about Open Studio: Can I use MAGG's studio to work on my projects outside of class time? Yes! Open Studio at MAGG offers our members a place to work on their own projects and practice what was learned in class. Members have access to bench space, soldering stations, flex shafts, a polishing cabinet, and much more. Click here to learn more about Open Studio. Questions about virtual workshops: Can I watch the video of a workshop later? Yes! After the workshop is over we will post the video to YouTube and give you login information. Videos of workshops are available for 30 days following completion of the workshop. May I share the link to the video with my friend? NO! When purchasing a workshop you are buying it for you only. It is illegal to share this content with anyone and an infringement of the teacher’s legal agreement with MAGG. Will I be able to ask questions of the instructor or interact with other students if I take a workshop virtually? Yes! Each workshop has a dedicated Artist Assistant (AA) that will field questions to the instructor via chat or audio on Zoom. You can comment there to ask questions. If you have a question, it’s likely that someone else has the same one. We also want you to feel free to interact with one another in the chat. At MAGG we are all about the best experience possible, so let us know if you have any issues during a live broadcast. Will this class or workshop teach me how to source materials in the future? Yes! We will give you as many resources as you need. These resources include where to buy tools, metal, stones, etc. Our teachers do their best to set you up for success! More Questions? Contact Us

< Back Intermediate to Advanced Metalsmithing and Jewelry (THURSDAYS) July 13, 2023 Instructor Susan Saul | The earth isn’t flat and neither are we! Just working through how to gracefully incorporate flat or odd-shaped items into curved jewelry is an interesting study. Develop your skills and find your artistic voice as we focus on bringing these forms together harmoniously. 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 MAGG Annual Jewelry Show & Sale November 12, 2022 THE METAL ARTS GUILD OF GEORGIA Celebrates our local and regional artists and the History of the Guild at the Annual Jewelry Show and Sale! Previous Add to Cart Next On Saturday, November 12, 2022, The Metal Arts Guild of Georgia presents its Annual Jewelry Show and Sale at a spacious and inviting community location in one of Atlanta’s well-known in-town neighborhoods. The Guild will be showing the artistry, imagination and skills of local and regional artists. The venue is located at the BRIARCLIFF WOODS BEACH CLUB 1830 Morris Landers Drive, NE, Atlanta 30345. In addition, the Guild will highlight its outreach to young and beginning metalsmiths nurturing the craft to a new generation. Our historical perspective will also be highlighted, revealing our very beginnings and development over the years to our present new and expansive look and feel. All this is to say we offer you a dazzling experience to meet and shop with our artists in person and experience the importance, no, necessity, of craft and art in our lives. We look forward to seeing you from 10 AM TO 5 PM on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2022, at the BRIARCLIFF WOODS BEACH CLUB, 1830 Morris Landers Drive, NE, Atlanta, 30345.

< Back Learn How To Make Filigree March 15, 2025 Instructor Courtney Poole Pendergrast | In this one day in-studio class, students will learn the traditional technique of open back filigree. Beginning with the simple materials of flat stock and round wire, students will twist, flatten, hammer, form and solder their materials into complete pieces. Previous Add to Cart Next Taught by Guest Instructor Courtney Poole Pendergrast In this class, students will learn the traditional technique of open back filigree. Beginning with the simple materials of flat stock and round wire, students will twist, flatten, hammer, form and solder their materials into complete pieces. Some of the skills that will be developed in this class include how to make filigree wire, analyzing strength in layout and design, enhanced soldering skills, awareness of connections when soldering, and how quickly filigree wire can melt. The format of this technique will be taught as a pendant or earrings, but a motivated student would be welcome to branch out and try something more ambitious. Filigree is a delicate process that requires patience and consideration, as such, students will be encouraged to pace themselves accordingly with their projects. The instructor’s goal for this class is for each student to go home with confidence on the topic being presented and the guarantee is that each student will leave with better soldering skills. Download Class Supply List