Hi! I'm wondering if anyone can recommend metalsmithing classes in the Los Angeles area? Also, if you are recommending a school -- why?

 Thanks!

Nancy
 

You might check with MASSC, the Metal Arts Society of Southern California. Here is a link to their website. http://www.massconline.com I taught two visiting artist workshops for their group last year. They have many interesting guest artists and are a good resource for contacts and networking. Ketarah Shaffer is the organization president.

Farrin O'Connor Design Studio - Pasadena

Venice Adult School - Venice (duh)

San Gabriel Bead Company - Arcadia

Barnsdall Art Center - Los Angeles (Hollywood)

Baldwin Park Adult School  - Baldwin Park (duh again)

These are some names. It's difficult to actually recommend one or another without knowing if you're looking to learn a particular technique or looking for a variety of project classes.

 Betsy
 

 If you're near Long Beach - Long Beach City College has an incredibly well equipped studio and a very fine instructor. 

 

El Camino College

Cal State Long Beach - a room just for forging...sigh.......

Irvine Fine Arts Center

Saddleback College - very nice studio 

 betc,

I'm looking to learn the basics. Any recommendations on your list?

 Thanks so much!

Nancy
 

michael,

wow! your work is fabulous! and thanks for the info!

nancy 

 loopy,

thank you for the info. I was looking at cal state long beach's program -- pretty intense. We'll see ...

Nancy 

Sorry...I'm still drooling over the fact that CSULB has a room just for forging!!!!!!

Anyway, Nancy, here's some more info on the places I mentioned (you'll have to cut and paste the links because they're just not working for me right now):

Farrin O'Connor Design--I take a lot of classes here because I love the studio and the teachers are great. Project-oriented 4-hour and full-day classes.  I've been doing metalwork for about 20 or so years, but I always learn some new tips and tricks (and it gets me out of my home studio). Not as technique intensive as some of the ongoing school programs, but good stuff nonetheless. Website: farrinoconnordesign.com

Venice Adult School--highly recommended to me by a number of people, though I haven't been. On-going program. Website:  www.lausd.k12.ca.us/Venice_CAS/fn_art.html

Barnsdall Art Center--a number of local high-end jewelry artists got their start in this program. 8 week program, a variety of levels. Website: barnsdallart.com

Baldwin Park Adult School--a popular program. On-going. I've taken classes elsewhere from one of their instructors (Bon Paphatsarang, who also teaches at Farrin O'Connor) and he's great. Don't know the web address (frankly, I don't even know where Baldwin Park IS), but I know Bon's taught there for ages.

San Gabriel Bead Company--project oriented, 3- to 5-hour classes. I included it because I know some people who like it and they have some interesting projects, but metalwork isn't their highest priority. Website: beadcompany.com.

I don't know where in LA you live, so I don't know what's convenient, but check them out and see what works for you.

Betsy
 

nancyblackman:

 betc,

I'm looking to learn the basics. Any recommendations on your list?

 Thanks so much!

Nancy
 

 

 Betsy,

Thank you SO much! That was incredibly helpful. I was leaning towards the Precious Metal Arts place in Santa Monica but will give more consideration to Farrin's.

 I had also looked at Barnsdall's website. I live in K'town (Koreatown), however it doesn't matter how far unless it's OC or Northridge area. I would go as far as Long Beach.

 Thank you again!

Nancy

P.S. Who knows ... maybe some day I'll see you at Farrin's! =D

 

LOL...being a Valley Girl I TOTALLY forgot about Precious Metal Arts. I took a semi-private with Peter on stone-setting...also very good.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the places in this thread, so go for it and have some fun.
 

Betsy

 

nancyblackman:

 Betsy,

Thank you SO much! That was incredibly helpful. I was leaning towards the Precious Metal Arts place in Santa Monica but will give more consideration to Farrin's.