JEWELRY TRAINING 

COPPERSMITHING 

CHASING AND REPOUSSE

 

ANNOUNCEMENT!!

ALL CLASSES AFTER JUNE 1ST WILL BE IN OUR NEW LOCATION,

337 COMMERCIAL STREET IN OLD TOWN AUBURN!

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Vessel Raising

May 26-28, 2023

Intro to Chasing: Art of the Chisel 

August 25-27, 2023

Register to save a seat!

$525 per session

Vessels
Intro to Chasing

Goldsmiths Apprentice Program 

FALL 2023   

Sept 12-Nov 30, 2023             GAP2

October 3-Dec 21st, 2023      GAP1

During this comprehensive program, equip yourself with the skills needed to enhance your techniques or if you are a beginner, start your journey in the jewelry trade.

This program is designed to train the student as an apprentice, as it was throughout history when apprentices were taught the age-old practice of repetition to develop and master a skill while working under a master craftsperson.

GAP (Goldsmiths Apprentice Program) has a beginners program, GAP1, and an intermediate program, GAP2, which continues training the apprentice in the skills needed to work in the trade. 

Scholarships and payment plans available.

For more information and to apply, contact metalartsacademy@gmail.com

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Metal Arts Academy

Larry Van Craeynest Goldsmiths Apprentice and the "Master Your Craft" Scholarships Announced

The above photo was taken in 1982 or 83 at Van Craeynest, Inc. in San Francisco. This is where I apprenticed for 6 years under Larry Van Craeynest. Larry passed away on January 15th. He was my teacher, my mentor and my friend. When I began my apprenticeship at Van Craeynest, Inc., I was 18 years old. I studied under Larry and so many other talented craftsmen at that factory. My days started an hour before everyone arrived when I would prep the shop for the day, it was my job to warm up the die ball for the die cutter, and my days ended an hour after everyone left. I would mop and sweep and make sure the shop was just so for everyone for the next day. I would spend the first few weeks of my apprenticeship just watching. As per Larrys instruction, I would sit next to each craftsman and study….then I would practice what I had witnessed. When I had become proficient, Larry would have me move on to the next skill, all the while practicing. Repeating the skills until they were in my body and my brain. This went on for years and years.  Larry and all of the talented craftsmen that I learned under shaped who I am as an artist. It is an immense loss to the craft of handmade jewelry to lose Larry who was such a dedicated teacher and skilled craftsman, not only in jewelry fabrication but in woodworking and tool and die making.

The craft of handmade jewelry is such a gift. I am thankful for the training that I received as an apprentice. In the photo above, I am on the far left, Larry is the one looking to the side, and each one of us are there because of him. We were all there to do our part in the process of jewelry fabrication. It was a golden age.

We have created a scholarship in Larrys name. Here at MAA we offer a scholarship to study as an apprentice, just as I did with Larry. The Goldsmiths Apprentice Program is our way of keeping the traditions and skills alive and in the hands of jewelers. To apply for the Goldsmiths Apprentice Program, or to donate to the scholarship,  please see our Classes page.
I miss Larry dearly but in his honor, I continue to reach to the past and teach for the future.
Sincerely,
Michael R Kosinski

How long does it take to master your craft? 60,000 Hours. Below, find a fascinating documentary on the Japanese Takumi, the master craftsmen and women who have devoted 60,000 hours + to their craft.

How do you add value to your everyday life? Do you create? Do you harvest? Do you render? Do you build? Share your handmade story, let us all create a dialogue for a handmade future.

Metal Arts Academy

Photo of Aidan Breen and Michael in Ireland. Learn more about this wonderful artist at
https://metalartsacademy.com/irish-adventure