2025 CLASSES AT MAA.......
Goldsmiths Apprentice Program July 7-25
Beginning Jewelry Fabrication 1 July 12, 19, 26
Wire Wrapping Classes Advanced Class July 20
3 Day Chasing Workshop with Douglas Pryor Aug 12-14
Wire Wrapping Classes Beginning Class Aug 17
Copper Craft Jewelry Class Aug 17
Beginning Jewelry Fabrication 1 Aug 19-21
Beginning Jewelry Fabrication 2 Aug 25-28
Goldsmiths Apprentice Program Sept 2-19
Sculptural Metalsmithing Sept 6-7
Wax Carving + Intro to Casting Sept 22-25
Stone Setting 1 Oct 16-18
Stone Setting 2 Oct 19-22
Intro to Fold Forming Workshop Oct 25
Goldsmiths Apprentice Program Oct 27-Nov 14
Intro to Chasing: Jewelry Nov 18-20
SOLDERING 101 Dec 1-3
Beginning Jewelry Fabrication 1 Dec 9-11
Anti-Clastic Bracelets Dec 13-14







Goldsmiths Apprentice Program
During this comprehensive training program, equip yourself with the skills needed to enhance your jewelry techniques or if you are a beginner, start your journey in the jewelry trade.
With a focus on fine jewelry fabrication, GAP (the Goldsmiths Apprentice 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 students will learn skills such as sawpiercing, filing, soldering, hand fabrication, stone setting, wax carving and casting, finishing, polishing and tool making, all with the focus being on fine jewelry.
Monday-Friday Program
Click on the link below to learn more!
and to ask any questions, contact:

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 15, 2021. 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.
I miss talking to and learning from Larry.... 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.

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