Looking for some crafty fun the whole family can share this summer? We still have room in Julia Harrison's upcoming Jewelry from Found Wood workshop at Multnomah Arts Center, July 19-20. It's open to anyone, age 10 and up - with no prerequisites. So come with your friends and family of all ages for a weekend of making and exploring in a new medium! For a full description, download MAC's Summer catalog and scroll to page 31.

Fall Metals Classes and Workshops at MAC

Don't worry, there's still more summer left, BUT... The fall catalog is available online now! Registration starts on Monday, August 12, so don't wait to reserve your spot in your first choice of classes and workshops. See you soon!

Japanese Master Workshops at MAC

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to study traditional Japanese metalsmithing techniques with the masters right in your own hometown. This summer, Multnomah Arts Center is honored to host five workshops celebrating the hammered metal art form, including two workshops taught by Japanese masters. All workshops are held in conjunction with the upcoming exhibition, "East-West: The Hammered Metal Object," which will begin its US travels right here in Portland at Waterstone Gallery and Museum of Contemporary Craft this summer. Visit the website below and click on "Workshops" for more information. Spaces are going fast, so don't wait! http://ewhammers.com/

Register Now for January Classes at MAC

Happy Holidays, everyone! During this busy time, it can be easy to forget that January is right around the corner, bringing with it lots of great classes and workshops to choose from in the MAC Metals Studio! Don't miss your spot in your first choice of our great selection of offerings that start in January. Check them out on pages 22-24 of our winter catalog, downloadable here. Happy Holidays, and see you in the studio!

1-Day Flex Shaft & Earring Workshops!

Hey Folks - There's still room in our two final one-day workshops in the MAC Metals Studio!

First, on December 1st, don't miss out on your chance to learn all the ins and outs of using and maintaining your flexible shaft machine with Kristin Shiga (and get a take-home goodie bag stuffed with bits and accessories).

Flex Shaft Tips & Tricks Run into a road block in your pursuit of the perfect finish on your metal pieces? Confused by the dizzying array of rotary burs, tips and bits on the market? This information-packed workshop is for you! Through a series of demos, learn flexible shaft machine basics, from choosing the right model and how to maintain it to choosing the right bit for the job at hand. Burs, sanding discs, rubberized abrasives and polishing products will all be covered. Come prepared to take lots of notes, and bring problem pieces for individual consultation. Bring your own flex shaft if you have questions about use or repair. Price includes a $30 take-home bit and mandrel starter kit, which is nonrefundable after class begins.

383761 Sat. 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Dec. 1 $77 [1 class] Kristin Shiga

And on December 8th, make one-of-a-kind earrings for the lucky jewelry-lover on your holiday list (or to keep for yourself) with Allie Bentley.

Earrings-in-a-Day! Perfect for last-minute holiday gifts! This workshop covers a wide variety of techniques in just one day, allowing you to go home feeling like an accomplished metalsmith. Learn the basics of sawing, drilling, making your own ear wires (using a jig and free-form), dapping/doming, planishing and adding a patina to your metal. We’ll also cover techniques like lamination of thin gauge metals to create lightweight jewelry with big visual impact. No prerequisite. Price includes a $40 studio and materials which is non-refundable after class begins.

383762 Sat. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Dec. 8 $95 [1 class] Allie Bentley

Sign up now at MAC, online by clicking here, or by calling 503-823-ARTS.

Juia Harrison Visits!

This weekend we were fortunate to have Julia Harrison visit us from Seattle again to teach her Jewelry That Grows On Trees workshop in the MAC Metals Studio. The whole class had a great time experimenting with various woods - saying, shaping, painting, drilling, burning and more! We'll be posting some photos of student work here soon, but in the meantime, here is a quick shot of our students hard at work (play?!) making wood jewelry. See more on our Facebook page.

Julie experiments with a decorative tip on a wood-burning tool.

Metals Showcase

Check out the wall display in the Multnomah Arts Center's lobby - it's a special feature highlighting metalsmithing and the MAC metals program! There is still some room in some of our classes, so reserve your spot today. See you in the studio!