Culminating Event At Metals Week

No week-long session would be complete without a closing celebration and Idyllwild Metals Week had much to celebrate. Although many participants left to get a jump on the July 4th traffic, the final display of accomplishments for each of the classes was a huge success. Each class displayed samples of student work on tent boards for all to see. I think each of us wished that we could have also participated in other classes and we have ideas for next year. The following pictures show some of the sample student work from this last week. Others are available at http://idyllwildarts2011.shutterfly.com/

Student Work From Fred Zweig's Hinges Class

Student Work From Joanna Gollberg's Rings Class

Student Work From Sandra Noble-Goss's Married Metals and Etching Class

Student Work From Pauline Warg's Setting Small Gems Class

Student Work From Harold O'Connor's Surface Embellishment Class

These samples of work are indicators of the fine work that was accomplished in each of the classes. My apologies to Charity Hall whose students created awesome pins and pendants with sugar enameling. I wasn't able to get close enough to her display table to take pictures as it was very popular.

Do check out the shutterfly pictures of each Metals Week class and also the other art classes that were in session (http://idyllwildarts2011.shutterfly.com). Seldom do so many talented people gather to spend a week with outstanding artist/teachers where they can breathe, talk and submerge themselves in an artistic environment. It was an inspiring week and I am excited about applying what I learned at Idyllwild Metals Week.

Social Time At Idyllwild Metals Week

Wednesday, June 30th was the "peak" of the week and an auction/potluck dinner was scheduled. It came at a point where a little social time was needed after working intensely for four days. Participants and instructors donated tools, class gift certificates and creations for a silent auction which gave us access to some useful and unique items not usually available.  Fred Zweig donated one of his special forging hammers. Harold O'Connor donated his Instructional DVD set, and there were many others. Proceeds from the auction went to Idyllwild Metals Week to support the program. 

Students living in the residence halls purchased items for the potluck as there were no cooking facilities. Teaching Assistants participated also as well as Staff. Some food was ordered delivered, some was prepared by those living in cabins and liquid refreshment was available. Surprisingly, it came together nicely and the food was tasty. Can there ever be too many dips?

We gathered under one of the airy, apparently nylon canopies on campus. It was the first time I had sat under one of them and looked up. When I did, I found a wonderful hypnotizing pattern of lines around a round hole in the top.

The CanopyAt Idyllwild

Harold O'Connor Must Have Liked It Too!

It was a relaxed time to interact with classmates and instructors.

Marjorie and Jill-- Extraordinary Metalsmiths

Metalsmiths Leslie, Marcia and Lola

It was a successful evening of talk, laughter, food and drink!

Twelve Days 'Til Idyllwild

It's twelve days until I leave for Idyllwild in the San Jacinto Mountains above Palm Springs in Southern California. Some people plan ahead for a summer vacation with visions of sunny beaches, tall drinks and tan bodies. I am busy assembling tools, materials and nonflammable clothing for participating in Metals Week at Idyllwild Arts Center . This is my kind of vacation. . the kind I've always wanted. A whole week to work with and learn from one of the world's most talented goldsmiths, Harold O'Connor.

When I first found this workshop, I was convinced that I would be in "over my head" if I signed up for "Surface Embellishments" with this fine instructor. I'm over it. Now I realize this is exactly what I need at this point in time--to be challenged and completely immersed in metalsmithing for a week. The excitement is building daily!

Metals Week at Idyllwild includes contact with five other instructors including Joanna Gollberg and Fred Zweig. I look forward to learning as much from each of them as time and energy allow.