Example charms. Courtesy of Jimena Ríos/Taller Eloi.
Metalsmithing Hot Shop, New Studios Building. PD Rearick.
Summer Workshops
Summer 2025 Workshops in Metalsmithing
Forge something unforgettable this summer at Cranbrook Academy of Art! For a rare moment, our world-renowned studios will offer an exclusive chance to create in one of our departments under the guidance of local and Academy artists.
Led by our esteemed Metalsmithing Artist-in-Residence, Iris Eichenberg, and taught by experienced artists and metalsmiths, including Academy alumni, these three workshops will immerse you in the art of lost-wax bronze casting, charm-making, and small self-portrait brooches/sculpture.
Space is limited, ensuring an intimate, hands-on experience where craftsmanship meets creativity. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to work where Cranbrook greats studied.
Read more about each workshop below and use the links to register on Eventbrite.
Workshop Details & Registration
Bronze Casting (6 Days, June 13-15, 20-22)
This course explores traditional lost wax casting, a technique over 6,000 years old, transforming wax into a finished bronze sculpture. Participants will translate an inspirational personal object of their choice into wax and then cast it into bronze.
Through the dynamic and transformative process of casting, participants will leave with a new understanding of what it means to make a new keepsake evocative of their time at Cranbrook.
Instructors: Iris Eichenberg, Head of Metalsmithing and Artist-in-Residence; Alissa Lamarre, Catherine Sweeney (MFA Metalsmithing 2025); Fanni Somogyi (MFA Metalsmithing 2025); and Megan Tamas, Academy Resources Manager.
Instructor Language: English
Skill Level: This workshop is open to beginners and advanced students, age 18+.
Location: Metalsmithing department of Cranbrook Academy of Art in the New Studios Building. Bronze casting will take place outdoors.
Parking: Cranbrook Art Museum Parking Lot.
Schedule Overview: The detailed daily schedule of the workshop is listed on Eventbrite. The first three days of the workshop will include presentations, group discussions, 1-on-1 sessions, handbuilding a wax form, and a walking tour. The second three days will start with bronze casting, patina application discussion and application, and student presentations of their work.
Food/Beverage: Lunch and snacks will be provided. The Academy also has water bottle refill stations and vending machines near the Metalsmithing department.
Cost: $1,900.00 USD
Materials provided with the cost of the workshop: wax, hand tools, ceramic shell, 5 lbs of bronze for casting (additional material is available at extra cost), PPE – Personal Protective Equipment, safety glasses, gloves.
Required dress for safety: All participants must dress safely and appropriately while on-site to participate in this workshop. Natural fiber clothing, long pants, and shoes must have closed toes and heels. Long hair must be tied back. Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetic fabrics are not allowed in the hot shop. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed.
If the workshop does not meet the minimum participants, it will be cancelled, and any purchases will be fully refunded.
This course explores traditional lost wax casting, a technique over 6,000 years old, transforming wax into a finished bronze sculpture. Participants will translate an inspirational personal object of their choice into wax and then cast it into bronze.
Through the dynamic and transformative process of casting, participants will leave with a new understanding of what it means to make a new keepsake evocative of their time at Cranbrook.
Instructors: Iris Eichenberg, Head of Metalsmithing and Artist-in-Residence; Alissa Lamarre, Catherine Sweeney (MFA Metalsmithing 2025); Fanni Somogyi (MFA Metalsmithing 2025); and Megan Tamas, Academy Resources Manager.
Instructor Language: English
Skill Level: This workshop is open to beginners and advanced students, age 18+.
Location: Metalsmithing department of Cranbrook Academy of Art in the New Studios Building. Bronze casting will take place outdoors.
Parking: Cranbrook Art Museum Parking Lot.
Schedule Overview: The detailed daily schedule of the workshop is listed on Eventbrite. The first three days of the workshop will include presentations, group discussions, 1-on-1 sessions, handbuilding a wax form, and a walking tour. The second three days will start with bronze casting, patina application discussion and application, and student presentations of their work.
Food/Beverage: Lunch and snacks will be provided. The Academy also has water bottle refill stations and vending machines near the Metalsmithing department.
Cost: $1,900.00 USD
Materials provided with the cost of the workshop: wax, hand tools, ceramic shell, 5 lbs of bronze for casting (additional material is available at extra cost), PPE – Personal Protective Equipment, safety glasses, gloves.
Required dress for safety: All participants must dress safely and appropriately while on-site to participate in this workshop. Natural fiber clothing, long pants, and shoes must have closed toes and heels. Long hair must be tied back. Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetic fabrics are not allowed in the hot shop. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed.
If the workshop does not meet the minimum participants, it will be cancelled, and any purchases will be fully refunded.
Silver Charm Bracelet: Basic Jewelry Techniques to Create Your Own Set of Amulets (3 Days, July 18-20)
Learn or develop your skills in the craft of jewelry-making through charms. Participants will mix hands-on skills with creative exercises to create pieces that resonate within the world of contemporary jewelry as a form of artistic expression.
By the end of this workshop, students will take home:
- A sterling silver bracelet with five charms, including one with a semi-precious stone.
- A basic jewelry kit to continue practicing at home.
- A workshop zine featuring techniques, pro tips, and advice to keep creating after the workshop.
Instructors: Iris Eichenberg, Head of Metalsmithing and Artist-in-Residence; and Jimena Rios, Artist, and Director of Taller Eloi, Escuela de joyería (Jewelry School).
Instructor Language: English/Spanish
Skill Level: This workshop is open to beginners and advanced students, age 18+.
Max. participants: 12
Location: Metalsmithing department of Cranbrook Academy of Art in the New Studios Building.
Parking: Cranbrook Art Museum Parking Lot.
Length: 3 Days, 6 hours each day (July 18-20)
Schedule: Review the detailed daily schedule of the workshop in the Jewelry Workshops packet.
Food/Beverage: Lunch and snacks will be provided. The Academy also has water bottle refill stations and vending machines near the Metalsmithing department.
Cost: $1,375.00 USD*
Materials provided with the cost of the workshop: sterling silver, one semi-precious stone for setting, and a basic jewelry-making toolkit.
*If the workshop does not meet the minimum participants, it will be cancelled, and any purchases will be fully refunded.
Learn or develop your skills in the craft of jewelry-making through charms. Participants will mix hands-on skills with creative exercises to create pieces that resonate within the world of contemporary jewelry as a form of artistic expression.
By the end of this workshop, students will take home:
- A sterling silver bracelet with five charms, including one with a semi-precious stone.
- A basic jewelry kit to continue practicing at home.
- A workshop zine featuring techniques, pro tips, and advice to keep creating after the workshop.
Instructors: Iris Eichenberg, Head of Metalsmithing and Artist-in-Residence; and Jimena Rios, Artist, and Director of Taller Eloi, Escuela de joyería (Jewelry School).
Instructor Language: English/Spanish
Skill Level: This workshop is open to beginners and advanced students, age 18+.
Max. participants: 12
Location: Metalsmithing department of Cranbrook Academy of Art in the New Studios Building.
Parking: Cranbrook Art Museum Parking Lot.
Length: 3 Days, 6 hours each day (July 18-20)
Schedule: Review the detailed daily schedule of the workshop in the Jewelry Workshops packet.
Food/Beverage: Lunch and snacks will be provided. The Academy also has water bottle refill stations and vending machines near the Metalsmithing department.
Cost: $1,375.00 USD*
Materials provided with the cost of the workshop: sterling silver, one semi-precious stone for setting, and a basic jewelry-making toolkit.
*If the workshop does not meet the minimum participants, it will be cancelled, and any purchases will be fully refunded.
Silver Self-portrait Brooches: Cold Connections for Jewelry Making (3 Days, July 25-27)
Learn or develop your skills in the craft of jewelry-making through self-portrait brooches. Participants will mix hands-on skills with creative exercises to create pieces that resonate within the world of contemporary jewelry as a form of artistic expression.
By the end of this workshop, students will take home:
- A sterling silver with found material wearable brooch.
- A basic jewelry kit to continue practicing at home.
- A workshop zine featuring techniques, pro tips, and advice to keep creating after the workshop.
Instructors: Iris Eichenberg, Head of Metalsmithing and Artist-in-Residence; and Jimena Rios, Artist, and Director of Taller Eloi, Escuela de joyería (Jewelry School).
Instructor Language: English/Spanish
Skill Level: This workshop is open to beginners and advanced students.
Max. participants: 12
Location: Metalsmithing department of Cranbrook Academy of Art in the New Studios Building.
Parking: Cranbrook Art Museum Parking Lot.
Schedule: Review the detailed daily schedule of the workshop in the Jewelry Workshops packet.
Food/Beverage: Lunch and snacks will be provided. The Academy also has water bottle refill stations and vending machines near the Metalsmithing department.
Cost: $1,375.00 USD
Materials provided with the cost of the workshop: silver, basic jewelry kit.
If the workshop does not meet the minimum participants, it will be cancelled, and any purchases will be fully refunded.
Learn or develop your skills in the craft of jewelry-making through self-portrait brooches. Participants will mix hands-on skills with creative exercises to create pieces that resonate within the world of contemporary jewelry as a form of artistic expression.
By the end of this workshop, students will take home:
- A sterling silver with found material wearable brooch.
- A basic jewelry kit to continue practicing at home.
- A workshop zine featuring techniques, pro tips, and advice to keep creating after the workshop.
Instructors: Iris Eichenberg, Head of Metalsmithing and Artist-in-Residence; and Jimena Rios, Artist, and Director of Taller Eloi, Escuela de joyería (Jewelry School).
Instructor Language: English/Spanish
Skill Level: This workshop is open to beginners and advanced students.
Max. participants: 12
Location: Metalsmithing department of Cranbrook Academy of Art in the New Studios Building.
Parking: Cranbrook Art Museum Parking Lot.
Schedule: Review the detailed daily schedule of the workshop in the Jewelry Workshops packet.
Food/Beverage: Lunch and snacks will be provided. The Academy also has water bottle refill stations and vending machines near the Metalsmithing department.
Cost: $1,375.00 USD
Materials provided with the cost of the workshop: silver, basic jewelry kit.
If the workshop does not meet the minimum participants, it will be cancelled, and any purchases will be fully refunded.
Artwork Examples and Casting at Cranbrook
Example charms. Courtesy of Jimena Ríos/Taller Eloi.
Example semi-precious stones for charm-making. Courtesy of Jimena Ríos/Taller Eloi.
Refunds, Safety, Other Policies
Refunds
Refunds will only be issued through Eventbrite if a workshop is cancelled by Cranbrook Academy of Art. Other concerns can be directed to jdyki@cranbrook.edu.
Registration
Workshop registration must be completed via Eventbrite. All participants must register separately to confirm their agreement to Cranbrook’s safety/liability waiver.
Snacks/Water/Allergies
Lunch, snacks, and water will be available during the workshops. When registering on Eventbrite, please include any food preferences and allergies.
Safety and Studio Dress
Workshop participants will use equipment such as hand tools, power tools, and torches to complete their work. All participants must dress safely and appropriately while on-site to participate in this workshop. Natural fiber clothing, long pants, and shoes must have closed toes and heels. Long hair must be tied back. Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetic fabrics are not allowed in the hot shop. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed.