Metalsmithing & Jewelry

The Metalsmithing and Jewelry concentration will shape your future through a program which sits at an exciting crossroads between traditional and contemporary art, design and craft practice. It all starts with materials and idea research with outcomes that push the possibilities of silversmithing, blacksmithing, and contemporary forms of personal expression in adornment.  The program in metalsmithing and jewelry is designed to shape investigations through the study of history, theory, technical processes, cutting edge technologies, conceptual strategies, experimentation, professionalism and interdisciplinary possibilities.

Students are supported by passionate and professional faculty and staff at the forefront of their disciplines who promote excellence and who are committed to nurturing and sustaining the development of each student. Outside of the studio, students participate in the student organization, the UNT Metals Club, which sponsors visiting artist workshops, gallery exhibitions, sales and annual travel to conferences and workshops.

Throughout the curriculum, students work in a collaborative and supportive environment with regular access to materials, equipment, and library resources related to the study of metalsmithing and jewelry. The studio environment is one where students explore formal and conceptual concerns in jewelry, hollowware and small art objects.

The Metalsmithing and Jewelry minor is designed to encourage students from all areas of the university to explore the possibilities of metal and adornment. Students pursuing the BFA complete a final portfolio of focused work.  The MFA program integrates artistic research, contemporary theory, and practice culminating in a thesis exhibition.

Faculty & Staff

Alumni accomplishments

Lauren LaRocca at O'Donnell Institute, DMA

Lauren LaRocca (MA, Art History 2009) is the Coordinator of Special Programs with The O’Donnell Institute. She oversees collaborations between the Dallas Museum of Art and the O’Donnell Institute. She coordinates scholars’ access to collections, arranges class visits, plans the logistics of jointly-sponsored programs, and oversees both day-to-day operations and special events at the research center.

Art Education and Art History
Art History

Lauren LaRocca (MA, Art History 2009) is the Coordinator of Special Programs with The O’Donnell Institute. She oversees collaborations between the Dallas Museum of Art and the O’Donnell Institute. She coordinates scholars’ access to collections, arranges class visits, plans the logistics of jointly-sponsored programs, and oversees both day-to-day operations and special events at the research center.

Student accomplishments

Dani Manning

Studio Art
Metalsmithing and Jewelry

Studio Art
Metalsmithing and Jewelry