Now through Nov. 9, Tryon Arts and Crafts School will feature several local jewelry artisans that transform metal into small works of art.
Some of the artists have been studying wire wrapping, chain maille, fold forming, stone cutting and setting and fabricating precious metal in the numerous classes and workshops offered at the school. There are also unusual pieces created by two new jewelry instructors, Danielle Miller and Katie Poterala.
Made since 300 AD, Chain Maille is a type of armor consisting of small metal rings linked together in a pattern to form a mesh. Jewelers use the technique to make a variety of intricate chain earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Wire wrapping consists of twirling and twisting of silver wire into intricate bends and loops that create continuous wire designs perfect by themselves or as a setting for stone or glass gems. Fold forming is a technique where sheet metal (silver, copper, brass or nickel) is folded, and then the edges and folds are hammered to stretch the metal. When the sheet is unfolded the stretched metal opens up into curiously organic forms.
Lapidary is the cutting, polishing and faceting of precious and semi-precious stones. Examples of all these techniques will be on display through Nov. 9.
Tryon Arts and Crafts School is located at 373 Harmon Field Road in Tryon, N.C. and exists to provide creative opportunities for everyone.
Tryon Arts and Crafts School is a non-profit organization and provide’s creative opportunities for everyone through education, instruction and expression of heritage and contemporary arts and crafts in a friendly, stimulating and enriching environment.
For more information about our organization, please contact the office at 828-859-8323 or visit www.TryonArtsandCrafts.org.
– article submitted by Christine Mariotti