Graduate Jewelry and Metals
The M.F.A. degree is an intensive, 60-credit studio degree designed to prepare students to become professional artists and/or to teach at the university level. Graduate students are typically awarded a technical assistantship in the first year and a teaching assistantship in the second year. The assistantship also includes a tuition waiver and stipend.
The jewelry and metalsmithing graduate program at Bowling Green State University offers a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional approaches aimed at promoting a broad spectrum in the technical and conceptual development of visual language. We are dedicated to providing education that meets high standards of excellence, emphasizing the importance of keeping abreast of current methodologies available to visual artists and of providing students with fresh insights which add greater value and substance to the university environment.
Students are given a semi-private studio space in proximity to other graduate students, creating an environment of close contact and potential collaboration. Jewelry and metalsmithing students are given 24-hour access to the studio facilities and tools as well as limited access to a well-equipped woodshop.
Additional educational opportunities are provided through workshops, lectures, visiting artists, and field trips to museums, artist studios, museums, and exhibitions. BGSU is located within close proximity to numerous museums and galleries as well as local organizations such as the Ohio Designer Craftsmen and Michigan Silversmiths Guild.
The 2,000 square foot main jewelry studio includes a 400 square foot advanced studio area, 1,000 square foot enameling area, and an 1,100 square foot graduate metal studio. Metal studio includes: The metal forming facilities including a large selection of hammers and stakes Hydraulic die forming equipment Chasing and repousse equipment Vacuum and centrifugal casting equipment Complete enameling facility equipped with 5 kilns
Bonny Doon Volume and Form Press
Metal Spinning Lathe
Copper electroforming: 25 gallon capacity tank and 100 gallon capacity tank
Aluminum anodizing: Spray etching unit Rolling mills Sand blaster with dust collector
Other equipment: Acetylene/air torches Oxygen/natural gas soldering torches Large annealing torch Exhaust system over soldering Burn out and enameling areas 22 x 72" fuming hoods for acid working and hazardous chemicals Compact 5 lathe and mill with accessories 48" metal shear Rotary and vibratory tumblers Assortment of drawplates Stone setting tools Belt sanders.
The Student Metal Arts Council(SMAC) is a student organization open to all undergraduates and graduates in the university. The purpose of this organization is to sponsor activities and awareness vital to the educational needs of aspiring students.
The Michigan Silversmiths Guild sponsors lectures and workshops by artists and teachers established in their fields. These activities are held in close proximity and within the studios of established metal programs in southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio (including the studio at Bowling Green). The guild also sponsors juried exhibitions of work produced by members.
Ohio Designer Craftsmen provides a forum for artists/craftsmen and the public to exchange ideas as well as providing workshops, seminars, and exhibitions.
Graduate Art Student Organization (GASO) is an interdisciplinary organization open to all graduate students, full or part-time, in the School of Art. Students invite visiting artists and organize trips of specific interest to graduate students.
Students who have completed their course of study in jewelry and metalsmithing may become designers that create one of a kind custom or mass-produced jewelry, or possibly product designers, which includes tableware, furniture, eyeglasses, architectural details and ornamentation, accessory, personal and household items, etc. Some graduates pursue teaching positions or become studio artists, producing artwork for sale in galleries, art shows or art fairs. Some MFA graduates become consultants to industries such as automotive, manufacturing, or the Department of Defense. Other career options include model makers (architectural, manufacturing, display), jewelry repair, art direction, and museum conservation.
Students who graduate with a Master of Fine Arts degree are qualified to teach at institutions of higher education such as universities and community colleges. Museums, galleries and regional arts councils often require MFA degree for various positions available. The program also prepares students to exhibit their work at galleries and museums.
Student Work
Updated: 01/03/2024 12:25PM