32nd Annual Yuma Symposium

The last weekend in February marks the beginning of the Yuma Symposium held in Yuma, Arizona. It is in its 32nd year, and was a blast! Victoria and Matagi went to represent NAU Metals,  here they are at the opening of the Student Show and Pin Auction, which includes more than just pins, and raises money for the symposium; all work is donated by attendees.

At the symposium, attendees are engaged by artist lectures and demonstrations, a pin swap which kicks off the weekend, slide slam, where people can share their work on the big screen of the Yuma Theater, The National Saw, File and Solder relay- trophies for the winners are elaborate and handmade by metalsmiths. This years trophies were made by Jen Wells and Autumn Brown, Helen Shirk, Dale Wedig, and Kristen Beeler.

So much more happens than what is on the schedule! Campers take over the back yard of Tompkins Pottery, where complimentary breakfast is also served, a bloody mary breakfast takes place in honor of one of the symposium's founders, trips to Mexico usually take place- its only a five minute ride to the border.

Don't miss the Yuma Symposium next year! We're counting down the days already...

Fit for Royalty

 NAU Metals has been the lucky recipient of a bounty of hand faceted stones, cut and donated by Alan Morgan of Chandler, AZ. Amethyst in a diverse range of color, shape and carat are now in the hands of many happy students!

We thank Alan very much for his generosity and thoughtfulness, and will share images of the lovely gems set into metalwork soon!

Direct Casting Extravaganza

 Recently, members of the NAU Metals Club took part in a workshop on direct casting methods. We covered tufa casting, bean casting, ceiling tile and cuttlebone casting, as well as water casting. It was a great way to spend a friday... and Josh brought the mayo.

Joe Anglim, getting some bronze ready for the pot of beans.

                                      

Hannah Walsh getting ready to bean cast

A tufa mold made by Larry Marek

Larry showed us how to prepare the mold, and talked about other ways native peoples have used tufa: a cure for heartburn was one!

                                                                    cuttlebone casting

Here are the products of water casting. Josh and Joe filled a five gallon bucket with some massive ice blocks from campus and water. Bronze was poured in, and the results were quite large!

                                      

                                     These are some of Larry's shibuichi bean castings, top and bottom:

Hannah had been creating chain with her pieces:

                                      

                                                                        Unitl next time!

Viola Award Noiminee

Congratulations to Matagi Sorensen, a graduating senior here at NAU Metals-

He has been nominated for a Viola Award under the Emerging Artist category! It is a true honor for him to be nominated for this award. He is in the running with four other emerging artists.

Matagi Sorensen, hollowformed and reticulated pendent, silver, 2010

"The Viola Awards are Flagstaff's Oscars for the arts community. Celebrating excellence in the arts, the Viola Awards recognize artists, educators, organizations and leaders who make positive contributions to the arts in Flagstaff. Over 500 people attend the gala event to celebrate and support these amazing folks. "

Join us in wishing Matagi the best of luck at this gala event in March!

For more information on the Viola Awards, visit Coconino Center for the Arts online.

Recent Work

Over the fall semester, the studio was all buzz with the sound of torches being lit, hammers swinging and flex shafts in constant motion- grinding and polishing to perfection. Check out a small sampling of some of the work created by a few of the students at the NAU metals studio:

 Doris Benally

 Theresa Wallace

Hannah Walsh

Lia Sawalqah

Staci Darlington

Larry Marek

Patrick Burdekin

Ben Alonzo

More to come! Can't wait to see what this semester brings...