Peninsula School of Art Jewelry

Noel Yovovich explains a technique to students.

Peninsula School of Art in Fish Creek, has scheduled 22 different jewelry/metal arts workshops for 2010, but according to the students and teachers, they share the same basic elements: camaraderie, a well-equipped studio, and a scenic, relaxed environment.

Student Gina Metelica of Chicago recently completed “Soldering Sampler,” her second workshop at the school.

“I love the pace of the classes, the accessibility of resources, and the surroundings – it’s so peaceful here,” she said. “After my first class last summer, I searched for jewelry studios in the city; the environments just aren’t the same.”

Peninsula School of Art offers jewelry/metal arts workshops from May through December, with studio space for rental as available, for members. The one- to five-day workshops range from the novice level, “Make Silver Earrings in a Day,” to an annual workshop that focuses on a single, highly specialized technique with a nationally recognized artist/educator. The master instructor this year is Cynthia Eid whose five-day workshop, which begins August 23, centers on the use of the hydraulic press. This class is open to students from advanced beginner to master jeweler.

According to Karen Becker, Director of Programs at the School, a large portion of the jewelry and metal arts curriculum welcomes beginning or advanced beginner students. The beginner level instruction at the art school differs from other schools’ entry-level curriculum due to a unique emphasis on self-directed creativity from the start.

“Students learn basic techniques, from sketch to completion, with their own designs,” said Becker. “There aren’t any kits involved.”

Becker adds that class sizes are kept small to foster both individualized instruction and active sharing between students.

Novice jewelry student, Donna Welhoefer of Eagle River, was one of seven students in the Soldering Sampler. Welhoefer said that she experienced a “welcoming, laid back,” atmosphere during her first workshop at the school. “It’s a mixed level course, but it hasn’t been intimidating,” she said. “The experienced students are willing to share if you ask. And, Noël (the instructor) does a fine job of addressing various individual needs.”

Donna Welhoefer (left) soders her piece with a torch.

Noël Yovovich of Evanston teaches jewelry workshops throughout the Midwest. This is her fourth year as an instructor at Peninsula School of Art. Her reasons for returning are much the same as the students.

“This studio is the best environment I’ve ever taught in; it’s well-equipped and in a beautiful setting,” Yovovich said.

During Yovovich’s workshop, students create pendants in fine silver, copper, and brass; while practicing the techniques of soldering, imprinting, bezel stone setting, and sawing.

Welhoefer said she will apply her new fine jewelry skills to the table-top-size metal home décor items she currently creates. Metelica plans to attend another workshop at the Peninsula School of Art next summer to further her skills in creating jewelry for herself and friends.

From her experience, Becker believes beginning students experience something else in common at the Peninsula School of School – surprise.

“Many people who have an affinity toward jewelry and decoration, don’t realize how easy it is to create something of their own,” she said. “There really are just a few techniques involved in making something beautiful.”

The Peninsula School of Art is located at 3900 County Road F, Fish Creek. For more information call 920.868.3455 or visit http://www.peninsulaartschool.com.