About the Metalsmithing Minor
The metalsmithing minor program combines foundational art and drawing coursework with advanced metalsmithing study. Student gain comprehensive, hands-on experience in the design and creation of small-scale metalwork and jewelry while developing their own artistic voices through a balance of conceptual, aesthetic and technical exploration.
Beginning coursework introduces student to essential techniques such as sawing, filing, piercing, riveting, soldering, patina application and hydraulic press forming. As you work your way through intermediate and advanced metalsmithing courses, you'll build on these foundations through specialized processes, including enameling, lost-wax casting, complex fabrication and hammer-forming techniques. Throughout the program, independent research, in-class critiques and professional practices (documentation, resume building and exhibiting art) are integrated to prepare student for continued artistic and professional growth.
Learn more about art offerings at UW and how to become involved in our department by touring the UW Visual Arts facilities!
Students pursuing a B.A. in Visual Arts - Art History Track may minor in a studio discipline, including metalsmithing. However, students pursuing a B.A. in Visual Arts - Studio Art Track, B.F.A. in Studio Art or a B.A. in Art Education cannot minor in a specific studio discipline. Students should plan on a minimum of five semesters to complete a metalsmithing minor due to upper-division course prerequisites. Please note that all metalsmithing minor courses require a minimum grade of C to count toward the minor.
What can you do with a metalsmithing minor?
Metalsmithing students are prepared for a variety of artistic careers. Our graduates pursue careers as jewelers, entrepreneurs, professors and more! Many of our graduates pursue additional education in prestigious graduate programs, including those at Virginia Commonwealth University and Pennsylvania Western University, Edinboro. Grads additionally pursue non-academic appointments at craft schools like Peters Valley School of Craft and the John C. Campbell Folk School.
- Jewelry designer or goldsmith
- Custom metal artist or sculptor
- Metalsmithing instructor or professor
- Product or industrial designer
- Fine craft business owner
- Restoration or conservation specialist
- Blacksmith or forge artist
- Museum or gallery technician
Here are a few of the ways our metalsmithing alumni are getting creative:
- Assistant Professor of Art at Casper College
- Visiting Assistant Professor of Art at the University of Wyoming
- Museum Preparator at the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne
- Gallerist in Cody, Wyoming
- Professional Bench Jewelers across Wyoming and Minnesota
Metalsmithing is the art and craft of shaping and manipulating metal to create everything from fine jewelry to functional tools and sculptural works. As a metalsmithing minor, you'll learn hands-on techniques like forging, casting, soldering and enameling, while exploring both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. It’s a creative and technical field that blends art, design and material science—perfect for students interested in making tangible, lasting work.
A metalsmith works with metal to design, shape and create objects by hand or with specialized tools. This can include crafting jewelry, utensils, tools, sculptures or decorative pieces. Metalsmiths use techniques like forging, casting, soldering and welding to manipulate metal into both functional and artistic forms. They may work as independent artists, in studios, for manufacturers or in educational and restoration settings.
Because it’s the perfect discipline! It relies on and incorporates elements from almost every other discipline to create meaningful, unique and permanent objects. Problem solving, planning, drawing, sculpting, digital fabrication and so many more making methodologies can be involved in the process of metalsmithing.
The course demands an in-person instruction model and is centered around hands-on learning. The metalsmithing studio is well equipped with a huge variety of specialized equipment, and is a bright and beautiful space buzzing with activity.
Look inside UW's visual arts building
Step inside the University of Wyoming’s state-of-the-art Visual Arts Building and see where creativity takes shape. This is where students bring their ideas to life through hands-on work with metal, specialized tools and professional-grade equipment. If you're passionate about design, craftsmanship and making something that lasts, this is where your journey begins.
"You were so influential in helping me understand what I wanted to do. I had never touched metal before your class and as soon as I did, I knew it was a medium that I would have fun with. Not only did you teach me the tools that I hope to be using for the rest of my life, but you introduced me to a huge community of people that I can connect with and draw inspiration from. It's because of those connections that I know I'll never forget to make art."
