Several jewelry and metalsmithing master classes will be held in the studio, focusing on techniques such as enameling and soldering. The symposium will culminate in a presentation and discussion moderated by local metalsmith Paulette Werger. The studio will host a full day workshop with the guest artists, who said they look forward to leading workshops teaching skills in their respective specialties.
Jewelry studio director Jeff Georgantes said the event provides a rare opportunity to bring a variety of perspectives on jewelrymaking and metalsmithing to the College.
"The most important part is being exposed to ideas and images and people that wouldn't ordinarily be here," Georgantes said. "They don't come to the East Coast very often, and in particular, they don't come to the Dartmouth community very often."
Because each artist possesses a unique style, Georgantes said students will walk away with a balanced view on the art.
"When all these people come, the Dartmouth students are going to get all these different perspectives from these three guest artists," he said. "And they'll get a sense of what jewelry is really all about, what jewelry even means."
Lozier, a metalsmith and enamelist who resides in Oakland, Calif., said she is eagerly anticipating encouraging students to learn more about hands-on arts.
"The best way of understanding materials and discovering new things is by getting your hands involved," Lozier said. "We are tool making, problem-solving animals. Experiment. Make mistakes. Try the unexpected."
Georgantes said Lozier's method of using torches to sculpt and shape her pieces is avant-garde not only in technique but in philosophy..
"She is breaking all the rules," Georgantes said. "She does a thing called torch enameling, which is melting powdered glass on a metal using a torch. But on a bigger level, there's a philosophy that goes with that about being fluid."
Cooperman, who has visited the College previously to teach metalsmithing techniques, describes his style in a way that is as unique as the art he produces.
"My approach been characterized as jazz in that it is skilled but often improvisational," Cooperman said. "That duality of looseness and respect for craft is something that I think is worth remembering."
Cooperman said he is particularly eager to show students how to metalsmith using hot temperatures.
"I'll be demonstrating some torch work that includes soldering tricks and manipulating metal in the semi-solid state," Cooperman said. "I'll also be exploring the flex shaft, showing some innovative uses and a few nifty tricks."
Georgantes encouraged students to experience the construction of art that they may not be exposed to otherwise, he said.
"Students will have an opportunity to see jewelry that possibly they've never seen before and learn techniques that they've never done before," Georgantes said. "And most of all, it'll be a lot of fun at the same time."
