The Rebecca and Mark Byrne Jewelry Studio reopened on the lower level of the Hopkins Center for the Arts on Oct. 3. The studio, formerly the Donald Claflin Jewelry Studio, was located in the Black Family Visual Arts Center for three years while the Hop was under renovation.
Although active during the renovation, this fall marks the first time since 2022 that the Jewelry Studio has been fully operational with all of its resources available. Students have access to a vast array of jewelry making tools including a 3-D printer, metal engraving tool and various stones and metals.
Byrne Studio director Jeff Georgantes, who has worked at Dartmouth for almost 20 years and coordinated the program both before and after the renovation, said the new space is a highlight.
“The front half of the studio is much bigger and more open, which is really great, because it just gives more flexibility and [the chance] to bring in more people at once,” he said.
Despite the reopening announcement, studio assistant Abby De Leon ’27 said “it’s been slow getting people to realize that the studio is there.” De Leon suspected it has been a challenge because the studio opened in early October as opposed to the start of fall term, leaving some students uncertain about the opening date.
That said, Georgantes emphasized the space’s accessibility to the student body. Students can reserve two-hour jewelry-making sessions online, and staffers do their best to accommodate walk-ins, Georgantes said.
Self-direction is an important part of the sessions. Georgantes said the studio is a “makerspace,” where students are encouraged to explore whatever ideas they have.
“The whole concept of a makerspace is [that] unlike traditional academic learning where there’s sequential learning, people come in with an idea of what they want to do, and we just do our best to help manifest that,” he said.
De Leon said that this model is particularly beneficial for students looking for a creative outlet during their time at the College.
“It’s just a really nice space to wind down and just work with your hands and do things,” De Leon said. “I really like the amount of intricacy that’s involved.”
De Leon also touched on the sense of community fostered at the studio.
“No matter if you’re making something or just talking with people, it’s just good to not be in a very heavily academic space,” De Leon said.
Georgantes echoed this sentiment. He said that the space attracts cohorts of creative students over the years whom he is able to watch grow throughout their Dartmouth experience.
“It’s such an honor and a privilege to watch these students from the end of their teenage years to the beginnings of young adulthood,” he said.
For some students, the studio has provided a space to explore a new creative interest. Tatum Lowe ’29, who attended an open workshop at the studio after hearing about it from a friend, said the experience was “awesome.”
“Everyone was using the space to channel creativity and relieve stress,” Lowe said.
De Leon also emphasized the studio’s practical benefits.
“I know Christmas is coming up,” she said. “It’s a great place to [make] gifts.”
