AT 240 - Jewelry

2. To compile research on historical and traditional jewelry and metalwork.

3. To recognize the various grades of sandpaper, saw blades and buffing compounds and relate them to their appropriate application.

4. Compare and contrast well crafted work during critiques.

5. Apply safety protocols when working with the tools required for the practice of Jewelry/metal smithing.

6. Make aesthetic decisions based upon three-dimensional design theories.

7. Demonstrate knowledge of the chemical and structural processes that the metals go through.

8. Demonstrate knowledge of various cultures and their use of jewelry.

9. Create functional jewelry.

10. Apply critical thinking skills to the evaluation of artwork.

11. Identify quality sources for data and information pertinent to a problem or issue being examined. 

12. Use rules or frameworks to provide context for and understand problems or issues. 

13. Complete work accurately, with attention to detail. 

II. Rivet exercise.

     A. Join circle and square using one regular rivet and one flush rivet.

     B. Texture or polish surface.

III. Soldering exercise.

     A. 90 degree soldering.

     B. Sweat soldering.

     C. Post/pinback soldering.

IV. Surface embellishments and cold connections.

     A. Research traditional and contemporary work.

     B. Create ten sketches.

     C. Fabricate a model using construction paper.

     D. Cut and assemble metal to create finished brooch, pendant, or earring pair that includes piercing with an emphasis on surface embellishments (etching, roll printing, hammering, forging, stamping).

V. Chain making.

     A. Design chain.

     B. Form, saw and assemble jump rings. All rings must be soldered.

     C. Create handmade clasp.

VI. Ring with bezel setting.

     A. Design ring that cohesively incorporates a bezel set cabochon.

     B. Size, saw, file, sand, form and solder ring band.

     C. Bezel set a cabochon stone.

     D. Use buffing wheel for high polish finish.

VII. Hollow construction and/or mulitiples.

     A. Research professional jeweler/metalsmith.

     B. Final project demonstrating progression in skill level.

     C. May include hollow construction, hinges, and/or working in mulitples.

     D. Explore color on metal via patination and/or prismacolor.

Essential Abilities - Jewelry

The Grand Rapids Community College Visual Arts Department Jewelry faculty has specified essential abilities (technical standards) critical to the success of students. Students must demonstrate these essential abilities to succeed in their program of study. Qualified applicants are expected to meet all admission criteria and matriculating students are expected to meet all progression criteria, as well as these essential abilities (technical standards) with or without reasonable accommodations.

1. Essential judgment skills to include: ability to identify, assess, and comprehend conceptual, technical, and aesthetic situations for the purpose of solving Jewelry problems and coming to appropriate conclusions and/or course of actions.  Critical and creative thinking are expected to be cornerstones of all work expected in this course.

2. Essential physical/neurological functions to include: ability to use the senses of seeing, hearing, touch, and smell to make correct judgments regarding a variety of physical and computer-based design media and meet physical expectations to perform required interventions for the purpose of demonstrating competence to safely engage in the practice of Jewelry. Behaviors that demonstrate essential neurological and physical functions include, but are not limited to observation, listening, understanding relationships, writing, and psychomotor abilities consistent with course and program expectations.

Additionally, students need to possess the ability to:

1. Measure using a standard tape measure.
2. Deliver physical generated jewelry projects.
3. Sit and stand  at jewelry workstations (desks, tables, and computers) for extended periods of time.
4. Manipulate and navigate electronic files and applications.
5. Use various jewelry power and hand tools.

3. Essential communication skills to include: ability to communicate effectively with fellow students, faculty, and all members of the Visual Arts Programs. Skills include verbal, written, and nonverbal abilities as well as information technology skills consistent with effective communication.

Additionally, students need to:

1. Verbally and through written documents, articulate and defend their concepts to colleagues
2. Present their jewelry and project materials for group and individual critiques.
3. Manipulate 3D design elements to accomplish jewelry goals.

4. Essential emotional coping skills: ability to demonstrate the mental health necessary to safely engage in the practice of jewelry as determined by professional standards of practice.

This course requires students to critically evaluate own jewelry projects, and those of others, to enhance the learning process.  Students must critique peers work in an informed, articulate, respectful, and professional manner.

5. Essential intellectual/conceptual skills to include: ability to measure, calculate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate to engage competently in the safe practice of jewelry making.

Specifically, student must have the ability to:

1. Calculate proportions
2. Synthesize multiple concepts, traditions and visual elements within a jewelry design
3. Visualize, imagine, and synthesize ideas into designs
4. Analyze connections, correlations, spatial considerations, etc… and their effects on conceptual aspects of jewelry
5. Analyze concepts, readings, and research relevant to visual arts

6. Other essential behavioral attributes: ability to engage in activities consistent with safe jewelry practice without demonstrated behaviors of addiction to, abuse of, or dependence on alcohol or other drugs that may impair behavior or judgment. The student must demonstrate responsibility and accountability for actions as a student in the Visual Arts Department and as a developing professional in the jewelry field consistent with accepted standards of practice.

Grand Rapids Community College strives to be more than ADA compliant. We strive to be accessible and welcoming to all students of all abilities. After reviewing the Essential Abilities/Technical Standards for this program; your responsibilities as a student entail determining if you can complete all associated coursework either:

1. With Accommodation. I am otherwise qualified to meet the same academic standards as any other student entering the program. However, based on a medically documented condition or diagnosis, I would qualify for reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990). I will meet with Disability Support Services on campus to arrange those accommodations in an interactive process with the Visual Arts Department.
    
2. Without Accommodation. I am able to complete the program without need for reasonable accommodation or modification. In the event my medical documentation reveals otherwise or a condition manifests that would necessitate an accommodation; it is my responsibility to inform a responsible authority figure within the Visual Arts Department and work with Disability Support Services to see if a reasonable accommodation or modification can be made.

If you have a medically documented condition or diagnosis, please contact the Visual Arts Department office, or contact Disability Support Services (DSS) at disability@grcc.edu or by phone at 616.234.4140 to arrange accommodations through our interactive process.