Category: Past Events

Archive of past Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild events

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Knew Concepts Factory Tour

Precision saw with designer Brian Meek of Knew Concepts

A group of guild members met at Knew Concepts in Watsonville on May 6th 2023 at 1 pm for an in-person factory tour

Knew Concepts is the maker of jewelry and woodworking tools and has been based in the Santa Cruz area since being founded. Brian Meek, Knew Concepts owner and product designer, gave the tour. Learn more at KnewConcepts.com or follow them on instagram

We saw how the products are made and heard a little of how they decide which new tools to design. Brian gave us some tips and tricks from his decades of experience making and teaching jewelry.

a red truss shaped jewelry saw with designer Brian Meek of Knew Concepts
truss shaped jewelry saw on alignment jig at Knew Concepts
Precision saw with designer Brian Meek of Knew Concepts
CNC machine being run by designer Brian Meek of Knew Concepts

Knew Concepts makes all these tools and more!!!
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Happy Makers at the Make a Bracelet Event

If you visited us at the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party on Saturday April 15th , you were one of ~ 450 people to stop by!!!

True joy while sanding a copper strip to create a bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
A young participant stamps a shape into a copper strip to create a bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
stamping a shape into a copper strip to create a bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
A new guild member volunteer helps as a participant sands a copper strip to create a bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
Happily finishing the final sanding of the newly created unique bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
Look at this new bracelet handmade by someone new to making jewelry at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
Joyfully wearing the newly created bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
Thoughtfully sanding a copper strip to create a bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
A happy young participant showing off the newly created one-of-a-kind handmade (!) bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
Showing off the newly created bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
Showing off the uniquely their own handmade bracelet freshly made at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
Happily holding a new bracelet handmade at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
Metal artist volunteer explaining how to stamp a shape to create a bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
A young participant uses a hammer on a metal stamp to create a design on a copper strip to create a bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
Showing off their young family members new bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
A guild metal artist volunteer teaches how to file a copper strip to create a bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023
People of all ages confidently filing the ends of copper pieces to create a bracelet at the Make A Bracelet event as part of the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party 2023

People discovered their inner metal artist by making a thin cuff bracelet with a pattern of their own design

The FREE event was at the Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940 on Saturday April 15, 2023 from 12pm – 4pm Learn more about the museum and any upcoming block parties @ montereyart.org People of all ages participated!

We provided the copper, all the tools, and guided participants through the process. View the gallery above to see some people making and wearing their one-of-a-kind custom made bracelet to the rest of the block party.

Want to show off the bracelet you made? Tag us on Instagram @montereybaymetalarts and we’ll share your creation


How to Make a Thin Cuff Bracelet

Copper is cut to size for each wrist

Learn how to use files we provide to round the corners

Stamp a pattern using little steel blocks

Files, stamps, hammers, and patina are provided to create the design of your choice

The bracelet is fit to size using a wrist mandrel (we show you how)

Pacific Ave, Monterey, California
a lower case stylized M is the logo for the monterey museum of art in monterey california
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Make a Bracelet Free

a copper rectangle stamped with the words "MAKE A BRACELET" is in front of a manakin hand holding metal stamps vertically. The background is grey with a logo of the Monterey bay metal arts guild in the lower left corner

Come see us at the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party on Saturday April 15th and let your inner metal artist shine!

Pacific Ave, Monterey, California

Would you like to make a thin cuff bracelet with a pattern oƒ your own design?

We provide the copper, all the tools, and guide you through the process. You’ll be able wear your one-of-a-kind custom made bracelet to the rest of the block party. All people of all ages are welcome!

How to Make a Thin Cuff Bracelet

Copper is cut to size for each person

We’ll show you how to use files we provide to round the corners

Stamp a pattern using little steel blocks

Files, stamps, hammers, and patina are provided to create the design of your choice

The bracelet is fit to size using a wrist mandrel (we’ll show you how)

Put a patina on your bracelet to highlight the stamped patterns and make it shine

Wear your bracelet while enjoying the rest of the block party!

The FREE event will be at the Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940

Saturday April 15, 2023 from 12pm – 4pm montereyart.org

a lower case stylized M is the logo for the monterey museum of art in monterey california
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Watch Guest Speaker Susan Kingsley

screenshot from the video of Susan Kingsley speaking at the Winter Party 2023

Did you miss the annual Winter Gathering on Sunday January 22?

screenshot from the video of Susan Kingsley speaking at the Winter Party 2023
Susan Kingsley, Featured Speaker

Would you like to watch the entertaining and informative talk by Susan Kingsley, guild member, author of Hydraulic Die Forming for Jewelers and Metalsmiths, and co-founder of Ethical Metalsmiths?

Login to your member account, then CLICK HERE

Susan Kingsley, a visual artist working with hands-on processes. As a metalsmith, she created physical objects that reflect her commitment to craft. Susan brought copies of her book to sell in person.

cover of hydraulic Die Forming book with a photo of a die formed amphora pendant on a silver chain

Making jewelry led her to thinking about how social and cultural values are communicated by “things,” how personal objects shape our lives and reflect our beliefs. She enjoys making art that challenges the status quo, often with irony and paradox.

Susan’s work has been exhibited and published in the United States, Canada and Europe. She’s authored articles on craft, culture and environmental issues and written the technical book, Hydraulic Die Forming for Jewelers and Metalsmiths.

Susan’s work has been exhibited and published in the United States, Canada and Europe. She’s authored articles on craft, culture and environmental issues and written a technical book, Hydraulic Die Forming for Jewelers and Metalsmiths.

Susan taught jewelry and metalsmithing at Monterey Peninsula College and has conducted numerous workshops on die forming throughout the United States and Canada.

In 2006 she co-founded the non-profit organization, Ethical Metalsmiths, whose mission is to promote responsible jewelry practices through education, connection and action.

The event was held at the Haute Enchilada Social Club & Gallery, 7902 Moss Landing Rd, Moss Landing, CA 95039-9657

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Knew Concepts Factory Tour

invitation to sign up for a free tour of the Knew Concept jewelry and woodworking tools factory at their new location in Watsonville CA on May 6, 2023. Participants must be a current MBMAG member.

Meet us in Watsonville on May 6th 2023 at 1 pm for an in-person factory tour of Knew Concepts!

We’ll see how the products are made and hear how they decide which new tools to design.

Knew Concepts is the maker of jewelry and woodworking tools and has been based in the Santa Cruz area since being founded. Brian Meek, Knew Concepts owner and product designer, will be giving the tour. Learn more at KnewConcepts.com or follow them on instagram

Bring your Original Knew Concepts saw if you’d like to have the Lever Tension upgrade installed onsite. You’ll be able to pay for the upgrade and take it home finished.

You must be a member of MBMAG to sign up. Use your mbmag.org account to login

The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in. Not a member? Join Now!

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FREE All Member Winter Party 2023

Summary of the free all member winter party location, and timing

Meet other metal artists at our annual Winter Gathering
Sunday January 22, 2023
scroll down for details

photo of Susan Kingsley - head shot with wind whipping her hair
Susan Kingsley, Featured Speaker for the MBMAG Winter Meeting and Potluck Party

Save your spot by filling out this FREE registration form

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Sunday, JANUARY 22, 2023
FREE Winter Meeting and Potluck Party
Haute Enchilada Social Club & Gallery, Moss Landing, CA

Join us for good food, fellowship, an informative talk by Susan Kingsley, former guild member and author of Hydraulic Die Forming for Jewelers and Metalsmiths. Bring a $20 bill to buy a book directly from the author!

Limit of 50 attendees

Sign up now for a FREE spot (current and new members). Join now for all of 2023

You may now add up to two guests and you can still register yourself. When registering, enter the total # of people (up to 3).

All 50 free spots will be taken quickly!

Bring a potluck dish to share with serving utensil(s)

You are welcome to attend without bringing a dish.

Please label your dish if you have made a special type (vegan, vegetarian, kosher, gluten-free, paleo, etc.) so others know they can partake. If a dish includes nuts or shellfish, please label the dish accordingly. You may use blue tape and a marker to label the dish.

The guild will provide eating utensils, paper plates, and napkins.

BYOB or buy an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage at the Haute Enchilada cash bar

Susan Kingsley, a visual artist working with hands-on processes. As a metalsmith, she creates physical objects that reflect her commitment to craft. Susan will bring copies of her book to sell in person.

cover of hydraulic Die Forming book with a photo of a die formed amphora pendant on a silver chain

Making jewelry led her to thinking about how social and cultural values are communicated by “things,” how personal objects shape our lives and reflect our beliefs. She enjoys making art that challenges the status quo, often with irony and paradox.

Susan’s work has been exhibited and published in the United States, Canada and Europe. She’s authored articles on craft, culture and environmental issues and written the technical book, Hydraulic Die Forming for Jewelers and Metalsmiths.

Susan’s work has been exhibited and published in the United States, Canada and Europe. She’s authored articles on craft, culture and environmental issues and written a technical book, Hydraulic Die Forming for Jewelers and Metalsmiths.

Susan taught jewelry and metalsmithing at Monterey Peninsula College and has conducted numerous workshops on die forming throughout the United States and Canada.

In 2006 she co-founded the non-profit organization, Ethical Metalsmiths, whose mission is to promote responsible jewelry practices through education, connection and action.

You may buy a book from Susan Kingsley in person at the Winter Party, or order one online now

Haute Enchilada Social Club & Gallery, 7902 Moss Landing Rd, Moss Landing, CA 95039-9657

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2022 Winter Party and General Meeting

Please join us via Zoom

See the flyer below for more information

We will be announcing new workshops and sharing what we all have been doing since we last met. Enjoy the special presentation by guest artist Douglas Pryor!

Watch your email for the zoom link

Sunday January 23, 2022

Agenda:
12:30 pm Board meeting – all members are welcome to sign in to participate & watch
1:00 pm General meeting with announcements
1:30 pm Special guest speaker Douglas Pryor

Special Guest Speaker Douglas Pryor

Douglas Pryor is a raising and chasing artist located in northern California. He began sculpting in sheet metal in 2005 by creating fully articulated steel suits of armor for full contact sports, which in fact was how he paid for college. Frustrated with the limited detail and relief that shaping stakes could provide, he began to incorporate sculpting with pitch in 2013 and felt like he had found what he had been missing. As he continues to build upon his technical ability, he enjoys making more room for narrative with his work. Each piece is an opportunity to sate curiosity and a chance to build a bridge to others in a meaningful way.

Douglas Pryor Artist Statement

As a method-driven artist, I use my compositions to explore ways to push the limitations of a single piece of material with only human power and hand tools. I take particular delight in pursuing challenging and realistic detail in high-relief metal sculpture. I use my work to explore the nuanced and evolving relationship between humans and the natural world, and the ways that we connect with ourselves and each other.

We hope to see you there!

The February 2022 DOUGLAS PRYOR WORKSHOP IS FULL
Check your email for how to be added to a waiting list

3 day Intro to Chasing Class: The art of the chisel:

In this 3 day course we’ll be focusing on the fundamentals of chisel technique, hammer control, pitch management, and how to use design to compliment our medium. You will have the option of what your project will be after a short warm up project.

The warm up project allows us to practice with the pitch and all the tooling provided. Afterwards we will have time for a second more challenging project. Depending on skill and comfort level I will have suggestions with more guidance to test the techniques provided in the workshop. For those who feel more comfortable with their own drawing skillset who have their own design/drawing in mind I am happy to help guide you in how we can best bring it to life in the metal. It helps to choose something that will fit in the palm of your hand, something attainable within our time constraints.
This course is short and comprehensive, run at very accommodating speed by experienced hosts. Join us for some creativity and laughs, brighten your world with your own good works.

Visit DouglasPryor.com to learn more about the artist

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Summer Party Sunday August 21, 2022

flyer with a sun, a blue sky, and details of the summer party 2022

Please join us for our Summer BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch) Party!

See below for more information

Pajaro Valley Art Center’s yearly show, Sculpture Is, will be in full swing, as well as the beautiful demonstration gardens over Sierra Azul’s acreage. Always very impressive! 

With the pandemic, we are suggesting wearing a mask if you’d like to keep yourself or others safe.

Bring your own lunch, plates, utensils and picnic chair

We’ll be having the monthly board meeting immediately before the party (12 – 1 pm) and we welcome all to attend and participate

We will be sharing what we all have been doing the last year and a half, there’s a Summer Swap, and there’s a Summer-to-Winter Re-Create. We look forward to seeing each other (in person!), catching up and announcing new events, having lunch, ….

Do you have a piece of jewelry or sculpture on hand that you’d like to swap out for a piece by another guild member? Then check out our SUMMER SWAP

Is there a sad half-finished piece that has been staring at you from your bench waiting and longing to be finished?  You pick it up, turn it over and put it down again.  You know it has life and wants to be whole. The SUMMER TO WINTER RE-CREATE is for you.

SUMMER SWAP

Bring a piece of jewelry or sculpture to the Summer Party that you are willing to swap out. If you bring one, you will go home with one.  We will number the items and have people pick a number ‘out of a hat.’  You will go home with the metal art piece that corresponds to the number picked!

SUMMER TO WINTER RE-CREATE

Bring an unfinished piece to the MBMAG Summer party. If you bring an unfinished metal art piece you take home a different piece to finish.  How it works: Each piece will be given a number. A fellow metal artist member will pull a number ‘out of the hat’ then take the corresponding piece home and finish it. The finished pieces will be brought to the Winter Party and returned to the original artists. At the Winter Party the pieces will be displayed for all to see, and the original owners can don their new piece of jewelry!

Let the creative juices flow.
Your Challenge Team,
Annette Nemes and Toni Danzig

Date: Sunday August 21, 2022 from 1 to 4 pm
Location: 2660 E. Lake Ave (Hwy 152 across from the Fairgrounds), Watsonville, CA 95076

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PHOTOGRAPHY FOR METAL ART FEAT. GEORGE POST

Photography for Metal Arts seminar with professional Craft Photographer George Post

Live online via Zoom

The first session of our new series will cover best known practices for metal art photography presented by professional craft photographer George Post

Free to members

Click here to join MBMAG

Date: Sunday, June 13, 2021
Time: 2:00 pm PST
Free to members
Check your email for the Zoom link


ABOUT GEORGE POST:

George Post is a freelance photographer, based in the San Francisco Bay Area with a client base of individual artists and craftspeople who work in a variety of 2D and 3D media. Many of them sell their creations on the craft-fair circuit, using George’s photographs of their work to jury into the more prestigious shows throughout America. George does some purely commercial photography as well.

A Life Member of ASMP, the American Society of Media Photographers, George also enjoys photography for his own artistic expression. He has a special fondness for colorful, unusual subject matter, and his archives include an eclectic mix of landscapes, cityscapes, astronomical, meteorological, geological, and biological images.

TENTATIVE WORKSHOP OUTLINE

Types of subject & Orientation

  • Hanging – Pendants, Necklaces, Earrings (Post vs. Wire, Fishing Line Frame)
  • Tabletop – 3d Objects, Jewelry with camera on tripod
  • Copy Stand

Lighting

  • Hot
  • LED
  • Flash
  • Polarization

Backgrounds

  • Paper including Gradient
  • Slate, Stone, Glass
  • Formica, Acrylic, Duralar
  • Obtaining Total White

White Balance

  • Gray Card, Cube, etc
  • Camera Menu
  • Custom White Balance
  • Correcting with Software

Arrangement and Composition

  • Optimal camera angle
  • Positioning Jewelry – Skewer, Rubber-tipped tool, Squeeze Bulb
  • Earrings: Side-by-Side vs. Staggered
  • Groups & Ensembles
  • Hidden Props, Putty & Wax
  • Framing – Tight vs Loose, Square Crop, Stretching Rectangular to Square

Shoot-to-Memory-Card vs. Tethering

Digital Image Processing

  • Photoshop and ACR
  • Lightroom
  • TIFF vs JPEG
  • Special Sizing & Formats (for jurying & online sales)

Hiring a Pro

  • Recommendations & Word of Mouth, Google, Ads
  • Hourly Rate
  • Rights Granted
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INVITATION TO AN INSPIRING WORKSHOP

Lightbulb in the dawn light being held in a hand

Free Inspiration Workshop May 29, 2021 at 2pm PST

MEMBERS: Join us for a free live online workshop (via Zoom)

We could all use a little inspiration, especially after the year we have all had.

In this lead up to the Pajaro Valley Art Council exhibit “Reflections” we have assembled a wonderful panel of artists to talk about what inspires them and the stories behind their work.

Please join us for a lively Zoom discussion of back-stories, miscues, ideas, process and stimulus.

Helping us on our journey of reflection will be Lynda Watson, Angela Gleason, Helene Daniels, Susan Shallenberger, Ron Baldwin, among others.

Date: Saturday, May 29, 2021
Time: 2:00 pm PST
Free to members
Check your email for the Zoom link

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