Friday, October 20, 2023; 1:00PM - 2:30PM PT (Pacific Time)
Laura deLeon is a self-described queerdo currently residing in the SF Bay Area, living their best life dancing in the linmal space between dichotomies. One fateful semester during their college years, they fell in love with hammering metals in Dawn Nakanishi's Jewelry/Small Scale Metalsmithing class and hasn't looked back since. Laura has continued in the exploration of adornment and wearable art in a home studio they constructed to create, play, and grow in.
Much thought and planning is required for each project, especially with the agglomeration of materials they invite into their pieces. Once the elements are combined with traditional metalsmithing and fiber arts techniques, they form a beautiful cohesive work of art. Laura can almost hear and audible click as everything comes together to create something new and unexpected.
Making jewelry and adornment is their primary focus, but it is not exclusive. Laura also has deep interests in sustainable clothing and fashion, as expressed through their #futureuniform series where multiple garments are sewn based on a single pattern and become her daily "uniform". Performance, costumery, and set design in combination with musical talent and dance are expressed through their skeleton puppets "Bony Bonheur". This along with various skills Laura has developed through employment, digital fabrication and design, stained/leaded glass, and photography are all incorporated into what Laura considers their art practice.
Join us for this exciting spotlight and journey with Laura as they talk about developing their art practice, finding themselves as an artist and jeweler, how they incorporate sustainable practices into their practice, and (of course) their amazing work.
If a class is online, or is a combination online and in-person session, all students receive a link to a recording of the class demonstrations. In-person only workshops are not recorded. For staff instructor classes, students have access to the recordings for one year. For guest instructors, access is 30 days.
If a kit is included with the class, online students will have them mailed to them. Kits for in-person students are delivered at the beginning of the first class. More information about the kit is included with the supplies list which is emailed after registration.
International students may be charged an additional amount for shipping, because of the increased cost to ship abroad. Also, shipments to other countries may incur a tariff payable by the student. International students are welcome to contact us re: these costs and options for their materials. Please be sure that the address with your payment is the correct one for shipping.
If this class is offered online, it uses the Zoom app/website. Through Zoom, you’ll be able to see demos and follow instructions, ask questions and interact with your instructor. Zoom is easy to use and free for students to use for class, and works on most devices, like phones (iPhone, Android, etc), tablets (iPads, etc), and computers (Mac or PC).
Your instructor is also available during free Zoom office hours for questions and help.
For classes that include work time, online students work at home or in their studio. All of our recommended tools and the kit materials are chosen to be home studio friendly. Links to preferred vendors are provided in the supplies list sent after registration. Some classes, like our short demo only classes, don't require tools or materials to attend.
We remain committed to keeping everyone as safe as possible while continuing to move forward and adapt to the current circumstances for our in person classes and open studios.
In person students must show proof of vaccination. We recommend that everyone remain current with booster shots as recommended by your doctor.
Face masks are encouraged while at the school, but no longer required. Students must bring a particulate face mask (N95, KN95, KF94 or similar) to protect against dust and particles when needed and required during class work time.
If you have tested positive for COVID, have symptoms that could be COVID, or feel ill, please don't come to class. Contact us for more information.
All benches and shared tools are cleaned before and after class.
It’s recommended that students bring their own apron, safety glasses•, mask (also used for protection against fine dust when polishing), and water bottles. Filtered water is available for refills. We have aprons, safety glasses and togo cups available to use.
*Students are always required to wear safety glasses for their protection in the classroom. Be sure to choose safety glasses that fit comfortably, even over your prescription glasses.
Please visit our COVID-19 Updates page for more information.
And now the fine print. Payment in full for class fees is due at the time of registration to reserve your place. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal. Checks and cash are accepted only if you register at school. If you mail a check, your registration is not processed until it clears and the class may fill during the wait.
If the workshop is canceled by our school for any reason, all class fees will be refunded, or you can transfer to another class, or you can keep a credit on account with us for future classes or purchases,
Students can cancel, receive a credit or refund, or transfer to another class up to 21 days before a workshop, whether it is online or in person. No cancellations are accepted after the 21-day deadline, however, we will do what we can to try and sell your place to a qualified student. If we can sell your place, you can receive a refund less a $50 cancellation fee, keep a credit on account with us, or apply your fees towards a transfer to another class.
If you can’t make it to class, you may send a participant who has the necessary prerequisites in your place. Please call or email us immediately with any changes in the student participant information. If a class includes an online section, your class will be recorded and you can watch later to make up a class you miss.
Students must be at least 15 years old to attend a class, and students under 18 must have a legal guardian sign our liability waiver form. We have had younger students attend classes, on a case by case basis. If you’re interested in enrolling your child, please call or email us.
If you sign up for a class and fail to have the required prerequisites as listed in the class description, you are still subject to the 21-day cancellation policy, listed above.
Lodging and meals are not included for in person classes.
If you don't come to class, there are no refunds, credits or transfers.