On Wednesday, July 24, a jewelry-making workshop was held at the Rubin Art Center. The workshop was held by Jessica L. Tolbert, Assistant Professor at UTEP, head of the Jewelry Metals Program, and Melissa Barba for educators in the area.
“It is important that I provide them with some information that they can use in their own studios and that they can bring to their classrooms,” Tolbert said.
The workshop began with a brief presentation on the history of jewelry-making. The presentation covered sustainable jewelry, and jewelry made from various materials such as plastic, paper, and even neck bottles. It was emphasized throughout the workshop that jewelry has and can be made with recycled materials and readily-available materials.
The attendees were later given a tour of the gallery at the Rubin Art Center featuring different jewelry by many artists including work by Tolbert. The gallery featured many types of jewelry ranging from bracelets and necklaces, to buttons and brooches.
The workshop was capped off with activities looking to inspire the artists and educators to try new techniques at their studios or classrooms. The class participated in an activity where necklaces were made using prompts given on the spot to promote quick decision-making when making jewelry.
