There is no supply fee but students will pay for printing their own rings (approximately $30 for brass or $60 for sterling). Shapeways will provide a one-time 15% discount for students in this class.

This course celebrates San Miguel's natural resources, cultural riches, and historic significance. We'll begin the week with a trunk show of stunning regional gemstones, from which students will select and purchase their favorite(s) to serve as the basis for their class project. In-studio instruction will focus on creative stonesetting and complementary techniques for adding texture and detail. We will further develop our jewelry designs outside of the studio through guided observation exercises and cultural tours.

 

Our instructor Jesse Bert earned an MFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing from East Carolina University, and regularly exhibits his work in Mexico, the United States, and across Europe. He has made Mexico his home since 2006. A cactus collector and hiker, Jesse is energized by his surroundings:

 

 "My work is informed and inspired by the land in which I live, history and architecture...Nature is another essential element in my life. The pattern, repetition, and consistency show through in the items that leave my bench, carrying with them great detail and an acute intricacy like so many of the wonderful plants found on my daily walks." 

 

Our hotel for the week is a centrally-located former monastery with a pool and gardens. From there, we'll make the short walk to Jesse Bert's studio each morning for class from 9am to 1pm. After breaking for lunch, the group will spend most afternoons and some evenings exploring San Miguel and the surrounding area. We will see museum collections, shop for supplies and souvenirs, and visit both traditional and cutting-edge craftspeople. 

 

Head home with new jewelry skills, a ring or pendant featuring your chosen stone, and designs inspired by San Miguel's history, culture, and environment!

 

Prerequisite: Students should have taken Beginning Jewelry/Metals or have an equivalent level of experience. Contact Julia Harrison (jharrison@pratt.org) with any questions. 

 

CLASS FEE: $1750

 

INCLUDED 

7 nights hotel in a private room 

20 hours of instruction and limited workshop materials* 

2 field trips 

2 group dinners 

 

*Base metals, practice stones, and other standard consumables included. Due to the unique character of these projects, students should plan to bring their own silver (suggestions to be provided) and purchase their own stones.

 

PAYMENT DATES 

$875 deposit due upon registration 

$875 final payment due by November 10 

 

CANCELLATION REFUND POLICY 

25% non-refundable for withdrawal until January 2 

50% non-refundable for withdrawal after January 2

Pratt recommends purchasing trip insurance. 

Study abroad students will receive instruction on the traditional methods of Oaxacan-style filigree in the workshops of El Oro de Monte Alban, the city's most prominent jewelry company. Our instructor Rafael Bautista has been creating filigree since the age of eighteen. In 2013, El Oro de Monte Alban invited Maestro Bautista to develop a basic filigree course in an effort to promote and maintain jewelry manufacturing as a sustainable activity among locals. He has since taught students from all over Mexico, as well as England, Japan and the United States.

 

Our home base for the week is a charming courtyard hotel in the historic colonial district. From there it's an easy walk to El Oro de Monte Alban for class each morning. After breaking for lunch, the group will spend the afternoons and some evenings exploring other aspects of Oaxaca's metal arts scene. We will tour inspiring museum collections, shop for supplies and souvenirs, and visit both traditional and cutting-edge craftspeople--including women participating in a microfinance program.

 

Prerequisite: None. This workshop is open to students of all levels.

 

CLASS FEE: $1420

  

INCLUDED 

7 nights hotel in a private room 

20 hours of instruction and all workshop materials 

2 field trips 

2 group dinners

  

PAYMENT DATES 

$710 deposit due upon registration 

$710 final payment due by November 10 

 

CANCELLATION REFUND POLICY 

25% non-refundable for withdrawal until January 2 

50% non-refundable for withdrawal after January 2

Pratt recommends purchasing trip insurance.