Strange Bedfellows: Combining Champlevé and Decals – a workshop with Marissa Saneholtz

This Workshop is Now Full

For many millennia, people have had the technology to create enameled objects. Many of the terms we use now to describe these ancient techniques have a much more modern origin, but the basic principles are steadfast. Champlevé is a French term that describes enamels that are inlaid into designs made of metal with higher fields and recessed compartments. Over the course of centuries, this particular technique has been perfected by artists and employed to create bold imagery within enameled works. Fast forward to the digital age. Artists are now employing computers and customizing printers with inks that are compatible with glass and can be fired into the surface of enameled objects.

By combining the traditional technique of Champlevé with the technology- based technique of iron based toner decals, students will be able to create highly detailed pieces with many layers of information. The tandem use of these two processes allows for the addition of extra pattern, texture, or even narrative clues to further concept and decorative qualities.
Over the course of a three-day workshop students will have the opportunity to learn how to etch, wet pack, fire, stone, and finish Champlevé pieces as well as create custom decals that will then be applied to the enameled surfaces created. All levels welcome.

Marissa Saneholtz

Marissa Saneholtz makes narrative based jewelry and objects using humor and sarcasm. In 2008, Marissa earned her BFA in 3-dimensional design from Bowling Green State University and her MFA in 2011 in metals and jewelry design from East Carolina University. She has taught at
several institutions including East Carolina University’s Italy Intensives Study Abroad Program in Certaldo, Italy and Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. For two years she worked at J.Cotter Galleries and Studio in Vail, Colorado as gallery manager and assistant studio manager.
Currently, she is currently teaching at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH. Saneholtz has been published in several books, including Art Jewelry Today II edited by Jeffery Snyder and Humor in Craft by Brigitte Martin. Her work has been exhibited both nationally and
internationally and can be seen on display at in the Dorothy McKenzie Price Permanent Collection at Bowling Green State University as well as at the Racine Art Museum in Racine, WI. She is also co-founder of the Smitten Forum, an annual creative gathering of metalsmiths and
makers.

Manly-Man Brooches

Workshop Hours:

Saturday – Monday, 10 AM to 5 PM , with meal breaks

Cost: $475 plus $30 materials fee

Materials List: Provided upon registration or when ready

Registration: Limited to 8

Refund Policy: No refunds unless your workshop position can be filled by another person.

Lodging, Meals, Transportation:

Coming from out of town? Check AirBnB, Priceline, and other discounted online lodging sources, The Center will try help you make your stay comfortable and stress free while you are a workshop participant.