Syracuse University’s new Jewelry and Metalsmithing Club is providing a different creative outlet for students on campus.

The club, referred to as JAM, was founded earlier this year by Adah Brophy, a sophomore in SU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts and president of the organization. Brophy has been creating jewelry since high school.

JAM hosts workshops for students interested in making their own jewelry, as well as providing a jewelry repair service for broken pieces. The club is open to students with a variety of experience levels, from people who have been making jewelry for years to students who have never tried metalsmithing.

Brophy said she wanted to develop an organization on campus for students to express their creativity and learning the basic skills of jewelry making. Establishing a base for students to learn about the craft she loves has been exciting, she said, because the craftsmanship has inspired her as both an artist and as a person.

While the jewelry and metalsmithing department at SU is small, she said she hopes JAM will hopefully spark more interest on campus.

JAM hosts member meetings and creative workshops. Official members meet the first Saturday of every month, while those only interested in participating in workshops can learn how to make jewelry every Saturday afternoon.

Workshops vary in focus and include topics such as learning how to string a basic bracelet and necklace or stamping metal into medallions. During these workshops, students also learn how to do jewelry repair on broken pieces. JAM is in the process of organizing a method for students to sell their jewelry as well.

Brophy said JAM provides an opportunity for students from all majors and schools on campus to engage in creative thinking and artistic design, as well as to relieve stress and develop confidence in one’s work.

The club meets on Saturdays from noon to 1:30 p.m. in room 120 at the Comstock Art Facility.

Published on September 24, 2018 at 12:30 am