Art piece “Bonds” made by student, Lorie Kaufman Rees, using stainless steel, wood, and photo transfer material. Credit: Courtesy of Jennifer McCracken
Students from the Priscilla R. Tyson Columbus Cultural Arts Center’s metalsmithing and enameling studios are showcasing their work in a new exhibition that highlights unique metalworking techniques.
Christine Hill, CCAC instructor and studio manager, said the exhibit — titled “Cold Connections: Art From the Metal Smith & Enamel Studios” — will feature various works, including jewelry, tools and sculptures from CCAC students. As its title suggests, the exhibit focuses on cold connections, a form of metalworking that relies on techniques like bolting, wire wrapping and riveting as opposed to heat or soldering.
This exhibit will be on view at the center’s Loft Gallery, located at 139 W. Main St., until Dec. 14, according to CCAC’s website.
Hill said the skill levels of featured artists range from beginner to advanced metalworkers.
“You’re going to see people that are beginners, this being their first session, and you’re going to see people who are very masterful in the technique,” Hill said. “It’s part of the fun — the community being able to see where people begin and where they go in the end — but all of the pieces are really beautifully finished.”
Jennifer McCracken, the Loft Gallery’s coordinator, said in choosing this exhibition, she wanted to highlight classes that are often overlooked.
“People, when they want to take classes, they think painting and drawing or ceramics; they don’t realize metalsmithing and how attainable it is,” McCracken said.
McCracken said beginners can easily engage with cold connections, as the art form is more accessible than soldering and allows for a wide range of possible creations, from keychains to jewelry to sculptures.
“You can create a beautiful item by connecting with just tabs and rivets. It doesn’t take extra equipment to do,” McCracken said. “It makes it more accessible and gives people an opportunity, if you have a saw and a hammer, to create a beautiful piece and put multiple pieces together without having the solder.”
Hill said one of the class’ most fulfilling aspects has been witnessing participants’ diversity.
“I’ve got people that are in their 80s in classes, and I’ve got people in their early 20s. I have people that are all different identities — LGBTQ, different races and different income levels,” Hill said. “I think that, in terms of community art, it’s one of the most interesting things to see.”
Notably, Hill said visitors can purchase pieces on display. She said it’s up to each student to decide whether they want to sell their work, either through their own channels or through Created, the gallery’s official museum store, which is accessible both at the gallery and via its website.
“Some [students] are hobbyists, just there to have fun, and others are working on their small businesses and selling through Etsy or social media,” Hill said.
Hill said the eight-week cold connections courses — which are split into three-hour sessions once a week — are offered with support from the Columbus Park and Recreation program.
For more information, including how to register for future cold connections courses, visit CACC’s website.
