Students from six local school districts recently had the opportunity to learn metalsmithing skills and use them to create their own unique pieces of jewelry during a Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Honors Program event.
“The hands-on experience was just what the young artists needed,” Honors Program Coordinator Deborah Schoff said. “Many realized metalsmithing is more difficult than they thought. The four-hour workshop allowed students plenty of time to practice and develop this new skill. They were inspired by each other and created many lovely pieces of jewelry.”
Metalsmith artist Marissa Perkins from Creative Roots Studio presented the “Metal Stamping” Honors Program workshop to students from Herkimer, Owen D. Young and Poland on Nov. 6 and to students from Dolgeville, Frankfort-Schuyler and West Canada Valley on Nov. 13. Students who participated were in grades 9-12. Both sessions took place at the Herkimer BOCES Gateway Center in Herkimer.
The Herkimer BOCES Honors Program is open to students in Herkimer BOCES component school districts and is designed to support the potential of students in grades 3-12 who have above average interests and abilities in a particular area. Programs allow for interaction with like-minded peers. Students learn by engaging in educational activities with presenters who are noted in their field. Exploration and programs provide for different learning styles and include topics in the arts and sciences as well as literature and history. Ongoing evaluation of all programs by teachers and students assures their relevance and quality.
