Metal

1-Year Certificate at Kootenay School of the Arts, Nelson

Program faculty are undertaking a review of studio programming. See the program website for more details as they emerge (early spring 2011).

Program Calendar

Fall 2011

September 6 - Fall term begins - fees due
September 7 - Get Connected Orientation
December 9 - Fall classes end
December 12 to 16 - Critique week

Winter 2012

January 3 - Winter term begins - fees due
February 13 to 17 - Reading Break - note reading break may vary in length by program
April 5 - Winter classes end
April 10 to 18 - Critique week
April 20 - Graduation ceremonies

Fall 2012

September 5 - Fall term begins - fees due
December 7 - Fall classes end
December 10 to 21 - Critique week

Winter 2013

January 2 - Winter term begins - fees due
February 11 to 15 - Reading Break - note reading break may vary in length by program
April 5 - Winter classes end
April 8 to 16 - Critique week
April 19 - Graduation Ceremonies

The Metal program is a one-year, intensive certificate program. It is designed to give students the opportunity to explore personal expression in metal while gaining the discipline necessary to succeed in the metal marketplace.

Full time students can expect 27-30 hours per week in lecture and studio.

Program Objectives

The Metal studio introduces students to welded forms, forge work and metal casting. Through studio, forge and foundry demonstrations, discussions and exercises, students learn to design, draw and produce work in both ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Emphasis is on developing techniques and using appropriate tools safely. With the use MIG, TIG, arc, and oxy-acetylene welders and plasma cutting, students will learn how to create functional and non-functional welded forms. At the forge and anvil, students use repetitive practice to master age-old techniques and to gain control and confidence as they move toward production of traditional and contemporary ironwork. Foundry projects lead students throught the design and development of molds and patterns for cast, both for sculptural forms and studio production, and the pouring of molten metal.

Career Potential

The program is organized in two distinct components: blacksmithing, offered September through December; and metal casting, offered January through April. Students who are unable to attend school for a full eight-month period, or students whose interest is limited to either blacksmithing or metal casting, may register for a four-month term only, subject to seat availability.

Approximate Expenses

Total program expenses are comprised of both College Fees and Program Specific Fees.

Program Courses

Course of Studies

Translation key:

Crd = Credits
Lec = Lecture Hours per week;
Lab = Lab Hours per week;
Ttl = Total course hours

Courses marked as (D) are available via Distance Education.

Course of Studies
Course	Name	Cred	Lec	Lab	Ttl
Term 1
ME 121	Introduction to Metal Studio	1.0	12	12	24
ME 123	Introduction to Welded Forms	1.0	12	12	24
ME 125	Design for Fab/Blacksmithing	3.0	3	3	6
ME 127	Blacksmithing Fundamentals	3.0	12	12	24
ME 129	Advanced Techniques	3.0	12	12	24
ME 131	Production Processes	1.5	12	12	24
	Total:	12.5	63	63	126
Course	Name	Cred	Lec	Lab	Ttl
Term 2
ME 120	Pattern Casting	3	12	12	24
ME 122	Design for Casting	3.0	3	3	6
ME 124	Introduction to Bronze Casting	4.5	12	12	24
ME 126	Advanced Bronze Casting	4.5	12	12	24
	Total:	15	39	39	78

ME 121 Introduction to Metal Studio

This course will introduce students to shop culture and to safe operating practices for all tools in the shop. They will given an overview of the Metal studio program and will start to develop the skills necessary to proceed into Blacksmithing Fundamentals.

ME 123 Introduction to Welded Forms

This one-week component of the metal program will introduce students to the basic and safe use of each type of welders at this stage, including the MIG and the oxygen and acetylene welders. Students will also be introduced to the basic and safe use of the plasma cutter. Safe set-up and shut down will be emphasized. Samples of each procedure will be made to initiate the practice cycle necessary to master each technique.

ME 125 Design for Fab/Blacksmithing

This course provides students with knowledge, skills, and experience in four areas: drawing, design, professional practices, and metal craft history. The course complements student’s studio skills by providing technique and practice in their drawing and design work. The craft history component offers perspective and inspiration from both historical and contemporary sources, and the opportunity to incorporate this knowledge in practical studio practice.

ME 127 Blacksmithing Fundamentals

The Blacksmithing Fundamentals course develops students’ ability to manipulate hot steel with hammer and anvil. Following instructor demonstration and discussion, students will practice a variety of basic smithing techniques. Emphasis is on hammer control, proper tool use and how to apply knowledge gained to simple projects safely and effectively.

ME 129 Advanced Techniques

A four-week course which introduces students to a broader range of Blacksmithing skills and techniques. Built on a strong foundation of blacksmithing fundamentals, students’ ability to conceptualize and create advanced forms will be increased through tool making and creative problem solving.

ME 131 Production Processes

This three-week component of the metal program will introduce students to jig and die making. Combined with previous advanced skills already honed, students will design and execute a short production run of ornamental metal art.

ME 120 Pattern Casting

Is an eight-week component of a one-year intensive metal studio certificate program. This course will teach students design, foundry pattern making and foundry sand casting.

ME 122 Design for Casting

Students will create drawings and clay positives for applications towards bronze casting ideas that they will finish in the studio. They will be assigned projects that will be guided by the instructor along the way, i.e. Practicality, ease of moulding and casting, marketability etc.

ME 124 Introduction to Bronze Casting

For three in a half weeks, students will be introduced to the various processes involved in bronze casting. They will learn how to realize their projects from the conception stage to finished bronzes.

ME 126 Advanced Bronze Casting

For the last three in a half weeks of the seven weeks total of bronze casting, students will learn more advanced methods of sculpting, mould making and metal finishing. They will also learn the professional side of the bronze casting world from the perspective of an artist such as using foundries, galleries and marketing their work.

Staff

The following staff are associated with this program:

Robert Inwood

Core Instructor
Tel: 250.352.2821 Ext. 28
Email | More information

Denis Kleine

Metal Instructor
Tel: 250.352.2821 Ext. 31
Email | More information

Kevin Kratz