The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey’s Studio School, located in Summit, NJ, offers classes and workshops for artists of all ages and skill levels. Taught by experienced teaching artists, our programs span painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and more—providing a supportive environment for learning, exploration, and creative growth.

FALL SEMESTER 2026

Adult Jewelry Classes

8765/8771/8823 The Right Start: Jewelry Techniques
Instructor: Jill Hurant
8765 Mondays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
8771 Mondays, 12:30 – 3 PM
8823 Wednesdays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
Bring creativity and concentration to metalworking! This class is open to students of all levels: beginners will learn the basics, and intermediate students will learn new techniques. Some materials provided. Additional materials to be discussed in the first class.
8765/8771 10 session(s): 9/14 – 11/23 (no class on 9/21)
8823 10 session(s): 9/16 – 11/18
Tuition: member $445, non-member $475
Materials fee: $55

8798 Intermediate/Advanced Jewelry Fabrication
Instructor: Kelly Green Grady
Mondays, 6:30 – 9 PM
This comprehensive class is made for intermediate and advanced students, who will have the opportunity to build their skill set and knowledge. Students will plan and fabricate jewelry pieces of their own design in a fun and encouraging environment. Some materials provided. Additional materials will be discussed in the first class. This class is designed for students who have completed at least 2-3 prior semesters in fabrication.
8 session(s): 9/28 – 11/16
Tuition: member $350, non-member $380
Materials fee: $44

8793/8794 Jewelry & Metalsmithing
Instructor: Sue Sachs
8793 Tuesdays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
8794 Tuesdays, 7:30 – 10 PM
Study with working artist, master metalworker, and VACNJ instructor of more than 40 years, Sue Sachs! Learn jewelry and metalsmithing techniques through demonstrations, discussion, and individualized instruction using silver, copper, brass, or all three in combination. Start by designing your own piece and learn core techniques such as sawing, filing, soldering, texturing, and polishing to bring it to life. Students will be led through a skills–based curriculum, enabling them to learn and grow skills at their own level and pace. Please bring a sketchbook to the first class to work on your design and take notes. Some materials provided. Additional supplies to be discussed during the first class.
8793/8794 10 session(s): 9/15 – 11/17
Tuition: member $445, non-member $475
Materials fee: $55

8827 Wax Carving for Jewelry Casting
Instructor: Jessica Garber
Tuesdays, 12:30 – 3 PM
If you have ever wanted to try wax carving or jewelry making without a torch, this class is for you! Students will learn the fundamentals of wax carving and develop their own designs for rings, pendants, or brooches. Students will complete at least one design that will be ready for casting by the completion of the course. The instructor will provide recommendations for casting houses and assist students with making arrangements for casting. Finishing techniques will also be covered, and students will be able to practice on a sample ring. Some materials provided. Additional supplies to be discussed during the first class.
10 session(s): 9/15 – 11/17
Tuition: member $445, non-member $475
Materials fee: $55

8832 Intermediate/Advanced Jewelry Fabrication
Instructor: Kelly Green Grady
Wednesdays, 12:30 – 3 PM
This comprehensive class is made for intermediate and advanced students, who will have the opportunity to build their skill set and knowledge. Students will plan and fabricate jewelry pieces of their own design in a fun and encouraging environment. Some materials provided. Additional materials will be discussed in the first class. This class is designed for students who have completed at least 2-3 prior semesters in fabrication.
10 session(s): 9/23 – 11/25
Tuition: member $445, non-member $475
Materials fee: $55

8847 NEW! Jewelry Basics in Metalsmithing
Instructor: Kelly Green Grady
Wednesdays, 6:30 – 9 PM
Learn what it takes to make individualized jewelry! In this shorter session introductory course, students will learn the basics of metal fabrication such as sawing, annealing, soldering, adding texture, and finishing metals. Projects will include creating a simple ring band, textured pendants, and more!
5 session(s): 9/23 – 10/21
Tuition: member $252, non-member $272
Materials fee: $30

8848 The Magic of Metal Clay
Instructor: Kelly Green Grady
Wednesdays, 6:30 – 9 PM
Metal clay is a unique material that consists of particles of metal suspended in an organic binder. It can be formed like clay, and when fired yields a solid metal object. Students will be introduced to working with a silver-based metal clay. Learn how to model, texture, and set stones in clay that will be fired to create beautiful finished pieces of jewelry. No jewelry experience necessary! Some materials provided. Additional materials to purchase will be discussed in the first class. It is recommended that students bring their own molds with them to class. The Art Center provides one packet of metal clay that is included in the materials fee. If students need to purchase additional metal clay packets, they can do so online with recommendations provided by the Art Center. Please note that the first day of class is critical, as it covers instruction and demonstrations needed for success in this class.
5 session(s): 11/4 – 12/2
Tuition: member $252, non-member $272
Materials fee: $87

8858/8863 Mastering Jewelry Techniques & Designs
Instructor: Jill Hurant
8858 Thursdays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
8863 Thursdays, 12:30 – 3 PM
This class is made for intermediate and advanced students who already have experience in jewelry making and have an idea of what they would like to make. The instructor will provide one-on-one guidance and support on students’ individual projects. Students will continue to develop their metalsmithing knowledge and techniques. The instructor will teach more advanced skills, such as making box clasps and hinges.
8858/8863 10 session(s): 9/17 – 11/19
Tuition: member $445, non-member $475
Materials fee: $55

8808 Beaded Jewelry Creations
Instructor: Jessica Garber
Thursdays, 4 – 6:30 PM
Enjoy jewelry making without the use of heat or machinery! This class is a fun and relaxed environment where students will learn alternative ways to create jewelry. Learn to make bracelets using memory wire, string beaded necklaces while learning to create professional looking finished ends using crimp beads, bead tips, and attaching jump rings and clasps. Students will make their own earrings by learning to create head pin loops with round nose pliers. Students will also create popular stretch bracelets using elastic cord. These projects will be completed during this course using a beautiful variety of available beads. Color and pattern design options will also be discussed. Projects are designed for beginner students who want to explore jewelry crafts.
5 session(s): 10/29 – 12/3 (no class on 11/26)
Tuition: member $252, non-member $272
Materials fee: $30