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.

SPRING SEMESTER 2026

Adult Jewelry Classes

8435/8440/8485  The Right Start: Jewelry Techniques
Instructor: Jill Hurant
8435 Mondays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
8440 Mondays, 12:30–3 PM
8485 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.
8435/8440 10 session(s): 3/30–6/8 (no class on 5/25)
8485 10 session(s): 4/1–6/3
Tuition: member $422, non-member $452
Materials fee: $53

8447 Wax Carving for Jewelry Casting
Instructor: Jessica Garber
Mondays, 3:30–6 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): 3/30–6/8 (no class on 5/25)
Tuition: member $422, non-member $452
Materials fee: $53

8452/8491 Intermediate/Advanced Jewelry Fabrication
Instructor: Kelly Green Grady
8452 Mondays, 6:30–9 PM
8491 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.
8452 9 session(s): 3/30–6/8 (no class on 5/18, 5/25)
8491 9 session(s): 4/1–6/10 (no class on 5/20, 5/27)
Tuition: member $380, non-member $410
Materials fee: $50

8458/8459 Jewelry & Metalsmithing
Instructor: Sue Sachs
8458 Tuesdays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
8459 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.
8458/8459  10 session(s): 3/31–6/2
Tuition: member $422, non-member $452
Materials fee: $53

8466 Introduction to Contemporary Jewelry Creations
Instructor: Jessica Garber
Tuesdays, 12:30–3 PM
Explore contemporary jewelry practices and learn to engineer your own modern jewelry! Contemporary jewelry styles—such as dainty pendants, bezel-set stones, bold cuff bracelets, cage settings, and kinetic jewelry—are the inspiration for this class. Learn to make unique bails and jump ring components of your jewelry design, rather than just functional elements. Creative approaches to engineering the final designs will be taught for pieces that incorporate movement. Students will be encouraged to think outside the box and will be guided in expanding on traditional techniques and incorporating contemporary methods. Please bring a sketchbook to the first day of class. Students who wish to work with silver must purchase their own and bring it to class. The instructor will provide recommendations on where to purchase silver on the first day of class.
10 session(s): 3/31–6/2
Tuition: member $422, non-member $452
Materials fee: $53

8517/8518  Mastering Jewelry Techniques & Designs
Instructor: Jill Hurant
8517 Thursdays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
8518 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.
10 session(s): 4/2–6/4
Tuition: member $422, non-member $452
Materials fee: $53