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.

WINTER SEMESTER 2027

Adult Jewelry Classes

8977/8983/9022/9023 The Right Start: Jewelry Techniques
Instructor: Jill Hurant
8977 Mondays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
8983 Mondays, 12:30 – 3 PM
9022 Wednesdays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
9023 Wednesdays, 12:30 – 3 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.\
8977/8983 6 session(s): 2/1 – 3/8
9022/9023 6 session(s): 2/3 – 3/10
Tuition: member $257, non-member $287
Materials fee: $33

9000/9001 Jewelry & Metalsmithing
Instructor: Sue Sachs
9000 Tuesdays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
9001 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.
9000/9001 10 session(s): 1/5 – 3/9
Tuition: member $445, non-member $475
Materials fee: $55

9197 Chains & Charms: a Modern Twist on Timeless Classics
Instructor: Jessica Garber
Tuesdays, 12:30 – 3 PM
Join this class to create beautiful one-of-a-kind jewelry chains and charms! Students will learn how to solder, alter soldered links into different shapes, create link patterns, and make custom toggle clasps. They will also learn how to make round links, twist infinity, and the popular “paper clip” style link. Charms will also be discussed and demonstrated. Fabrication using tools such as the jeweler’s saw, rolling mill, dapping blocks, and hollow form bead soldering techniques will be shown by the instructor.
9 session(s): 1/5 – 3/2
Tuition: member $400, non-member $430
Materials fee: $50

9046/9047 Mastering Jewelry Techniques & Designs
Instructor: Jill Hurant
9046 Thursdays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
9047 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.
9046/9047 6 session(s): 2/4 – 3/11
Tuition: member $257, non-member $287
Materials fee: $33

9058 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. All skill levels are welcome, and projects are designed for beginner students who want to explore jewelry crafts.
5 session(s): 2/18 – 3/18
Tuition: member $252, non-member $272
Materials fee: $30