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 2026

Adult Jewelry Classes

8193 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): 1/5–3/9
Tuition: member $422,
non–member $452
Materials fee: $53

8198 NEW! Chains & Charms: a Modern Twist on Timeless Classics
Instructor: Jessica Garber
Mondays, 6:30–9 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.
10 session(s): 1/5–3/9
Tuition: member $422,
non–member $452
Materials fee: $53

8205/8206 Jewelry & Metalsmithing
Instructor: Sue Sachs
8205 Tuesdays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
8206 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.
8205/8206 10 session(s): 1/6–3/10
Tuition: member $422,
non–member $452
Materials fee: $53

8214 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. Students will learn new approaches to modernizing their designs. 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. Recommendations on where to purchase silver will be provided in class.
10 session(s): 1/6–3/10
Tuition: member $422,
non–member $452
Materials fee: $53

8182/8187/8256/8334 The Right Start: Jewelry Techniques
Instructor: Jill Hurant
8182 Mondays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
8187 Mondays, 12:30–3 PM
8256 Wednesdays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
8334 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.
8182/8187 6 session(s): 2/2–3/9
8256/8334 6 session(s): 2/4–3/11
Tuition: member $255,
non–member $275
Materials fee: $32

8288/8295 Mastering Jewelry Techniques & Designs
Instructor: Jill Hurant
8288 Thursdays, 9:30 AM–12 PM
8295 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.
8288/8295 6 session(s): 2/5–3/12
Tuition: member $255,
non–member $275
Materials fee: $32