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During the open studio session, a studio assistant will be on site to monitor studio safety and provide general support. The assistant will have metalsmithing experience and be familiar with the studio and its equipment, so they can answer basic questions and help participants navigate the space.

Please note that this is not an instructional studio opportunity, and no faculty instructor will be present. The studio assistant will not provide formal instruction, demonstrations, or project-specific guidance. Participants should be comfortable working independently and managing their own projects.

Tools & Materials

We provide students with a basic metalsmithing tool kit as part of the lab fee; however, you’re welcome to bring any personal jewelry-making tools you already own. You are also encouraged to bring materials to work with, projects you’re currently trying to finish, or projects you’re planning to start.

We work with each instructor to develop a materials list for their workshop and, whenever possible, purchase the materials needed for the planned projects. The exception is workshops that utilize silver. Because of the cost of silver, participants in these workshops will be responsible for purchasing their own silver to work with. A specific materials list, including reputable suppliers and the amount needed for the planned class project, will be provided upon registration. Silver supplies may cost up to $300 USD, depending on the project and current metal prices.

For workshops using other metals or materials, the cost of those supplies will generally be calculated into your lab fee. A comprehensive list of what is provided and what you will need to purchase will be sent upon registration.

Safety & Studio Clothing

Please bring closed-toe shoes, which must be worn in the studio at all times, as well as comfortable clothing suitable for working in a studio environment. Natural fibers are generally recommended. If natural-fiber clothing is not possible, wearing an apron is encouraged; aprons are available for participant use in the studio.

If you have long hair, please bring a hair tie or clip to keep it securely pulled back. We also recommend bringing hearing protection and any personal safety equipment you prefer to use, such as safety glasses, an apron, or other protective gear. Basic eye and ear protection will also be available in the studio.

Personal & Studio Items

You’re welcome to bring a sketchbook and photos or other visual references for inspiration. For additional comfort during long studio sessions, consider bringing a seat cushion or padding. If you use Optivisors, you are welcome to bring your own; a limited number will be available onsite.

Bedding & Bath

Towels for personal and studio use
Toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
A personal pillow, if preferred
Clothing & Weather

Idyllwild’s mountain weather can vary throughout the summer, so we recommend packing for a range of conditions. Temperatures can occasionally drop to around 40°F, especially in the evenings, while particularly warm days can reach around 80°F.

Appropriate footwear — campus is very hilly

• Comfortable socks
• Shorts
• Pants
• Sweatshirts or other warm layers
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Bathing suit — the campus has a pool
• Other Comforts
• Reusable water bottle
• Travel mug
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Medications, if needed
• Music device and headphones
• Any favorite personal safety gear

The campus store carries some of the items listed above, and there are grocery stores and other shops available in town for additional supplies.

After breakfast in the dining hall, participants spend the day working on their personal projects. Everyone works at their own pace and independently while sharing a communal studio space with other participants. The studio becomes a community-oriented environment where participants are encouraged to take an interest in each other’s work, celebrate one another’s progress, offer help when appropriate, and uplift each other throughout the week.

Our typical studio day runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with a one-hour break for lunch. The studio will also remain open after dinner at 5:00 PM, with the space overseen by the Studio Assistant.

The lab fee covers access to the studio facilities and equipment, as well as common tools and supplies available for use during your open studio session.

Because Open Studio does not have a specific instructor or assigned project, participants are responsible for bringing or purchasing the materials they need for their individual projects. The lab fee covers commonly used shop supplies, which may include items such as gas, solder, flux, saw blades, sandpaper, and other general studio consumables.

Coordinators calculate these costs specifically for the Open Studio session to accurately reflect the supplies and resources available to participants. A complete list of tools and consumables provided through your lab fee will be available after registration.

Metals J.A.M. is coordinated by Fernanda Gaspar and Edward Donato, who are available to answer questions about workshops, materials, scheduling, registration, or other program-related information.

Please contact both coordinators with any questions:

Fernanda Gaspar: mwcoordinator@idyllwildarts.org
Edward Donato: metals@idyllwildarts.org

If your question is better suited for someone else, Fernanda and Edward will be happy to point you in the right direction.