This is a comprehensive overview of Oxy-Acetylene and MIG welding. This workshop will cover studio and personal safety and welding equipment function. All participants will complete a small welded sculpture created using these forms of welding to take home.

Oxy-Acetylene welding covers the basics of oxy-acetylene welding and cutting, familiarization with the gas tanks, welding and metal cutting practices with the torch. Ocy-fuel is one of the oldest welding processes, though in recent years it has become less popular in industrial applications. However, it is still widely used for welding pipes and tubular structures, as well as repair work. It is also frequently well-suited (and favored) for fabrication of metal-based artwork.

“MIG” welding, or gas metal arc welding (GMAW), also known as metal inert gas welding, is a semi-automatic or automatic process that uses a continuous wire feed as an electrode and an inert or semi-inert gas mixture to protect the weld from contamination.

 In this beginning level workshop, students learn how to cut and measure sheet metal, file, solder, and set a cabochon stone of your choosing in a sterling silver ring. Students can decide between a Matte or High Shine finish, and we have a variety of cabochons to choose from in the studio. All materials are included.

Custom workshops are available as well, including: wedding ring workshops, teen welding intensives, and more!

Instructor Bio:

Kylie Weinzierl is a Boston area interdisciplinary artist, with a primary focus in metalsmithing, a background in sound art, multimedia installation and fabrication, as well as glass work, textile, and performance. Kylie received a Bachelor of the Arts from Arizona State University in 2019, and a Master of Fine Arts from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in February 2024. Kylie is the head Jewelry Instructor at Stonybrook Metal Arts & Sculpture School in Jamaica Plain and the Metals Studio Manager at Lexington Arts and Crafts Society in Lexington, MA. 

In this 2-Day workshop, students will use the delft clay casting technique and cast their minature sculptures and/or jewelry. The beginning of the class will be spent making and/or modifying wax and wire models. Students can start from scratch or use some of the provided samples as inspiration for their models. Then, students will make impressions of their models in delft clay, and pour in molten bronze to create a solid object! We will also go over casting finishing techniques like sanding, filing, and polishing. No prior experience necessary! Any students wishing to work in silver must reach out to the office (jewelry@stonybrookmass.org) at least 2 weeks prior to the class start date to pre-purchase materials.

Session 3

• June 21st & 22nd, 2025 ( Sat & Sun. 10am-2pm)

Instructor Bio: 

Emma Varteresian is a new graduate from SMFA at Tufts University, finishing with a BFA in studio art witha concentration in animation and metals and a BA in Environmental Studies. In Fall 2024 she will start grad school at Boston University in the Visual Narrative program. Through storytelling, Emma works with themes of identity, Armenian folklore and mythology, and generationaltrauma. Emma has always been inspired by the intricacies of the natural world and the profoundconnection between one’s environment and the human experience.