Department Head

Tracy Steepy

Graduate Program Director

Seth Papac

• Learn more about Jewelry + Metalsmithing at RISD

• Department Location and Contacts

Curriculum

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

• Post-Baccalaureate Program

Learning outcomes

Graduates of the BFA program are prepared to:

• think critically by questioning, evaluating options and being aware of their own working methodologies.

• articulate positions and defend decisions regarding materials, making processes, location of work on the body and intended audience.

• master the varied technical processes inherent to creating original work responsive to contemporary materials and methods.

• demonstrate a deep understanding of both traditional gold/silversmithing and contemporary jewelry making, in terms of methods, history and culture.

• understand personal aspirations in order to work from an authentic position and establish a self-reflective practice.

• create work that is personally expressive and responsive to evolving global values.

• be a conscientious practitioner by sourcing materials that consider environmental sustainability and other factors.

• develop the agility, skills, sensibilities and rigor necessary to sustain a creative practice.

Graduates of the MFA program are prepared to:

• be conversant with research precedents and conditions to establish premises for original work.

• articulate and defend the positioning of original work in light of historical, theoretical and conceptual influences.

• understand the distinctions between and benefits of visual and verbal modes of communication in studio practice by both creating and describing original work.

• situate one's work in contemporary contexts and advance the broader conversation in the field.