Currently an adjunct professor at Rowan University, Nash Quinn is a metalsmith who works with a broad range of materials, techniques, and formats. Originally from Wyoming, he received his BFA from the University of Wyoming and his MFA from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Nash worked for two years as the metalsmithing studio coordinator at Peters Valley School of Craft, and where he is currently a member of the Board of Directors. He has taught, lectured, and exhibited work nationwide.

To see more of Nash’s work visit nashquinn.com and follow him on Instagram @nash.quinn

Nash will be teaching Keep Your Pants On: The Art of the Belt Buckle at Touchstone from July 9-13, 2018. In this workshop, students will explore the fun and offbeat format of the belt buckle! Learn fundamental metalsmithing skills as well as advanced tips and tricks. Experiment with templates and found objects to knock out a custom buckle quickly, or make every detail from scratch for the ultimate one-of-a-kind creation. Bring your own belt or utilize one provided. Skill development will focus on planning, soldering, and finishing, and emphasis will be placed on building a sturdy, functional, and beautiful piece. You will walk out of the workshop with your pants held high by a unique, handmade buckle! This workshop is suitable for All Levels.
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Michael Magniafico is a glass artist and teacher working in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated with a BFA in glass art from Carnegie Mellon University in 1985 and has continued his education by attending or teaching glass art seminars across the globe. In 1996, Michael built a glass studio, FIG Studios—Forms in Glass. He designs and creates sculpture and craft items from glass by blowing, casting, torch working, and cold work. FIG Studios has work in fine art galleries across the country.

To see more of Michael’s work visit figstudios.com and follow him on Instagram @deedleweed

Michael will be teaching 2 workshops this season at Touchstone.

Marbles and Beads from June 25–29, 2018 is during our Teen Week and for students in grades 9–12. In this workshop, students will explore the world of creating flameworked glass, marbles, and beads. Melting colorful soda lime glass that was manufactured in Italy, we will make and incorporate traditional Venetian Zanfirico (fancy twisted glass canes or pattern bars) into magnificent disks and orbs of delight. Pursue the anatomy of a well-proportioned marble or bead all the while playing with sparkly dichroic coated glass. We will then have fun transforming said creations into enjoyable tops, pendants, and fetching sculpture. This workshop is for Teens and suitable for All Levels.
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For the adults, Michael will be teaching A Little Bit of Everything at Touchstone from July 30–August 3, 2018. In this workshop, students will explore the rich possibilities of working within the glass medium. Create one-of-a-kind works of art while you learn different glass working techniques, such as kiln worked tiles, flame worked beads and marbles, and small blown vessels and ornaments. Throughout this class, we will learn multiple processes that will lead to a broader understanding of the multitude of options available in glass working. This workshop is suitable for All Levels.
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Born in Japan, Kensuke Yamada came to the United States to attend Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, where he received his bachelor of arts degree. He earned an MFA from University of Montana, Missoula. Since then, he has been a resident artist at the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana and the Clay Studio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; a guest artist and adjunct instructor at the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia; and a visiting artist, studio technician, and adjunct faculty member at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Kensuke is a sculptor creating layered narratives within his figurative works. His playful figurative work has been exhibited throughout the United States.

To see more of Kensuke’s work visit kensukeyamada.com and follow him on Instagram @kensuke_yamada

Kensuke will be teaching Coil Building Expressive Figures at Touchstone from July 9–13, 2018. In this workshop, students will create figurative work using basic hand-building methods, such as coil building and pinching. Demonstrations include various hand-building techniques used in making figurative forms. Individual instruction helps you make your own unique narrative figure. We will discuss glazing techniques and how to personalize your piece. This workshop is suitable for All Levels.

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Originally from the Boston area, Andrew Meers has a BFA in sculpture from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and received his MFA in blacksmithing and metalsmithing from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Currently residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Andrew recently earned his American Bladesmithing Society Mastersmith rating. Andrew is a former artist-in-residence at the National Ornamental Metal Museum. He has taught workshops at the Appalachian Center for Crafts, the National Ornamental Museum, and Penland School of Crafts.

To see more of Andrew’s work visit andrewmeers.com and follow him on Instagram @mr.meers

Andrew will be teaching Introduction to Bladesmithing at Touchstone from June 18–22, 2018. In this workshop, students will design and create a small-scale utility knife. We will primarily focus on learning and practicing the forging and shaping of blades. While you can expect to leave with a forged and heat-treated blade, the main goal of the workshop is to learn basic bladesmithing processes, and if time permits—complete a knife. This workshop is suitable for All Levels.

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