Instructor: Michelle Keller

Biography: Michelle Keller is a Master Metalsmith and the metal arts instructor at Central Oregon Community College. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts with emphasis in metalsmithing in 2008 from Boise State University. She then apprenticed with master goldsmith Mike Rogers of Precious Metal Arts in downtown Boise. She is the owner and founder of Union Studio Metals, her metal arts business. From the beginning, the most important goals of Union Studio Metals have included experimentation with materials, traveling to shows, purchasing stones, bring pets to work, and build a business organically that feels great! Her work has been sold in over 200 stores, galleries, and boutiques nationwide, including Arhaus, Smithsonian Renwick, and the Sundance Catalog. She has attended countless workshops and classes with all the top names in her craft. She believes that education in your craft is the best way to stay humble, manifest fresh ideas, and overcome burn out. When Michelle is not metalsmithing, you can find her walking doggies, traveling the western US, searching for the perfect tiki bar, and listening to true crime podcasts.

Classes by this instructor

Metal Arts: Build Your Own Textured Ring with Gemstone

Learn the basics of metalsmithing while making your own textured ring with a set gemstone! Metalsmithing techniques for this project include filing, sanding, ring sizing, forming, hammering, soldering, finish work, and more. The class will include a brief lecture on the metal arts and safety while working with metals, then a hands-on demonstration. By the end of the class, you will have made a unique textured ring with a set gemstone to take home with you! No experience necessary!
Friday, June 7, 2024 | 1:00pm-5:00pm | Bend

Metal Arts: Make Dangly Earrings

Learn the basics of metalsmithing while making your own custom dangly earrings! In this class, you will learn the basics of designing and building metalsmith earrings made from wire. By the end of the class, you will have made a finished pair of hand-built earrings to take home with you! All materials provided, and no experience necessary!
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 | 5:00pm-8:30pm | Bend

Metal Arts: Make a Spinner Ring

Learn the basics of metalsmithing while making your own fidget/spinner ring! Metalsmithing techniques for this project include filing, sanding, ring sizing, forming, hammering, finishing work, and more. The class will include a brief lecture on the metal arts and safety while working with metals, then a hands-on demonstration. By the end of the class, you will have made a unique spinner ring to take home with you! No experience necessary
Saturday, May 25, 2024 | 10:00am-2:00pm | Bend