Shorewood’s ceramics room holds another class that welds metals together to create a different kind of art. This class is Jewelry and Metals, taught by Lori Chase.
“It’s a super fun, unique class. You’ll make a lot of cute, fun jewelry, and even if you don’t like jewelry, there’s picture frames… key chains too. And you can talk with your friends and hang out. It’s pretty chill,” says junior Rose Gallagher, who took the class last semester.
Those who have taken art classes at Shorewood know the relaxing and welcoming environment that the classes bring. Jewelry and Metals is no exception to that. The class has a structure where you are given creative freedom while also maintaining a steady amount of assignments to keep you engaged.
Keeping up with the assignments means being present and attentive in class. “You have to come almost every day, or it’s really a hard class to catch up on. This is a CTE class. It’s just hard to make up because you can’t go to the library and do what you were supposed to do in here, and you can’t really do it at home. So attendance is really important,” said Chase.
This class has been running for about 30 years, even before Chase taught the class. Chase was originally a shop teacher for middle school before coming to Shorewood, so she has experience with teaching kids how to safely operate machinery. “I like teaching kids how to use machines because it’s so empowering, and I see confidence grow…If you feel confident and proud of your work, what more can I ask for?” says Chase.
In the classroom, students learn how to use machines to weld and solder. Even learning to use torches at one point. But first, the students must know and show that they know how to operate the machinery wisely and safely.
Many know the benefits of taking an art class, such as broadening your creative thinking and discovering new interests and hobbies, but with Jewelry and Metals, you learn to think in a different way than most art classes. “It helps you think and create in 3D. Everything but this [class] is two-dimensional… It’s good if you learn the parts, learn the safety rules, demonstrate it, then you can do it. It’s just good skills to have, life skills,” says Chase.
For those needing an art credit or just looking to expand their creative horizons, keep Jewelry and Metals in room 1406 in mind. It might be the right class for you.
