Amy Wilderson loves so many things about being a teaching artist but the one that excites her the most is being able to share this art form that so many people have never considered being something that they could actually do. It’s an absolute joy for her to be able to assist participants as they explore and expand their thinking about creativity, color schemes, and even what is “acceptable” as elements of jewelry making. The participants’ memories develop into narratives or stories during her memory jewelry course. Amy feels that everyone has something special and interesting about themselves and their lives. She also feels that everyone has a creative inclination that might not have had the chance to show itself. Jewelry-making has been a fascinating way to bring those stories to life while tapping into creativity.
In her classes, Amy encourages students to explore and stretch the ‘rules’ of jewelry. Who made those rules anyway? “When the students find something treasured or special from their own lives to share with the class, they are beginning to breathe or bend new life into that element, so we spend some time exploring the ‘rules’ around mixing metals and color schemes. Ultimately, this is their piece and it reflects a significant element of their lives, so it is important that they feel connected to it.”
More About the Artist
In Amy’s own work, she uses metalsmithing, wire-working, and knotting techniques, to tap into memory, culture, and heritage by reviving forgotten treasures (orphan earrings, broken dishes, souvenirs, etc) along with surplus or discarded items (computer elements, bra underwires, vintage glass Mardi Gras beads) and reclaimed metals, then connects them with gemstones that are associated with myth, power, and healing to create wearable, living stories.
Program Offerings
Residencies
Reviving Forgotten Treasures, Reviving Memories
In this course, we will make a fabulous piece of jewelry out of an item we once held dear, really liked, but never found an occasion to wear, or something that broke and ended up at the bottom of a treasure box. Now’s our chance to make it into something new. This is also a class about sharing the memories and significance of the treasured piece. We’ll learn how to craft a short elevator pitch-type response and a longer narrative/story about how you created this amazing new piece of jewelry out of something old. We will end the class with a presentation where each student will share their work and the origin story that they’ve revived with their new piece.
Note: can be offered as a workshop as well. Class size limit is 10 participants
You Made It From What?! An Intro to Upcycling
Upcycling is the practice of taking something old, used, or broken and making it into something entirely new. This class is a combination of learning basic wirework skills and expanding our horizons through stretching our creativity in making bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and even rings out of something unheard of. Students will be encouraged to bring ‘challenge’ from their own junk drawers or shoeboxes to share ideas with the rest of the class.
Note: can be offered as a workshop as well. Class size limit is 10 participants
Workshops
Thanks, I Made It! An Intro to Wire Work
This class is an introduction to WireWork in its many forms. We’ll learn the basics of creating beautiful wire jewelry (loops, beads, clasps, and findings). Then we will explore different forms such as links, free-form, and cages. By the end of this class, the students will have completed at least one piece of jewelry, and be well on their way to creating so much more.
You Made It From What?! An Intro to Upcycling
Upcycling is the practice of taking something old, used, or broken and making it into something entirely new. This class is a combination of learning basic wirework skills and expanding our horizons through stretching our creativity in making bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and even rings out of something unheard of. Students will be encouraged to bring ‘challenge items’ from their own junk drawers or shoeboxes to share ideas with the rest of the class.
I recently completed a 10-week Reviving Forgotten Treasures wire wrapping jewelry-making course (from 9/21/24 to 11/23/24), led by Amy Wilderson. This course was generously funded by a grant from COMPAS and sponsored by the Minneapolis African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (MAAHMG). When I first read the course description in the MAAHMG newsletter, I immediately thought of my late mother’s jewelry. It felt like the perfect opportunity to transform an old, forgotten piece into something new and meaningful. I saw it as a
chance to honor my mother’s legacy while adding my personal touch and creating something I could wear close to my heart.
Amy was an exceptional instructor for this course. Her extensive life experience and knowledge of jewelry design created an atmosphere of community and camaraderie, allowing us to share our experiences in a safe, nurturing space. Amy’s teaching style fostered a flow of creativity I hadn’t experienced in a long time. Her patient, calming presence—truly, she has the patience of a goddess—coupled with her helpful guidance on tool handling and safe techniques, made this
journey a rewarding learning experience. We were also provided with sketchbooks, encouraging us to capture any ideas or inspirations that came to mind.
I wholeheartedly recommend this course, especially with Amy, to anyone looking to explore their creativity and gain the confidence to express themselves through jewelry-making. Amy’s gentle encouragement is the perfect catalyst to help you spread your wings and let your creativity soar.SpinWeaver™
