Rhode Island School of Design

Jewelry + Metalsmithing's department
Spanning the gamut from traditional goldsmithing to experimental processes and materials, Jewelry + Metalsmithing offers a tight-knit community of students and faculty fully engaged with the discipline. Critical analysis and an open exchange of ideas support each individual’s exploration of the relationship of jewelry to the body.

The Department is further distinguished by the RISD community that extends beyond our studios and offers students a uniquely well rounded artistic experience. Jewelry + metalsmithing students have access to exceptional resources including the world-class RISD Museum of Art collection, our magnificent contemporary library of art and design, a Nature Lab of specimens from the natural world, and ongoing collaboration with our renowned neighbor Brown University. RISD’s high standards of excellence in 19 major disciplines, as well as the caliber of students, faculty, facilities and resources generate a fertile setting for creative practice.

General Information
The RISD Jewelry + Metalsmithing Department offers a four-year undergraduate program (BFA) and a two-year graduate program (MFA) that allow for a wide range of approaches, from the goldsmith’s tradition to contemporary modes of experimentation. The department’s size and high ratio of faculty to students promote individual attention, free exchange of information and guided support. Department facilities support advanced and specialized work. Students have access to machine, forming and computer rooms as well as individual bench space, torch and ventilation. A full-time technician maintains the facilities to ensure a safe, efficient working environment. The program also offers highly technical elective classes in electroforming and CAD-CAM. Between fall and spring terms, the unique structure of Wintersession allows students to work intensively for six weeks with international visiting faculty or to explore interdisciplinary options.

Upon graduation students have gained critical and technical skills required to produce a body of work, exhibition, a digital portfolio and website, providing the network and confidence to enter the professional arena of their choice, from designer to fine artist.

Financial Support
All RISD J+M MFA acceptance offers to include an amount of fellowship and assistantship support. Fellowship funding is applied directly towards tuition. Departmental Assistantships provide financial assistance, along with teaching and professional experience. Additional merit and need-based support is available through departmental scholarships, which total over fifty thousand dollars and are allocated as appropriate across the J+M graduate program.
>>For more information check here.