Celtic Knot

JOHNSON CITY (Feb. 21, 2018) – Those looking for a different way to observe St. Patrick’s Day can learn how to create a clover, Celtic knot or other symbol related to the holiday in a one-day class, “Crafting St. Patrick: Smithing a Celtic Knot,” on Saturday, March 10.

Offered by East Tennessee State University’s Office of Professional Development, this class will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Skillville, 224 W. Market St. (The main entrance is on Montgomery St. at the back of the building).

Participants will learn basic metalsmithing techniques, including sawing, piercing, filing, sanding, hammer texturing and stamping, as well as how to make jump rings and create a green patina on the metal.  They will create a piece of art out of copper or brass that may be used to hang in windows or on doors, or may be worn as a necklace.

Instructor Brandon Harrell, who holds a B.F.A. from ETSU and an M.F.A. from Bowling Green State University, both focused on jewelry and metalsmithing, has taught at the Toledo Museum of Art, the Idea Factory in Columbus, Ohio, and other galleries around the country.

“When I watched others demo this craft in school, I felt like this was not just a skill to be learned, but magic that I desired the ability to do myself,” Harrell said.

Enrollment is limited to 13.  The $149 class fee includes metal and other art supplies, and a list will be provided to registrants of items they will be responsible for bringing, such as protective gear and drawing materials.  Participants should make plans for lunch on their own.

For registration or more information, visit www.etsu.edu/professionaldevelopment and click the “Smithing a Celtic Knot” picture, or call 800-222-3878.