METAL ARTS GUILD OF GEORGIA |
(Bouchon by Fyli Sissoko) Our Mission The mission of The Bronze Smiths initiative of MAGG is to diversify our organization to more adequately reflect the greater Atlanta community and to promote and foster anti-racism practices. The initiative is committed to paying homage to our ancestors who passed down the original metalsmithing craft, to branching out deeper within the community to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity and to planting seeds for a future generation of metalsmiths. We will engage with the Black community and other people of color to offer education and experiences that promote racial inclusiveness, celebrate cultural differences, and help address systemic racism. Ultimately, we are committed to providing a strong base for a future which is more equitable, more diverse and embraces the intersection of tradition and new techniques. Just like the discovery of bronze, an alloy of different metals that together made it stronger and propelled society forward with new capabilities, we believe that if people of all shades worked together, we will be a stronger community. Our Plan of Action
Our Team Obayana Ajanaku Julie Bowser Lisa Heller Nicole Mermans Fyli Sissoko Aakofii Tucker Susan Wachler Karen Williams
Our Sponsors We want to thank Rio Grande for sponsoring our 'Honoring our Roots' workshops series with scholarship funding! Current Events For our second workshop in the 'Honoring our Roots' series we are honored to be hosting Lyndon Tsosie of House of Stamps with a lecture on April 14th, 2021 at 6pm 'The Essentials of Navajo Jewelry Making'. Lyndon will discuss the early beginnings (early 1900’s-present) of Navajo jewelry’s minimal use of machinery to create exquisite wearable art. This will be followed by a virtual workshop: 'The Making of a Navajo Bracelet' on Saturday, April 14, 2021. Students will learn to design and fabricate early first phase Navajo cuff bracelet using minimal tools to create. Follow this link to register https://metalartsguildga.org/Workshops Past Events We were excited to launch the 'Honoring Our Roots' series in November 2020 with Matthieu Cheminee as he discussed his book, 'Legacy: Jewelry Techniques of West Africa': "Part technical guide, part anthropological study, Legacy offers a glimpse into the daily lives and work habits of the jewellers of West Africa." To View the recording of the 'Legacy' Discussion with Matthieu click HERE ...and please consider making a donation to Matthieu's Toolbox Initiative November 2020 'Legacy' Discussion with Matthieu Cheminee 'Chain Making without Solder' with Matthieu Cheminee (10 Rio Grande scholarship recipients) |