The Metals area at JMU encourages an explorative approach to art making as a part of our interdisciplinary Studio Art degrees. The Metals curriculum teaches the materials, techniques and concepts of jewelry and metalsmithing as a medium for artistic expression through the production of wearable, functional, and sculptural objects.

metals studio
Metals Area Objectives

These hands-on classes integrate a wide variety of techniques, and emphasize mastery of craft, mental flexibility, creative problem-solving, conceptual development, visual and verbal communication, refinement of form, and artistic voice. 

Metals faculty work closely with students, discussing the ideas emerging in their work and its relationship to contemporary art and culture, and supporting students in the development of the professional skills they need for life after college. 

It is our goal to graduate students who are technically and conceptually skilled and truly engaged with the world.

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Facilities

The Metals studios at JMU are a suite of five rooms on the second floor of Duke Hall. The studios have ample natural and artificial light, excellent ventilation, and were designed to help safeguard student’s health and safety while supporting their exploration of technique and material. 

The studio is well equipped and supports laser welding, micro-arc welding, soldering, die-forming, mass finishing, machining, hot forging, knife making, sand blasting, raising, stone setting, electroforming, aluminum and reactive metal anodizing, plating, etching, patination, centrifugal and vacuum casting, induction casting, powder coating, enameling, laser cutting and etching, table-top photography, and many other techniques. 

Advanced students and graduate students are provided with a separate and secure studio space within the Metals studio suite.

Hardware and Software Requirements

SADAH's programs require all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running any necessary software. SADAH considers a laptop an essential tool for total participation in classes and content. Read more about SADAH's hardware and software requirements.

Suggested Specifications

Operating System (OS) 
MacOS 

Storage (GB) 
512GB 

Screen Size (IN) 
13” 

Random Access Memory (RAM) 
32GB 

Graphics Memory (VRAM) 
6GB 

Processor (CPU) 
M3 pro or Intel 13th Gen i7 / i9 

Required Specifications

Operating System (OS) 
MacOS or Windows 11 

Storage (GB) 
512GB 

Screen Size (IN) 
13” 

Random Access Memory (RAM) 
16GB 

Graphics Memory (VRAM) 
4GB 

Processor (CPU) 
M3 pro or Intel 13th Gen i5

Required Software

Microsoft 365* 
Zoom*

 
 

 
 


 


*Provided by JMU

Metals Faculty
Profile Image for Mark Rooker

Mark Rooker

Studio Art Program Coordinator, Metals Area Head, Professor of Art

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Art, Design, and Art History
Duke Hall
MSC 7101
820 South Main Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
Email Us
540.568.6661/6216