There are so many wonderful things to look forward to this summer!  One of the best is Metals Week, part of the Idyllwild Arts Summer Program for Adults.  My mentor Deb Jemmott, jeweler and teacher extraordinaire, organizes Metals Week each year.  She convinces incredible metal artists/teachers to come to Idyllwild, CA, for a week to share their amazing skills in this hands-on program.  The only bad part is that you have to choose just one teacher.  (The good part, aside from the classroom experience, is that the teachers do demo presentations at the end of the day so you get a taste of what others are learning.)

This year I’m going to be taking Tom McCarthy’s class titled Found Objects.

Tom works with unusual materials that might not be considered “precious,” such as the concrete in the beautiful pendant above.  His skill as a jeweler allows us to see the beauty in a variety of objects and materials.  I’m very excited about his class.  To see more of his work, go to www.tommccarthyjewelry.com.

More good news: there are still openings in his class!  And, I just found out that there have been a few cancellations in other classes, as well.  The other fabulous teachers who are coming are Pauline Warg, Carol Webb, Charity Hall, Karen Christians, and Harold O’Connor.  If you’re interested in spending a week with a terrific group of metalsmithing junkies, working with great teachers by day and enjoying mountain air by night, then go to www.idyllwildarts.org.  Quickly.  Click on the Adults Program button.

I just realized that I haven’t voted yet.

I love this quote by John Lennon: “Evolution and all hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life.”

And who embrace the differences that make us special.