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Richard Tsosie, Diné (Navajo), is a jeweler and sculptor from Flagstaff, Arizona, and the Wide Ruins area of the Navajo Nation. He currently lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. His work has been featured in American Indian Art Magazine, Arizona Highways, the video Beyond Tradition: Contemporary Indian Art and Its Evolution, and several books, including Southwestern Indian Jewelry by Dexter Cirillo and Enduring Traditions: Art of the Navajo by Jerry Jacka. His art is on permanent exhibition at the Smithsonian, the Heard Museum, the Museum of Us in San Diego, and the Museum of Northern Arizona. His work has also been photographed by renowned photographer Jerry Jacka.

Richard’s contemporary silver and gold work features fabrication, overlay, and granulation. He is also known for his colorful inlay work using a variety of natural stones, as well as his precision and attention to detail. His designs are inspired by the natural world, particularly the Wide Ruins area of the Navajo Nation, where he spent much of his youth. Richard says of his work, “I am inspired by the colors of the mountains at sunset, the patterns of shadow and light that emerge at dawn, and the pinpoints of starlight against the black night sky.”

Tools & Materials

A basic metalsmithing tool kit is provided to each student as part of your lab fee, but you’re welcome to bring any personal jewelry-making tools you already own.

We work with each instructor to develop a materials list for their workshop and, whenever possible, purchase the materials needed for the planned projects. The exception is workshops that utilize silver. Because of the cost of silver, participants in these workshops will be responsible for purchasing their own silver to work with. A specific materials list, including reputable suppliers and the amount needed for the planned class project, will be provided upon registration. Silver supplies may cost up to $300 USD, depending on the project and current metal prices.

For workshops using other metals or materials, the cost of those supplies will generally be calculated into your lab fee. A comprehensive list of what is provided and what you will need to purchase will be sent upon registration.

Safety & Studio Clothing

Please bring closed-toe shoes, which must be worn in the studio at all times, as well as comfortable clothing suitable for working in a studio environment. Natural fibers are generally recommended. If natural-fiber clothing is not possible, wearing an apron is encouraged; aprons are available for participant use in the studio.

If you have long hair, please bring a hair tie or clip to keep it securely pulled back. We also recommend bringing hearing protection and any personal safety equipment you prefer to use, such as safety glasses, an apron, or other protective gear. Basic eye and ear protection will also be available in the studio.

Personal & Studio Items

You’re welcome to bring a sketchbook and photos or other visual references for inspiration. For additional comfort during long studio sessions, consider bringing a seat cushion or padding. If you use Optivisors, you are welcome to bring your own; a limited number will be available onsite.

Bedding & Bath

Towels for personal and studio use
Toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
A personal pillow, if preferred
Clothing & Weather

51����’s mountain weather can vary throughout the summer, so we recommend packing for a range of conditions. Temperatures can occasionally drop to around 40°F, especially in the evenings, while particularly warm days can reach around 80°F.

Appropriate footwear — campus is very hilly

• Comfortable socks
• Shorts
• Pants
• Sweatshirts or other warm layers
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Bathing suit — the campus has a pool
• Other Comforts
• Reusable water bottle
• Travel mug
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Medications, if needed
• Music device and headphones
• Any favorite personal safety gear

The campus store carries some of the items listed above, and there are grocery stores and other shops available in town for additional supplies.

A typical studio day begins at 9:00 AM after breakfast in the dining hall. Mornings are generally the most instruction-focused part of the day. Instructors may begin with demonstrations, introduce new skills, or check in with participants individually. Teaching styles vary. Some instructors address the class as a whole, while others prefer to work with participants one-on-one. Studio Assistants work alongside the instructor throughout the day, helping to answer questions, reinforce demonstrations, and provide additional support as you work through your projects.

The morning is primarily spent in the studio, with opportunities to step outside for a break as needed. Water is available just outside the studio, and participants are always encouraged to take a walk around campus, get some fresh air, or simply take a break.

Lunch is served from 12:00–1:00 PM. Assistants typically close the studio during lunch and head to the dining hall themselves. Studio time resumes at 1:00 PM and continues until 4:00 PM, when the formal class session ends. Afternoons generally transition into more independent studio time, giving participants an opportunity to continue working on their projects at their own pace.

Dinner is served from 5:00–7:00 PM. The time between the end of class and dinner is a good opportunity to continue working, freshen up, take a break, or explore campus.

Evenings are an active part of the Summer Program, with artist talks, activities with visiting craftspeople, gallery hours, and opportunities to visit other studios. Participants are encouraged to take advantage of these offerings. The studio may also remain open after dinner for additional work time, overseen by the Studio Assistants. Evening studio access is intended for independent work, and Assistants may occasionally need to step away for a break or to participate in other program activities.

The lab fee covers access to studio facilities and equipment, as well as common materials, consumables, and supplies used during your workshop. In most cases, silver is not included and must be purchased separately by participants.

Lab fees also cover supplies that your instructor has requested we order or provide specifically for the workshop. Depending on the workshop, these costs may include items such as gas, solder, flux, saw blades, sandpaper, and materials used for demonstrations.

Coordinators calculate these costs specifically for each workshop to accurately reflect the supplies used throughout the week. A complete list of materials and consumables provided through your lab fee will be available after registration.

Generous donors have made a limited number of scholarships and fellowships available for Native American community leaders, artists, community members, and teachers participating in adult workshops.

Scholarships include workshop tuition, dorm housing, and all meals provided by the campus dining service.

Please note: Transportation to and from campus, registration fees, and lab fees are not included in scholarship awards.

Scholarship Details:

Scholarships are available to Native American community members, leaders, artists, and teachers ages 18 and older with current tribal affiliation or proof of descent. These scholarships are intended to support the traditional transfer of knowledge within Indigenous communities by welcoming participants to workshops at 51���� Arts that can benefit both the scholarship recipient and their school or tribal home community.

Applicants must explain how this opportunity will enhance their understanding of Indigenous arts and how they may share or apply that knowledge within their home communities. Applicants with demonstrated financial need may receive priority.

Scholarships are also available for Native American teens participating in both the Summer Program and the 51����.

Click for more information about adult scholarships.

Metals J.A.M. is coordinated by Fernanda Gaspar and Edward Donato, who are available to answer questions about workshops, materials, scheduling, registration, or other program-related information.

Please contact both coordinators with any questions:

Fernanda Gaspar: mwcoordinator@idyllwildarts.org
Edward Donato: metals@idyllwildarts.org

If your question is better suited for someone else, Fernanda and Edward will be happy to point you in the right direction.