Ashley Gilreath

Illuminate Your Work: Saw and Solder Champlevé

September 27 - October 2, 2026

Open to All Skill Levels

Enamels, Jewelry, Metals

Overview

This workshop introduces students to champlevé, a specialized enameling process where artists inlay and fire enamels into recessed areas of a metal surface. Students of all skill levels can begin with the saw and solder champlevé method, first piercing a design into metal with a jeweler’s saw and then soldering it onto a secondary metal background. This creates a field of recessed cells, which students will fill with fundamental champlevé processes, including depletion gilding, metallic foil application, wet packing, and kiln firing. Students will also learn how to use color theory, layering, and blending of the enamel to create the illusion of depth in their work. This class is for makers who wish to cultivate skills in both metalsmithing and enameling techniques simultaneously.

Course Fee : $852.00

Scholarships & Material Fees

Need help covering workshop costs? Arrowmont offers financial aid opportunities to broaden access to our arts and craft programs. We believe a diverse community enriches the learning experience for all.

Material fees are not included in our national workshop costs, but are included with the cost of our winter short workshops. A material list with estimated costs will be emailed about 30 days before the national workshop begins.

TUITION & FEES

SCHOLARSHIPS

Cost Breakdown

Registration Fee

$50.00

One Week Workshop Tuition

$852.00

Estimated Cost*
*Fees exclude housing and meal plans

$902.00

VIEW HOUSING & MEAL PLAN COSTS

Artist Bio

Ashley Gilreath

Ashley is an artist and educator who works with metal and enamel, creating jewelry and artwork that explore the hidden narratives and genealogical history found in everyday objects and heirlooms. She is a graduate of the Metal Design program at East Carolina University and has been an Artist-in-Residence at prestigious institutions like Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Lillstreet Art Center, and the Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft. Her work has been exhibited at the Museum of Arts and Design, the Fuller Craft Museum, and the Metals Museum, and she has been published in Lark Books and American Craft Magazine. Ashley teaches workshops in both metalsmithing and enameling at craft schools around the country.

Artist Website

Explore the Metals Studio

With views that overlook our wood hillside, the Metal Studio is located in our main Turner Building. Central aisles of dedicated workbenches, with a bank of windows on one side and vented multi-use tables for casting, soldering, and finishing on the other. This vaulted studio is a jeweler’s favorite. Ideal for smaller metal work of all kinds, the long narrow space includes hammer and machine rooms, outdoor covered porch for larger fabrication, and a shared kiln room with the Glass Studio.

Explore the Metals Studio