Mindy Herrin-Lewis

Specimen: Smithing and Enamel on Natural Forms

June 21 - 26, 2026

Open to All Skill Levels

Metals, Jewelry, Enamels

Overview

This workshop combines metalsmithing and enameling processes to create colorful wearable art inspired by natural forms. Students will investigate metal as a pliable material, learning to shape and manipulate it by cutting, smithing, and soldering. Key smithing techniques covered include sinking, anticlastic and synclastic raising, and chasing with wood tools to replicate natural forms and create textures, patterns, and details. This workshop will explore color through enameling—the technique of applying glass to metal—allowing students to produce lush colors and rich surfaces by layering opaque and transparent enamels. Enameling techniques include sifting, wet packing, sgraffito, and enamel paint, with a focus on applying enamel to vertical surfaces and fusing both sides in one step.

Course Fee : $852.00

Download The Materials List

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

Mindy Herrin-Lewis

Mindy Herrin-Lewis is a figurative artist, metalsmith, and faculty member at East Tennessee State University, where she teaches all levels of metalsmithing, figurarive sculpture, and figure drawing. Based in Johnson City, Tennessee, she received her BFA from Texas Tech University and her MFA from Indiana University. Her work, which has a national exhibition record, combines precious metals with porcelain and enamel to explore themes such as growth, disease, preservation, and fertility. Herrin-Lewis was recognized early in her career as Art Jewelry Forum’s Emerging Artist 2002. Recent accomplishments include earning Best in Show at The Schwa Show and 1st Place in Jewelry at Alchemy7, in addition to participating in exhibitions such as Exposed - Pratt Institute and Tennessee Craft: A Statewide Member Exhibition 2025, and teaching a Micro-sculpting Workshop at Pocosin School of Fine Craft.

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