Silversmithing 1: Three Day with Marilyn Hanson
Age/Level: Beginner. No experience necessary. Minimum age 16
Class 1: Friday through Sunday
Date: May 1, 2 & 3, 2026
Registration Deadline: March 21, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Class 2: Friday through Sunday
Date: May 8, 9 & 10, 2026
Registration Deadline: March 28, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Milan Village Arts School
Two 3-day beginner classes are offered in May. In this class, you will learn all the basics, including how to solder and how to use most of the tools (including power tools). Over the 3 days, you will make a ring, bracelet, and/or pendant while developing all the skills necessary to take your silversmithing to the next level. On the third day, you will continue to develop your skills by making another piece of jewelry of your choice. Marilyn will have completed pieces as examples for you to look at.
Silver Studio is available to those completing Silversmithing 1.
Tuition: member $190 non-member $205
Supplies: Sterling silver kits will be provided for this class. No outside silver please. Cost ($100-$120) is dependent on the current market price of silver and the number of pieces completed. Stones for the pendant are available for purchase. Students are welcome to bring their own stones. Stones must be flat on the bottom side. Please bring your reading glasses or cheaters as some of the work is quite fine.
Silver supply is limited. A supplementary $10 Acetylene Fee will be added to the Silver Fee.
Both the Acetylene and Silver Fees are paid to the instructor at the conclusion of class.
Click here to register.
Read Marilyn Hanson’s bio.
Silversmithing 1: Two Day with Marilyn Hanson
Age/Level: Beginner. No experience necessary. Minimum age 16
Date: Saturday & Sunday, September 12 & 13, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: August 1, 2026
Location: Milan Village Arts School
In the 2-day class, students will learn the same basic skills as taught in the 3-day class, including how to solder and how to use most of the tools (including power tools). Over the two days, you will make a ring, bracelet, and/or pendant while helping you develop all the skills necessary to take silversmithing to the next level. Marilyn will have completed pieces as examples for you to look at.
Silver Studio is available to those completing Silversmithing 1.
Tuition: member $140 non-member $155
Supplies: Sterling silver kits will be provided for this class. No outside silver please. Cost ($100-$120) is dependent on the current market price of silver and the number of pieces completed. Stones for the pendant are available for purchase. Students are welcome to bring their own stones. Stones must be flat on the bottom side. Please bring your reading glasses or cheaters as some of the work is quite fine.
Silver supply is limited. A supplementary $10 Acetylene Fee will be added to the Silver Fee. Both the Acetylene and Silver Fees are paid to the instructor at the conclusion of class.
Click here to register.
Read Marilyn Hanson’s bio.
Silversmithing 2: Three Day with Marilyn Hanson
Age/Level: Pre-requisite: Silversmithing 1 or similar silversmithing experience. Minimum age 16.
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May 15, 16 & 17, 2026
Registration Deadline: April 4, 2026
Location: Milan Village Arts School
The 3-day class is designed for both intermediate and advanced silver students. The class suits the intermediate student who wants a refresher on beginning silversmithing and then go on to try some new techniques or work on a more intricate design. The class also suits the advanced student with more experience who wishes to work independently on their own designs. Whether intermediate or advanced, creativity is encouraged in this class. We will make a bracelet or two as a class for a refresher and then Marilyn will set you up to work independently on a design of your choice.
Silver supply is limited. Contact Marilyn a minimum of 2 weeks ahead of time if you have a special project so that she is sure to order the silver needed. You may choose to do another bezel setting, bracelets, pendants, or earrings. We will concentrate on improving your soldering techniques and use of power tools as you create more challenging pieces. Other tools not used in a beginner class, but available to try are dappers, form cutters, and ring stretchers. There will be a project to use these tools. Come with some ideas or pictures. Marilyn brings completed pieces for you to look at. Stones for bezel setting are available but you may bring your own. No outside silver unless it has previously been purchased at MVAS or you have receipts proving the sterling quality.
If you want to add pearls or gemstones to your jewelry using wire or o rings, please bring them to class.
Tuition: member $190 non-member $205
Supplies: Cost of supplies ($100-$120) is dependent on the current market price of silver and the number of pieces completed. A supplementary $10 Acetylene Fee will be added to the Silver Fee. Please bring your reading glasses or cheaters as some of the work is quite fine.
Both the Acetylene and Silver Fees are paid to the instructor at the conclusion of class.
Click here to register.
Read Marilyn Hanson’s bio.
Silversmithing 2: Two Day with Marilyn Hanson
Age/Level: Pre-requisite: Silversmithing 1 or similar silversmithing experience. Minimum age 16.
Date: Saturday & Sunday, September 19 & 20, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: August 8, 2026
Location: Milan Village Arts School
The 2-day class is designed for both intermediate and advanced silver students. The class suits the intermediate student who wants a refresher on beginning silversmithing and then go on to try some new techniques or work on a more intricate design. The class also suits the advanced student with more experience who wishes to work independently on their own designs. Whether intermediate or advanced, creativity is encouraged in this class. We will make a bracelet or two as a class for a refresher and then I will set you up to work independently on a design of your choice.
Silver supply is limited. Contact Marilyn a minimum of 2 weeks ahead of time if you have a special project so that she is sure to order the silver needed. You may choose to do another bezel setting, bracelets, pendants, or earrings. We will concentrate on improving your soldering techniques and use of power tools as you create more challenging pieces. Other tools not used in a beginner class but available to try are dappers, form cutters, and ring stretchers. There will be a project to use these tools. Come with some ideas or pictures. Marilyn brings completed pieces for you to look at. Stones for bezel setting are available but you may bring your own. No outside silver unless it has previously been purchased at MVAS or you have receipts proving the sterling quality.
If you want to add pearls or gemstones to your jewelry using wire or o rings, please bring them to class.
Tuition: member $140 non-member $155
Supplies: Cost of supplies ($100-$120) is dependent on the current market price of silver and the number of pieces completed. A supplementary $10 Acetylene Fee will be added to the Silver Fee. Please bring your reading glasses or cheaters as some of the work is quite fine.
Both the Acetylene and Silver Fees are paid to the instructor at the conclusion of class.
Click here to register.
Read Marilyn Hanson’s bio.
Cabochons: An Introduction to Lapidary with Kyle Anderson
Age/Level: Beginner and above. Minimum age 16
Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: January 24, 2026
Location: Milan Village Arts School
In this class, students will learn how to cut and polish cabochon stones that can be used to make functional pieces of jewelry such as earrings, pendants, bracelets, or rings. The first part of class will be used to introduce the equipment and techniques necessary to produce an oval cabochon which can be used as a focal piece for a necklace or pendant. The second part of the class will be open for students to pursue their own interests and give them an opportunity to refine their skills.
Tuition: member $95 non-member $110
Supplies: Everything is supplied by the instructor. The instructor will provide a selection of stones for the original cabochon. Additional stones for individual projects will be available for purchase and costs range from $10 – $100
Click here to register.
Read Kyle Anderson’s bio.
Introduction to Wire Wrapping with Jo Schwalboski
Age/Level: Beginner and above. Minimum age 16
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: February 28, 2026
Location: Milan Village Arts School
Wire Wrapping is the art and technique of creatively placing wire around a stone or other object. Wire wraps range from simple to extremely complex. This class will start with the basics. In class we will discuss many different aspects about choosing wire, what makes a good stone or cabochon to wrap, designing and much more! Jo will supply copper wire and a stone for the first piece each student makes. Should the student wish to complete a second cabochon a second copper kit will be available for $25 or more. The “or more” price hinges on the stone chosen and the type of wire chosen. Silver is available at an upgraded price.
Tuition: member $110 non-member $125
Supplies: Everything is supplied by the instructor. The material fees are included in the tuition.
Click here to register.
Read Jo Schwalboski’s bio.
Students who take both the Introduction to Wire Wrapping and Wire-Wrapped Tree of Life class will receive a $15 discount.
member: $190 non-member: $220 (all supply costs are included in the tuition)
Wire-Wrapped Tree of Life with Jo Schwalboski
Age/Level: Beginner and above. Minimum age 16
Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: February 28, 2026
Location: Milan Village Arts School
In this class, we will discuss many different aspects about choosing wire, what makes a good stone or cabochon to wrap, designing and much more! Jo will supply copper wire and a stone for the first piece each student makes. Should the student wish to complete a second cabochon a second copper kit will be available for $25 or more. The “or more” price hinges on the stone chosen and the type of wire chosen. Silver is available at an upgraded price.
Tuition: member $95 non-member $110
Supplies: Everything is supplied by the instructor. The material fees are included in the tuition.
Students who take both the Introduction to Wire Wrapping and Wire-Wrapped Tree of Life class will receive a $15 discount.
member: $190 non-member: $220 (all supply costs are included in the tuition)
Click here to register.
Read Jo Schwalboski’s bio.
Silver Studio
The Silver Studio is designed to give silversmiths and jewelers the opportunity to access the school’s growing inventory of specialized silversmithing equipment to further develop and improve their silversmithing skills. Meeting on Saturdays, the school provides a welcoming and professional environment for experienced and inspiring artists to network, learn, and create.
2026 Dates to be determined.
For further information or to be added to the Silver Studio email list, please contact the school.
Requirements: Beginner Silversmithing experience and MVAS Membership.
Studio fee: $35 for an all-day studio.
Students are responsible for their own silver and stones. All other materials, including, acetylene, burnishing compound, flux, and pickle are complimentary.
All Silversmithing Classes:
Due to the high demand for the Silversmithing classes and the limited spaces available, students are required to pay on registration. Students may drop out of the class prior to the Registration Deadline and receive a refund minus the cancellation fee. Please note that the Registration Deadline for Silversmithing classes is 6 weeks prior to the class. The instructor requires this extra time to order silver.
Silversmithing requires each student has their own work station. Each class can hold a maximum of 7 students.
If the class is full, please contact the school to be put on a Waiting List. Spaces often open up late.