Sam’s journey with the Extension Community Arts program has been nothing short of transformative. The enameling classes she attended not only fueled her passion for jewelry making but also played a crucial role in shaping her academic and career trajectory.

Sam, with a keen interest in jewelry making, saw the enameling classes as an opportunity to explore a facet of her craft that hadn't been covered in her school curriculum. The classes provided her with a new and creative way to add vibrant colors to her jewelry pieces and broadening her artistic capabilities. More importantly, the time invested in these classes counted towards her academic requirements, allowing her to get ahead in her schooling.

The additional skills acquired enabled her to dedicate the upcoming semester solely to preparing for her senior show in May 2024. 

Sam attended a total of eight classes, accumulating 56 hours of valuable instruction. In the beginner classes, she honed fundamental enameling techniques, delving into the chemical composition, safety measures, kiln and torch firing, gradient effects, wet packing, and stenciling. Progressing to intermediate levels, Sam explored advanced processes such as the Raku process and an introduction to cloisonné. Her goal is to design fine jewelry, driven by a belief that understanding the intricacies of jewelry repair is foundational to becoming a proficient designer. Currently engaged in jewelry repair, Sam recognizes the importance of mastering the craft before venturing into the realm of design.

The Extension Community Arts program not only equipped Sam with technical skills but also provided a supportive environment where her passion could flourish. Through this program, Sam found a pathway to academic success, skill development, and a step closer to realizing her dream of becoming a fine jewelry designer. The Extension Community Arts program has not just been a series of classes for Sam; it has been a catalyst propelling her towards a promising future in the world of enameling and jewelry design.