OCR Text |
Show P I 1 i - . . SvL' V -I t-i IMM'l'LAK SUMMER SESSION CLASS. Students learn art of jewelry making in SUSC summer school class. Jewelry workshop popular at SUSC A jewelry making class started at Southern Utah State College eight years ago as part of another industrial crafts class has completely outstripped its host and become one of the most popular courses ever taught at SUSC. In 1907, Dr. Steve Taylor, now chairman of the Industrial Education Department at SUSC, found an old piece of jewelry making equipment in the Geology Department and was granted permission to use it. With this one worn out vertical belt sander and no experience in jewelry making, he started a small group of students in the art of lapidary. Most of what they made at that time was semiprecious semi-precious gem stones of the agatized variety mounted in silver. Through word of mouth and campus displays of necklaces, bracelets, rings, and other jeweled articles, interest in the class started to mushroom. Dr. Taylor took some private lessons in jewelry making, the college purchased some more equipment, equip-ment, and I. A. 394 was on its way. By that time turquoise was becoming a choice item on the gem market and has since been the most used stone in the class. Today, the large, well equipped laboratory where students work on their jewelry projects is housed in the new Industrial Education Building. For the past couple of years three classes a quarter have been offered for from 25 to 30 persons per ciass. Dr. Taylor said that 75 to 100 students have to be turned away each quarter since the enrollment is handled on a first come first served basis. Dr. Ross Hilton, who has served for the past several years as chairman of the department, has helped teach the classes. "Some students have taken the class five or more times," Dr. Taylor said. He explained that they can only receive credit one time. Dr. Taylor said that six of his students are now earning living through their jewelry making. Four of these students are Indians In-dians who are but a small representation of the many Indians In-dians who have taken the course to learn or improve their skills in this native art form. "We began the class to serve a definite purpose and need," Dr. Taylor said, "And we feel that we are meeting that need." Many students in jewelry making are Cedar City residents or SUSC faculty and staff members who have turned to the course as a hobby. Friends and relatives of these creative people are wearing some exquisite examples of the craft, since those who make the articles often sell them or give them away. The popularity of the course prompted SUSC officials to arrange a handcraft jewelry display and demonstration for wives and families of Utah State Board of Regents members, legislative officials, and other state and education dignitaries attending the annual summer retreat at the college July 21 through 23. |