instructors

Shelly’s interest in metals began in 1982 while attending an art institute in upstate New York. She went on to pursue a degree in metalsmithing, receiving her BFA from SUNY New Paltz in 1988. Upon graduating, Shelly spent eight years working as a bench jeweler for several nationally acclaimed jewelers. She then worked for a year in Athens, Greece designing and creating wax models for a large jewelry company. These experiences gave her the solid foundation from which she launched her own line of jewelry in 1992. Shelly’s work has been shown in numerous top contemporary galleries throughout the U.S.

2001 brought a new chapter to Shelly’s life when she gave birth to her son. She chose to be a full-time mom and let go of her business. In 2008 she was ready to return to the jewelry world, this time as a teacher, and founded the Boulder School of Metals.

Shelly possesses a comprehensive knowledge of metals and is highly skilled in design, technique, and production. Despite her wealth of experience, she still brings the curiosity and openness of a “beginner’s mind” to the exploration of new ideas and possibilities. She is thrilled to be able to share her passion for this ancient,yet evolving, craft with her students.

Mary Pat Cullen

From 1991 until 2006 Mary Pat designed and produced best selling jewelry for The Golden Bear, the premier jewelry company in Vail, Colorado, with worldwide distribution. During this time she taught the art and craft of jewelry making to 15 apprentices. She also designed and produced a signature line of jewelry for Ritz Canton Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek, Colorado. Mary Pat is adept in metal fabricating, soldering, wax carving, mold making, casting, stone setting, pearl and bead stringing, forging, and enameling. She has been OSHA trained for studio safety and accident prevention.

During the 2007-2008 Academic year, Mary pat was an Adjunct Professor in the Visual Arts Department at Naropa University and is currently gallery manager. In 2009 she received a Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Naropa with a focus on Sacred Art and Architecture. She holds a Master’s Degree in Art Education from the University of Illinois and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Michigan State University. She has also had specialized jewelry training from the Gemologicol Institute of America and The New Approach School for Jewelers.

Karen Schulz

Karen Schulz is currently a student at Metropolitan State College in Denver completing an individualized degree program in Metal Artistry and Processes. She has been learning and teaching metalsmithing for 18 years. She has extensive experience with casting, fabrication and precious metal clay. Her previous professional experience has been in financial advising and retail management. In 2003 she completed her teacher certification at CSU in Boulder. At the Boulder School of Metals she brings together her love of metalsmithing and her passion for teaching. She has a studio in her home where she escapes to create and experiment whenever she feels the need.

Special interests and skills:

• Casting
• Textile techniques in metals
• Pearl tying
• Precious Metal Clay (Rio Grande certified instructor)
• Keum-boo
• Enameling
• Etching