Forged in Tradition, Made for Today: Southwest Studio Sessions

Last weekend marked the launch of Southwest Studio Sessions at Meltdown Studio, a new series of immersive workshops led by guest artists from across the Southwest. Designed for depth, focus, and real hands-on learning, these sessions bring experienced makers into the studio to share both technique and perspective.

The first workshop was led by Navajo metalsmith Bruce Lane, whose work reflects a strong connection to tradition alongside an evolving studio practice. Born and raised on the Navajo Reservation, Bruce grew up surrounded by Navajo culture and art, an influence that carries through both his work and his teaching. Throughout the weekend, he shared not only technical instruction, but insight shaped by lived experience.

Over two full days, the studio settled into a steady rhythm of making. Students worked through a range of techniques rarely taught together in one setting, with time to observe, ask questions, and repeat processes until they felt understood.

Participants melted down pure silver coin and alloyed it with copper to create sterling silver, gaining a deeper understanding of material from the very beginning. Using volcanic tufa molds, they cast forms directly from molten metal, then moved into shaping and surface development at the rolling mill. Conchos began to take form with dimensional structure, while kuemboo introduced rich high-carat gold detail pressed onto silver surfaces.

Finishing became its own part of the process. Students refined surfaces, explored patina, and brought their pieces to a final polish, watching each stage transform the work in subtle but important ways.

By the end of the weekend, each participant completed multiple beautiful pieces, applying the full range of techniques covered in the workshop. More importantly, they walked away with a clearer understanding of how material, process, and design come together, along with the confidence to carry these skills into their own practice.

Southwest Studio Sessions are built to offer more than a quick introduction. The pace allows for real engagement, shared learning, and time at the bench that makes the experience stick.

This first session set the tone. Grounded, hands-on, and deeply connected to both tradition and contemporary making.