Southwest Studio Sessions
Refined Surface: Contemporary Form || Repoussé Stamping
Explore clean, modern metalwork through precision stamping, repoussé, and refined surface finishes.
Date: Friday May 8 ((9:00am-4:00pm))
OR
Saturday May 9 ((9:00am-4:00pm))
We’re excited to continue Meltdown Studio’s Southwest Studio Sessions, a series of immersive workshops at Meltdown Studio led by guest instructors from across the Southwest. These sessions offer focused, hands-on learning with artists whose work is shaped by deep experience, innovation, and a strong connection to material.
Known for his beautifully engineered precision tools and clean, bold, modern designs, Chris Pruitt has become a trusted name among jewelers across the country. His work bridges toolmaking and metalsmithing, redefining how artists approach surface, form, and detail with clarity and control.
Chris was raised in Laguna Pueblo, New Mexico and continues to live and work in his home community of Paguate. He began his journey as a silversmith in 2006, mentored by his older brother, jeweler Pat Pruitt, and family friend Charlie Bird. His work reflects a contemporary approach to silversmithing with a strong technical foundation, combining fabrication, texturing, and finishing techniques to create pieces that feel both modern and highly refined.
Have you ever wondered how such clean, precise stamping is achieved? This is your unique opportunity to learn directly from a master artist and toolmaker. Chris will share the techniques, mindset, and tool use that make this level of accuracy possible, insight that’s rarely taught in a classroom setting.
This hands-on workshop centers on developing refined, intentional metalwork through the combined use of stamping, repoussé, and elevated finishing techniques. You’ll explore how to create dimension while maintaining crisp surfaces, how to approach layout and spacing with confidence, and how subtle decisions in process can dramatically elevate the final result.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn and practice these techniques before applying them to create one stunning, heavy sterling silver cuff bracelet, sized to fit comfortably and finished with a surface treatment that supports and elevates the overall design.
In addition to stamping and form, Chris will demonstrate finishing methods that go beyond standard polishing, focusing on surface techniques that enhance the modern, clean aesthetic of this style. Throughout the day, you’ll gain hands-on experience with tools and techniques designed to improve both efficiency and outcome.
Southwest Studio Sessions are intentionally structured as immersive workshops, creating space for careful instruction, shared learning, and focused studio time. This experience is designed to be technically rich, highly focused, and immediately applicable to your own work.
Techniques we will cover:
• Repoussé for creating depth and dimensional form
• Precision stamping and layout for clean, consistent surface design
• Tool use and positioning for accuracy and control
• Surface refinement and modern finishing techniques
• Developing clean, balanced compositions in metal
Materials we will use:
• Sterling silver (provided)
You’ll leave with a finished piece that reflects a clean, modern aesthetic, stronger technical precision, and a deeper understanding of how tools and technique work together to elevate your metalsmithing practice.
Before registering for class, please review our cancellation policy here.
Southwest Studio Sessions
Refined Surface: Contemporary Form || Repoussé Stamping
Explore clean, modern metalwork through precision stamping, repoussé, and refined surface finishes.
Date: Friday May 8 ((9:00am-4:00pm))
OR
Saturday May 9 ((9:00am-4:00pm))
We’re excited to continue Meltdown Studio’s Southwest Studio Sessions, a series of immersive workshops at Meltdown Studio led by guest instructors from across the Southwest. These sessions offer focused, hands-on learning with artists whose work is shaped by deep experience, innovation, and a strong connection to material.
Known for his beautifully engineered precision tools and clean, bold, modern designs, Chris Pruitt has become a trusted name among jewelers across the country. His work bridges toolmaking and metalsmithing, redefining how artists approach surface, form, and detail with clarity and control.
Chris was raised in Laguna Pueblo, New Mexico and continues to live and work in his home community of Paguate. He began his journey as a silversmith in 2006, mentored by his older brother, jeweler Pat Pruitt, and family friend Charlie Bird. His work reflects a contemporary approach to silversmithing with a strong technical foundation, combining fabrication, texturing, and finishing techniques to create pieces that feel both modern and highly refined.
Have you ever wondered how such clean, precise stamping is achieved? This is your unique opportunity to learn directly from a master artist and toolmaker. Chris will share the techniques, mindset, and tool use that make this level of accuracy possible, insight that’s rarely taught in a classroom setting.
This hands-on workshop centers on developing refined, intentional metalwork through the combined use of stamping, repoussé, and elevated finishing techniques. You’ll explore how to create dimension while maintaining crisp surfaces, how to approach layout and spacing with confidence, and how subtle decisions in process can dramatically elevate the final result.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn and practice these techniques before applying them to create one stunning, heavy sterling silver cuff bracelet, sized to fit comfortably and finished with a surface treatment that supports and elevates the overall design.
In addition to stamping and form, Chris will demonstrate finishing methods that go beyond standard polishing, focusing on surface techniques that enhance the modern, clean aesthetic of this style. Throughout the day, you’ll gain hands-on experience with tools and techniques designed to improve both efficiency and outcome.
Southwest Studio Sessions are intentionally structured as immersive workshops, creating space for careful instruction, shared learning, and focused studio time. This experience is designed to be technically rich, highly focused, and immediately applicable to your own work.
Techniques we will cover:
• Repoussé for creating depth and dimensional form
• Precision stamping and layout for clean, consistent surface design
• Tool use and positioning for accuracy and control
• Surface refinement and modern finishing techniques
• Developing clean, balanced compositions in metal
Materials we will use:
• Sterling silver (provided)
You’ll leave with a finished piece that reflects a clean, modern aesthetic, stronger technical precision, and a deeper understanding of how tools and technique work together to elevate your metalsmithing practice.
Before registering for class, please review our cancellation policy here.
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