We’re excited to introduce Southwest Studio Sessions, a new series of immersive weekend workshops at Meltdown Studio led by guest instructors from across the Southwest. Each session offers focused, hands-on learning with artists rooted in deep experience, regional tradition, and a strong connection to material.

Our first workshop features Bruce Lane, a Navajo metalsmith whose practice bridges heritage and studio exploration. Born and raised on the Navajo Reservation, with family roots in Shiprock, New Mexico and Coppermine, Arizona, Bruce began making jewelry for loved ones before expanding into coin silver melting, tufa casting, and experimental fabrication. He also helps lead traditional Navajo farming education through his family’s nonprofit farm, bringing a grounded approach to teaching.

This two-day workshop offers meaningful bench time and covers techniques rarely taught together, including:

• Melting and alloying coin silver into .925 sterling

• Tufa casting with volcanic stone molds

• Rolling mill forming and surface development

• Concho forming

• Kuemboo, fusing high-karat gold to silver

• Finishing, patina, and polishing

Students will create a pair of earrings and a ring while gaining a deeper understanding of material, technique, and design.