Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Mesalands Community College is hosting an Artistic Silversmithing Open House Nov. 28 at the Farrier Complex.
Attendees to the event, which will be from 5:30 p.m., to 9 p.m., will have the opportunity to view the newly remodeled engraving and fabrication laboratories, new state-of-the-art equipment, and see the work created by students as they acquire a trade in the silversmithing field.
Some of the new equipment includes engraving cameras that allow the instructor to project their work onto a screen while they are demonstrating difficult techniques in the engraving laboratory. There are also 10 new engraving machines.
In the fabrication laboratory, there were previously two work stations. Now there are 15. This allows more students to use the equipment simultaneously.
In the Artistic Silversmithing Program, students learn to engrave and fabricate bits and spurs, jewelry, belt buckles, pendants, and much more. The program has students from ages 17 to individuals in their 50's. Also, currently Tucumcari High School has 50 students are dual-enrolled in this program.
"Next semester we are hoping to have just as many dual enrolled students in the silversmithing class," said Eddy Mardis, farrier science instructor. "We also plan to offer week-long classes in this program."
Refreshments will be served at the event.
For more information, contact Donna M. Garcia, director of academic affairs, at (575) 461-4431 ext. 176.