Jewelry Design with Tonya Tarr S.

I graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a focus in Metals and Jewelry, and a minor in Art History. After college I managed the jewelry section of the school's bookstore before being asked to become the metals and jewelry department chair's assistant. I wore many hats while working over a decade in the department, from teacher to lab technician, and taught students a variety of skills from hand rendering, metals and plastics fabrication and casting to programming in CAD. I love making accessories and have been making beads, brooches and barrettes in polymer clay and felt since I was in junior high. I started metalsmithing in high school, after having dabbled in numerous 2D and performance arts since I can remember.  I have taught classes of all ages. Starting with K-5, my experience ranges from small private groups to 20+ kids, the same holds true when speaking of my experience with teens and adults/trained professionals. Having a passion to spread art to the community is important to me. I’m currently the 'Art in Action' volunteer to my Kindergarteners class where I teach 25 kids a bit of art history while doing an art lesson. When living in Savannah Georgia, I created a group of volunteers, created lesson plans, trained volunteers and taught art classes to different elementary schools in the area, visiting different classes and age groups. I also taught mixed ages summer camp at various locations. While at the college I helped teach ‘Art Educators Forum’- classes for renewing art teacher's accreditation- the ages ranged from mid 20's-mid 60's for that group. Aound the same time I taught ‘Rising Star’- a program for incoming college freshman, to give them a taste of the major once they arrived to the college. I grew up outside of Chicago Illinois, moved to Savannah Georgia to follow my love of metalsmithing. Found another love while in GA, and after spending a little over a decade there, we moved to Chicago. Less then a year later we moved again- out to sunny California, where we raise 2 kids and enjoy the year round great weather and family events this area has to offer.