SOCIAL membership

At Alloy, we understand that every journey in metalsmithing is unique, and we embrace this diversity within our community. Whether you're taking your initial steps into the world of jewelry making or you're a seasoned professional looking to share your wealth of experience, we have a designated space for you. Our social membership is designed to cater to individuals across the spectrum of expertise, ensuring that everyone can find a supportive and engaging community within Alloy.

By joining our community, you open the door to opportunities for connection, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. Through our social membership, you can participate in events, workshops, and discussions that cater to various skill levels and interests. Forge lasting relationships with like-minded individuals who share your passion for metalsmithing, creating a network that goes beyond skill development to encompass a sense of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm.

Whether you're seeking mentorship, eager to learn from others, or simply want to connect with a community that understands and appreciates your love for jewelry, we invite you to join us on this enriching journey. Together, we can build a vibrant and supportive community where creativity thrives, and lasting relationships are forged.

Read on to learn more about our social membership and join us to build lasting relationships with like-minded individuals.

Photograph taken at our 2023 Holiday Party!

who is a good fit for social membership?

• recent college graduates:

There’s nothing quite like the collaborative experience you get in a college metals studio. When you graduate, you go from energized and immersed in a group of metalsmithing peers to isolated and unsure of where to go next, at least that was my experience and a driving reason we started Alloy. Transitioning from a metalsmithing student to an actual professional metalsmith can be challenging and confusing, but we’ve got you! One of the best ways to figure out how to do something is to learn from other people’s similar experience, especially our epic mistakes and special wins. Become a social member, keep that energy in your life and start to build some new connections.

• studio jewelers:

If you’re deep into your career as a jeweler, you know that working in a studio setting can be a somewhat isolating existence. Especially when you face challenges and triumphs alone. We want to hear about that annoying client you’re dealing with, that disgusting pair of earrings you had to clean before repairing, AND that big sale you made unexpectedly! Become a social member, embrace that socially awkward side of yourself, get out in public, and connect with other metal nerds.

• Jewelry Store Professionals:

Whether you’re a CAD designer, repair jeweler, sales, or an appraiser you belong in our community as well. Our hope is to build a diverse community that can be collaborative. We get requests ALL the time that are out of our wheel house and are always looking for the right place to send clients. Social membership offers a way for all of us to lean on each other for support, guidance, and prosperity.

• Retired Metalsmiths:

For retired metalsmiths looking to impart their wealth of knowledge, our community can become a canvas for sharing experiences and mentoring the next generation of artisans. Retired metalsmiths can find fulfillment by becoming mentors, utilizing the community as a platform to pass down their experiences and skills to the emerging generation of artisans. In doing so, you’ll contribute not only to the preservation of traditional craftsmanship but also to the cultivation of a vibrant and knowledgeable community that spans generations. Plus, it’s just a really fun group to be around!

• Aspiring Metalsmiths Eager to Learn:

If you find yourself at the initial stages of your metalsmithing journey, perhaps hesitant to invest in tools and take the plunge into active creation, but still eager to absorb valuable insights and establish meaningful connections, there are avenues available for you. Consider immersing yourself in the community as a spectator and learner, engaging in conversations, workshops, and events. This approach allows you to glean invaluable information, learn from the experiences of seasoned metalsmiths, and build connections without the immediate need for an extensive tool kit.

What benefits do I receive as a social member?

• Access to our Facebook Group - We’re building a virtual space as vibrant as our physical one. Our private Facebook group serves as a digital hub where members can share insights/resources, seek advice, and celebrate each other's successes.

• Happy Hours - Join us quarterly to unwind, talk shop, and build lasting connections. When you become a social member, we’ll invite you to our quarterly “Alloy After Hours” event. This regularly scheduled happy hour takes place on Wednesday nights every 3 months with rotating locations, but always generally close to the West Bottom’s studio.

• Events - Our events calendar is diverse and designed to cater to the varied interests of the community. Although some of our events are open to the public, many of them are organized exclusively for our members. We have some truly exciting events planned for 2024, including the following:

  • Studio Visit with repousse’ artist Genevieve Flynn.

  • Metalsmith’s Garage Sale

  • Studio Visit with Dave Breneman, social member and large scale sculptor.

  • Member Show “Uncle Larry’s Gem Collection” more info coming soon…

  • Holiday Party

  • Field Trips

• Online Member Directory - We’ll include you in our (coming soon) membership directory. The directory is designed to be a resource to connect the public with local metalsmiths. Our first rendition will be a simple list of our current members, their contact information, linked websites & social handles, and what services/specialties they offer.

• MINI Workshops (FREE) - Quarterly we will off er “MINI workshops” based on members interests and specialties of our teachers. MINI workshops are concise demonstration or discussion based workshops that cover specific topics. They’re usually 1 hour, open to 12 attendees, and cost $15/each for non-members. Our MINI workshops for this year will cover the following topics:

  • Soldering - Beyond the Basics

  • Pricing and Selling Your Work

  • Flush Setting - Recommendatons and Resources to Get Started

  • How to Apply, Prepare, and Show at Art Fairs

featured Social Member

Madi Elpers was one of our first social members. She’s an art teacher in the KC area and wanted to hone her metalsmithing skills and connect to other area metalsmiths. She jumped at the opportunity to become a social member and continues to be an active positive member of our community!

Here’s what Madi had to say about Alloy “These humans are awesome. I wanted to meet more metalsmiths and grow my skillset, then I received the greatest gift last year, which was private lessons at Alloy. I loved it so much, took some smaller workshops, and went to as many socials as I could, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Their goal is to expand their reach in KC and I couldn’t recommend them enough.”