Jewelry Design

Francesca Keesee - Graduate
FIDM Jewelry Design Program
Jewelry Designer

From interning at Tarina Tarantino to working on her own line, Sweet Nirvana Jewelry, FIDM Graduate Francesca Keesee has been busy...being fabulous!

What was the best lesson you learned at FIDM?

That is a tough one because I learned so many important lessons! The most essential lessons I learned were in my metalsmithing course. It is highly unlikely I would be where I am without that year and a half of jewelry studio classes!

What was your favorite thing about going to FIDM?

My favorite and most memorable thing about FIDM was working in the Jewelry Design Studio. A bond was created between our small jewelry group and our teachers, John and Sue. We spent hours upon hours in that studio, working together, learning, and interacting. It is something I will always hold dear.

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.

John Ahr - Faculty
FIDM Jewelry Design Instructor

Instructor John Ahr began taking jewelry-making classes at the local community center when he was just twelve years old, eventually earning his Masters of Fine Arts in Jewelry Design and Metalsmithing. He has worked as a jeweler for over 20 years and an instructor for eleven. When he isn't teaching, John is a photographer and fine artist, incorporating metal and stone into his work.

He teaches rendering, metalsmithing, and design workshop classes in the intensive Jewelry Design program. "It's unique, given the fact that we are paired with the Fashion Design program and, unlike other colleges, our students have state-of-the-industry tools and materials to use - they don't have to share."

What is your favorite class?

Metalsmithing III: It gives students the opportunity to really engage in metalsmithing with a level of difficulty that mirrors what they will be doing professionally. I also really enjoy the Alternative Materials for Jewelry Design class, where we work with paper, felt, resins, found objects, and other materials.

What do you like most about the Jewelry Design program?

The best thing about the program is that it gives each student the opportunity to work at a professional jeweler's bench with brand new equipment.

What is your approach to teaching?

I strive to exercise as much patience as possible and be as proactive as I can. For a majority of students this is the first time they are using these tools and I want it to be a good experience for them.

John Ahr is an Outstanding Faculty Award winner, an award given by the student body to outstanding faculty members.

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.