On Campus Continuing Education
HANDBUILDING (sculpture) (limit - 16 students)
When: August 29 to December 12, 2026. Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: MSU Texas's Juanita and Ralph Harvey School of Visual Art, Ceramics Studio (C119)
Tuition: $350 (Includes all materials and firings)
Teacher: Pamela Möller
Please contact Steve Hilton at steve.hilton@msutexas.edu or (940) 397-4270 if you have any questions.
WHEEL THROWING (pottery) (limit - 19 students)
When: August 29 to December 12, 2026. Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: MSU Texas’s Juanita and Ralph Harvey School of Visual Art, Ceramics Studio (C119)
Tuition: $350 (Includes all materials and firings)
Teacher: Matthew Brown
Please contact Steve Hilton at steve.hilton@msutexas.edu or (940) 397-4270 if you have any questions.
BLACKSMITHING 1
When: Tuesdays - September 8, 11, October 6, 20, November 3, 17 - from 6:00 - 8:50 pm. (Fall 2026)
Where: MSU’s Juanita and Ralph Harvey School of Visual Arts, Sculpture Studio (C114).
Tuition: $360 (Includes basic materials and tools)
Teacher: Joshua Taylor
Maximum Enrollment: 3
Description: This course is designed to give students an introduction to blacksmithing and develop basic forging skills. Over the course of six weeks, students will be guided through forging a small hook, a chisel, a punch and drift, and finally using those tools to make a bottle opener. The instructor will demonstrate each project and then provide guidance to the students as they complete each one. Typically, there are one or two classes at the end of the course for a student led project in which the instructor will assist and guide the student. The course will cover very basic differences in mild steel and carbon steel, as well as heat treating methods for hardening carbon steel.
Please contact Gina Inman at gina.inman@msutexas.edu or (940) 397-4264 if you have any questions.
BLACKSMITHING 2
When: Tuesdays - September 15, 29, October 13, 27, November 10, 24 - from 6:00 - 8:50 pm. (Fall 2026)
Where: MSU’s Juanita and Ralph Harvey School of Visual Arts, Sculpture Studio (C114).
Tuition: $360 (Includes basic materials and tools)
Teacher: Joshua Taylor
Maximum Enrollment: 3
Description: This course is designed for student with some knowledge of forging techniques, but it is not a requirement. Over the course of six weeks the instructor will demonstrate and guide each student on developing skills in designing a knife by creating a template, forging high carbon steel to the shape of that design, including forging a point, forging bevels to the cutting edge, forging a distal taper in the blade and tang (handle area of the knife), heat treatment of the knife, attaching and shaping a handle, and final finishing of the knife. The knife made in the course will be a “brute de forge” finish and will require minimal grinding to complete. The intent for this style of knife being taught in the course is so that minimal tools would be needed on the part of the student if they wish to continue knife making after the end of the course. Additionally, this style of knife is a great way to visually see the results of hand hammering techniques and areas for future improvement.
Please contact Gina Inman at gina.inman@msutexas.edu or (940) 397-4264 if you have any questions.
COMMUNITY ART CLASS IN BASIC METALSMITHING
When: Tuesdays - September 8, 15, 22, 29, October 6, 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, 24 - from 6:00 - 8:50 pm. (Fall 2026)
Tuition: $360 (Includes basic materials and use of tools. Some optional projects may require additional materials at an extra cost.)
Teacher: Marion Helmick
Maximum Enrollment: 7
Description: Discover the art of metalsmithing and jewelry making in this fun, hands-on community class designed for beginners and anyone interested in exploring a new creative hobby. Participants will learn fundamental techniques, including cutting, piercing, texturing, small-scale metal fabrication, cold connections, and the safe use of a variety of tools and shop equipment.
A selection of mixed-media craft materials will also be available, giving students the opportunity to experiment with different techniques, combine materials, and create one-of-a-kind jewelry that reflects their own personal style. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, express your creativity, or simply enjoy making something with your hands, this class provides a supportive environment where design, craftsmanship, and creative exploration are encouraged.
Please contact Gina Inman at gina.inman@msutexas.edu or (940) 397-4264 if you have any questions.
Online Professional Development and Continuing Education
MSU Texas also offers hundreds of practical and effective online courses on a wide range of topics. These noncredit professional and personal development courses are perfect for expanding credentials or earning a certificate. If you're interested, please see the Professional Development and Continuing Education webpage.