Forging the Next Generation

Middle and high school jewelry programs are booming across America as upcoming generations discover this captivating artform that combines creativity, critical thinking and endless potential! This episode of For the Love of Jewelers welcomes Bryan Petersen of Bozeman High and Stacie Smith of Gallatin High School—two enthusiastic Rio for Schools instructors from Bozeman, Montana, who empower aspiring teens to learn new skills as they help forge the next generation of jewelers. They join co-hosts, Paulene Everett of the Rio Grande Jewelry Tech Team and Mark Nelson, Rio for Schools Education Coordinator, to discuss the younger generations’ growing interest in jewelry fabrication and metalsmithing.