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EJ Montana is a silversmith based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with more than a decade of experience working with metals. EJ holds a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Arts from the University of New Mexico and brings a strong commitment to creativity, resourcefulness, and craftsmanship to both teaching and studio practice.

EJ taught themself sand casting as a way to repurpose silver scraps and continues to explore new ways of giving materials a second life. As an instructor, EJ takes pride in helping students bring their creative visions to life and finds that the exchange of ideas in the classroom often provides fresh inspiration for their own artistic practice.

Mayta Katari Vizcarra Wood is a Quechua artist from Cusco, Peru. Inspired by his Indigenous culture, his artistic expressions mix modern digital technology with traditional techniques, focused on jewelry. His visual storytelling communicates cultural beauty, uplifts Indigenous worldview, and tells of the challenging consequences of colonialism. His work is inspired by Andean aesthetics, making it his own by creating unique modern designs that weave ancestral with contemporary. He is getting his BFA at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, NM.

Tools & Materials

A basic metalsmithing tool kit is provided to each student as part of your lab fee, but you’re welcome to bring any personal jewelry-making tools you already own.

We work with each instructor to develop a materials list for their workshop and, whenever possible, purchase the materials needed for the planned projects. The exception is workshops that utilize silver. Because of the cost of silver, participants in these workshops will be responsible for purchasing their own silver to work with. A specific materials list, including reputable suppliers and the amount needed for the planned class project, will be provided upon registration. Silver supplies may cost up to $300 USD, depending on the project and current metal prices.

For workshops using other metals or materials, the cost of those supplies will generally be calculated into your lab fee. A comprehensive list of what is provided and what you will need to purchase will be sent upon registration.

Safety & Studio Clothing

Please bring closed-toe shoes, which must be worn in the studio at all times, as well as comfortable clothing suitable for working in a studio environment. Natural fibers are generally recommended. If natural-fiber clothing is not possible, wearing an apron is encouraged.

If you have long hair, please bring a hair tie or clip to keep it securely pulled back. We also recommend bringing hearing protection and any personal safety equipment you prefer to use, such as safety glasses, an apron, or other protective gear. Basic eye and ear protection will also be available in the studio.

Personal & Studio Items

You’re welcome to bring a sketchbook and photos or other visual references for inspiration. For additional comfort during long studio sessions, consider bringing a seat cushion or padding. If you use Optivisors, you are welcome to bring your own; a limited number will be available onsite.

Bedding & Bath

Towels for personal and studio use
Toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
A personal pillow, if preferred
Clothing & Weather

Idyllwild’s mountain weather can vary throughout the summer, so we recommend packing for a range of conditions. Temperatures can occasionally drop to around 40°F, especially in the evenings, while particularly warm days can reach around 80°F.

Appropriate footwear — campus is very hilly

• Comfortable socks
• Shorts
• Pants
• Sweatshirts or other warm layers
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Bathing suit — the campus has a pool
• Other Comforts
• Reusable water bottle
• Travel mug
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Medications, if needed
• Music device and headphones
• Any favorite personal safety gear

The campus store carries some of the items listed above, and there are grocery stores and other shops available in town for additional supplies.

A typical studio day begins at 9:00 AM after breakfast in the dining hall. Mornings are generally the most instruction-focused part of the day. Instructors may begin with demonstrations, introduce new skills, or check in with participants individually.

The morning is primarily spent in the studio, with opportunities to step outside for a break as needed. Water is available just outside the studio, and participants are always encouraged to take a walk around campus, get some fresh air, or take a break when needed.

Lunch is served from 12:00–1:00 PM, and the studio typically closes during lunch. Studio time resumes at 1:00 PM and continues until 4:00 PM, when the formal class session ends. Afternoons generally transition into more independent open studio time, giving participants an opportunity to continue working on their projects at their own pace. Your instructors are often still around after 4:00 PM, but their teaching day has ended and they are off the clock.

Dinner is served from 5:00–7:00 PM. The time between the end of class and dinner can be a good opportunity to continue working, freshen up, take a break, or explore campus.

Evenings are an active part of the ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ Program, with artist talks, activities with visiting craftspeople, gallery hours, and opportunities to visit other studios. Participants are encouraged to take advantage of these offerings. The studio will also remain open after dinner for additional independent work time, with evening access led by instructors and the program coordinator.

The lab fee covers access to the studio facilities and equipment, as well as common materials, consumables, and supplies used during your workshop. Silver in most cases is not included and must be purchased separately by participants. A complete list of materials and consumables provided through your lab fee will be available after registration.

Shop fees include supplies that your instructor has requested we order or provide for the workshop. Depending on the workshop, these costs may include items such as gas, solder, flux, saw blades, sandpaper, and materials used for demonstrations.

Coordinators calculate these costs specifically for each workshop to most accurately reflect the supplies used during the week. A complete list of materials and consumables provided through your lab fee will be available after registration.

Metals J.A.M. is coordinated by Fernanda Gaspar and Edward Donato, who are available to answer questions about workshops, materials, scheduling, registration, or other program-related information.

Please contact both coordinators with any questions:

Fernanda Gaspar: mwcoordinator@idyllwildarts.org
Edward Donato: metals@idyllwildarts.org

If your question is better suited for someone else, Fernanda and Edward will be happy to point you in the right direction.