Instructor/ Supervisor News

As we continue to move forward with our online registration process for classes and labs, there is some important information that instructors will need to keep in mind so that we can successfully transition to this new process:

  • We will be periodically posting scheduled classes and labs on the website class calendar through 12/31/2024.

  • There will be a great deal of information being entered so there is always a possibility of something being incorrect or not linked to the correct sign-up page. To try to eliminate problems down the road we are asking ALL Instructors and Supervisors to go through the schedule calendars after they are posted and make sure your classes and labs are correct and that the sign-up links are working. This will make sure everything is entered correctly. This will only require you to check the Class or Lab once. If there are any issues (a missing class, wrong dates, etc.) instructors and supervisors are asked to immediately contact Jennifer Graham the Class Chair. She will work on resolving an issue. Please note that this is a crucial step in making sure that the information available to the membership is accurate.

  • As of now, instructors are unable to go in and see who has registered for classes. Instructors can, however, see how many spots have been filled by going in and trying to register for the class. When you do so, it will indicate how many spots are still open.

  • Rick Allen and Jennifer Graham receive an email from the website with information about registrations for classes and Labs. We will forward this Conformation information email to the instructor or supervisor of record. When you receive this information, please make sure you look it over carefully and contact us immediately if you have any questions. This also shows, at the bottom of the form. if the person paid online or not.

  • On the day of the class/lab, instructors will need to follow the the instructions on the Class/Lab sign-in form. The form has been updated to eliminate excessive paperwork and to ensure consistency in reporting for all labs and classes. A completed Class/Lab sign-in form is required for each Lab and Class.

  • We will be instituting a 24 hour cancellation policy for all online registration and no one will be able to cancel their registration past the period that ends 24 hours before the class. Those that do cancel on time will need to request a refund if they have paid online (it is not automatic). If someone does contact the instructor or supervisor of record about a refund please forward their email (or direct them) to Jennifer so that she can attend to the matter.

  • Please note that this is only for already established classes and labs.  If you would like to add new classes or labs (or something that has not been offered in the recent past), we ask that you please complete the “AGMC Request to Teach a Class” that can be found under the member access page of the www.agmc57.org webpage.

    Thank you,

    Jennifer, Rick

From the president’s Bench - January 2024

Hello AGMC Members,

2023 has wrapped up and I hope everyone had a Happy and Safe New Year celebration.

To better serve the AGMC Membership we look forward to your input. Please remember we have tow Delegates at Large: Delbert Speed and Shari Brickner. They are your primary points of contact to ensure your ideas and suggestions make it to the Executive Committee for consideration so please feel free to speak to them by email or even better in person. Both of them spends a great deal of time at the club Teaching Classes, Supervising Labs and Assisting in both so it’s pretty easy to find one of them at the club.

Your participation in the Classes and Labs offered at AGMC are the primary support for the club. There will be many new Classes and Labs offered throughout the year so I’m sure there will be something for everyone. On that note, if you have a skill or knowledge you would like to share with fellow AGMC Members by teaching a class, supervising a lab or in a discussion group please contact our Class Chair, Jennifer Graham. She will be happy to hear from you. Also, please keep in mind we are expanding our subjects for Classes, Labs, and Discussion Groups. Some new ones that are going to be added are in the Cooking Arts field and Business Discussion Groups, so if you would like to share your love for painting, 3D printing, fabric crafts and art or almost anything else please contact Jennifer. We realize the founding focus for the AGMC was Lapidary Arts. We also realize we need to continue to include and add additional Arts of Interest to remain an expanding and financially stable club for everyone to enjoy. This has been an ongoing process from almost the founding of AGMC with the addition of Silversmithing in the 1960’s. It has continued with adding Glass, Enamel, Beading and Wire Wrapping. We are just continuing the process that has proven over the 67-year history of AGMC to be a successful formula.

I look forward to a Fun and Safe 2024 and I hope all of you will share in making it a great year for AGMC.

Thank you,

Rick Allen

AGMC President 2024

Thank you to the 2023 Gem and Mineral Show Volunteers

Hello AGMC Volunteers for the 2023 Gem and Mineral Show,

I want to THANK all the great Volunteers that helped make this years show a success. I received an overwhelming number of compliments from Dealers and Patrons for our Volunteers. They truly appreciate the hard work you put into making the show one of their favorites. We had new and experienced Volunteers come together and have fun while making new friends within the club. I would like to invite any Member to join the fun for the 2024 show on June 14 for setup and the 15th and 16th for the show. Please contact Terri Brewen with any questions.

Thank you,

Rick Allen

President 2024

Introduction to Silversmithing Course -Important Information

Important Information about the Introduction to Silversmithing Course

The Introduction to Silversmithing Course is a series of ten (10) classes over a ten (10) week period from 6pm to 9pm. You will have fun as you learn the basic skills of Sawing, Piercing, Filing, Sanding, Polishing, Soldering and more. You will be making multiple pieces of jewelry as you learn new techniques including prong setting cabochons along with bezel making and stone setting. This course will lay the groundwork for you to have fun while learning and developing your Silversmithing skills. You do not need any previous experience in Silversmithing to take this course. We promote a relaxed, easy going and fun atmosphere for some serious learning. The high instructor to student ratio means you’ll have plenty of support. All you need to do to prepare for this course is be willing to have fun and learn.

Members can sign up for this class on the AGMC57.org website. The sign-up and additional course information is available only on the first day of the class series listing on the calendar.

Another purpose of this “Introduction to Silversmithing” class is to promote knowledge of basic classroom safety along with basic classroom equipment operation and safety needed for many of the classes offered at AGMC.

This ten (10) week course is required of Members wanting to take other Silversmithing and related classes. There are some classes that are not Silversmithing or related classes within the club that may also require this course as a prerequisite. This is because it introduces you to the basic safety procedures used in the classroom along with the basic skills and basic safety operation of most of the equipment used in the classroom. 

There will be some classes that will not require the basic safety and skills taught in this class and that will be noted in their class sign-up prerequisite section to the class.

The reason for this requirement in Silversmithing and other classes is so everyone will have the same basic safety knowledge and the same basic skill set to make the classes offered run smoothly and more efficiently. It is designed so the instructor does not have to stop the class and take valuable class time to teach basic equipment operation and safety, classroom safety or basic commonly used skills to someone in the class while the other people, that know them, have to wait.

If you have already taken the AGMC Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Silversmithing Courses at the club you do not need to take this “Introduction to Silversmithing” course in order to take classes. We will use the “honor system” to enable members to skip the introduction course and take classes.

For people that have Silversmithing experience outside of the club classes and feel that you have the basic Silversmithing skills, there will be a “Silversmithing Skills Class” (2 -3 Hour) offered where you will demonstrate your skills by making a piece and having it evaluated by the instructor of the “Silversmithing Skills Class” and learn the Clubs Safety Procedures. That will qualify you to take classes without having to take the “Introduction to Silversmithing” course. Please contact the Silversmithing Chair, Terri Brewen to arrange the “Silversmithing Skills Class” at: tbrewen@sbcglobal.net

If it’s been awhile since you’ve taken Silversmithing classes we are confident it will quickly come back to you in class. However; if you want to refresh your memory on your skills and the clubs safety procedures please feel free to contact the Silversmithing Chair, Terri Brewen, to arrange the Silversmithing Skills Class at: tbrewen@sbcglobal.net . Please do not hesitate to take this short class if you think you need to. The Clubs goal is for everyone to be Safe, have fun, learn new skills and build on the skills they have.

You do not need to be, nor are you expected to be, a “Pro” to take a class. On the contrary, you’re taking the class to learn a new skill and/or hone an existing skill. The AGMC classes are designed to provide a Fun, Safe and Relaxed atmosphere where you will enjoy learning.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Terri Brewen, Silversmithing Chair at: tbrewen@sbcglobal.net

How To: Register for Classes & Labs Online

AGMC is now requiring online registration along with the option to prepay for Classes and Labs. This will guarantee you have a seat in the Class or Lab. It will also help the Instructors and Supervisors to prepare by knowing the number of people that will attend their Class or Lab. To be fair to the Instructors and Supervisors, Walk-ins are no longer available, you must pre-register. Thank you for helping.

Here’s how to register:

  1. Go to “MEMBERS” on the top of the page.

  2. Under “Register for Classes”, click “Register”

  3. Enter the provided member password.

  4. View available classes and dates, then click on the one that interests you.

  5. From here you can see the class description, location, prerequisites, tools/supplies and price.

  6. Click “SIGN UP” to go to registration and secure your spot in the class.

  7. Follow the instructions to complete your registration, and pay online or in person

  8. Once complete, you will receive a confirmation email. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, information will be provided in this email.

  9. Print your emailed conformation or have it on your phone to sign-in at the Classes and Labs.

  10. Attend your class, learn and have fun!!!

We look forward to seeing you there, Thank you.

Physical Address: Arlington Gem & Mineral Club, 1408 Gibbins Road, Arlington, TX, 76011, United StatesAGMC@agmc57.org

Please send all correspondence mail to: AGMC, P.O. Box 986 Arlington, TX 76004-0986

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