Metals Students in National Juried Exhibition at ECU’s Material Topics Symposium
GREENVILLE, NC — A cohort of students from Appalachian State University’s Metalsmithing and Jewelry design program have been selected for the national exhibition, New Kids on the Block. Held in conjunction with East Carolina University”s (ECU) annual Material Topics Symposium, the exhibition will be on display at the Wellington B. Gray Gallery from December 22, 2025, to January 29, 2026.
A Showcase of the “New Kids on the Block”
Juried by noted artist Adam Atkinson, New Kids on the Block highlights the next generation of metalsmiths. The exhibition focuses on how students develop their unique voices through the exploration of form, texture, and concept. This year‘s symposium theme, Interwoven, emphasizes the flow of ideas and community from mentor to mentee—a tradition that the Appalachian State students have embraced through a diverse range of technical processes.
Representing Appalachian State University
Carlee Farlow (BFA Graphic Design)
One object accepted, Hahalua, an intricate copper stingray hairpin.
Alissa Goble (Studio Art BFA Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design)
Two objects accepted, including Squeak-Pot (copper, powder coat, silver leaf, and found objects) and Reliquary (Nana’s Pocket Watch), which explores memory through brass and copper.
Grace Guevarra (Studio Art BFA Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design)
One object accepted, the copper sculptural piece See Me.
Mia Martin (Applied Design: BS Industrial Design; Art Minor)
Had two objects accepted, a stainless steel and brass Pie Server alongside her cast aluminum and bronze Neo Kou container.
Adriana Pritchard (Studio Art BFA Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design)
Three distinct objects accepted, including Skull of the Stream (etched copper, moss, and gold leaf) and the functional yet sculptural Cicada Pie Server in stainless steel and cast bronze.
Kailyn Sager (Studio Art BFA Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design)
One object accepted, Stomping Ground, functional high heel shoes in steel, copper, and nu gold.
Margaret Schupp (Studio Art BFA Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design)
Two objects accepted, Isabel and Amelie, utilizing vitreous enamel on copper with fabric.
Ella Walter (Studio Art BFA Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design)
Two objects accepted that explore form on and off the body via a necklace and sculptural object made from steel.
Sandy Zufall (Studio Art BFA Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design)
Three objects accepted, including the large-scale steel and moss work In Time and In Chains, Unbound made of copper.
Event Highlights
The exhibition is a cornerstone of the Material Topics Symposium (January 17-18, 2026), an event that draws national jewelry artists and metalsmiths to North Carolina. The symposium provides a platform for these students to network with professionals and share their research into the “interconnected nature” of the craft.
“To see so many of our students recognized at a national level speaks to the quality of these particular student’s work,” says Appalachian State Metals faculty, Frankie Flood. ”These works represent a thrilling time of exploration for these artists as they define their place in the field of metalsmithing.”
Visit the Exhibition
- Location: Wellington B. Gray Gallery, Jenkins Fine Art Center, 5th Street, Greenville, NC
- Exhibition Dates: December 22, 2025 – January 29, 2026
- Symposium Weekend: January 17 – 18, 2026
- More Info: www.ecusymposium.org
