Home of PMC Artist Merlene Walker

Precious Metal Clay is a wonderful new form of fine silver and gold which can be manipulated like clay, but after firing is solid silver or gold. True alchemy! Also known as PMC, it was developed by the Mitsubishi Materials Corporation of Japan and introduced into the US in 1996 through a distributor, Rio Grande Gems and Findings in Albuquerque, NM.

In the US, PMC is currently available in either unalloyed fine silver (what we typically use in class) or fine gold. Students are instructed how to work with the material, which responds well to hands and fingers. They learn to carve, fire and finish it, experimenting with pinched, rolled, and hollow forms.

Merlene Walker, a native Texan, worked in a corporate environment for over twenty years. After years of taking art classes, with the help of "The Artist Way" workshop, she took a leap of faith and left her job to pursue a degree in art. She designed and facilitates the PMC classes to help others have fun and learn about the possibilities with the wonderful material called Precious Metal Clay.

As a PMC instructor, certified by Tim McCreight, Merlene maintains membership in the PMC Guild, the Dallas Craft Guild, the Texas Artists Coalition, and the Texas Pottery and Sculpture Guild.

Registrants may cancel up to 5 days before a workshop offered by The Alchemy Group. If the cancellation is made fewer than two days before the workshop, a $10 processing fee is assessed. Registrants receive a confirmation letter, plus map and directions to the class location. We reserve the right to cancel an event due to insufficient enrollment, inclement weather, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Basic PMC Workshops
Participants explore the many methods of imprinting textures on Precious Metal Clay as well as learn to carve, fire and finish it. No prior experience is needed. Supplies included in course fee. Basic PMC classes are scheduled for these upcoming full-day sessions:

Aug 7 at Merlene's Studio in Arlington registration

Aug 17 at Flat Rock Pottery in Fayetteville, AR registration

Sep 20 at ArtVentures in Rockwall registration

Sept 27 for Creative Group (full) registration

Fused Glass Workshops
Learn to make Fused Glass earrings and pendants in this unique, one-day workshop. You will also learn to combine "Precious Metal Clay" and Fused Glass. The first part of the class will be cutting and firing dichroic glass. Learn to make bails from Precious Metal Clay, such as silver clay, which can be manipulated, rolled, and textured, then fired and integrated into your work.

Aug 16 at Flat Rock Pottery in Fayetteville, AR registration

Aug 23 at Merlene's Studio in Arlington registration

Sept 13 Fused Glass and Inclusions at the Wild Bead in Arlington registration

Oct 25 at Artventures in Rockwall registration

Basic Bronze Clay
Just as Precious Metal Clay does, new basemetal clay, Bronze Clay provides a incredible artistic range. And, because it is bronze, it is also so economical that you can use it for large pieces--even sculptures--very affordably! Create jewelry, jewelry components, or custom-crafted specialized tools. We will even practice new techniques or design ideas using Bronze Clay, then apply your new skills to precious metals. PLEASE NOTE: Bronze Clay must be embedded in activated carbon in sealed vessel during firing.

Sept 6 at Merlene's Studio in Arlington registration

Oct 18 at the Wild Bead in Arlington registration