Chasing, a popular metal smithing technique, involves using hammers and dies to leave indelible marks. On Friday, September 9, Kean University’s Metalsmith Student League invited students to “make their mark on Kean” by chasing words and textures into die cut metal letters. The interactive metal smithing display was part of Kean Day, the university’s annual celebration of student groups and activities. The Metalsmith Student League won top honors at the event, taking home the $500 grand prize for best table. Entrants were judged on originality, interaction, and Kean pride. 75 student groups participated in Kean Day, which drew a crowd of over 2,000.
“I fell in love after my first metals class,” said Metalsmith Student League president Marianne Jennings. “Professor Jennifer Crupi was so talented I knew I would learn a lot from one of the best.”
Crupi, a metal smith and fine artist whose work is featured in the Smithsonian’s permanent collection, is the academic advisor to the Metalsmith Student League. She creates sculptural objects and jewelry that enhance and promote gestures and visual communication.
Jennings, a Mountainside resident, earned her bachelor’s degree from Kean in 1985 and recently returned to the university to pursue graduate studies in Fine Arts. In 2016, she relaunched the Metalsmith Student League with help from Crupi and Kean’s Fine Arts department. Over 70 students signed up to learn more about the club at Kean Day.
“So many students didn’t know Kean offered metal smithing and many had never heard of our club before,” said Jennings.
(above l-r) Metalsmiths Marianne Jennings, Amanda Mikulewicz and Kelli Hayes won the $500 grand-prize at this year’s Kean Day celebration.
