2023 Board Members
CoMA is run by a volunteer board. We are all metalsmiths of varying stripes and believe that connecting artists is the key to building and maintaining our vibrant metal arts community in Colorado. Board members are elected at the Annual All Members meeting for two year terms even if they are appointed when positions become vacant before our Annual Meeting. If you are interested in joining the board or volunteering in another capacity (we can always use help!), contact our President, Kim Harrell, at president@coloradometalsmiths.org.
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For 2023, the board will meet from 12:30 - 2 PM on the third Sunday of the month in February, March, April, May, June, September, October, and November. Traditionally, we hold a board retreat in January, and an annual members' meeting during our conference in July. Please note that dates and times are subject to change at short notice, but we will communicate such changes to our CoMA members.
Kim Harrell
President
I am a silversmith and jewelry artist who makes distinctly textured and clean-lined jewelry and silverware using precious metals and occasionally combined with unconventional materials such as felt, rubber and steel. I studied at the London Metropolitan University, Sir John Cass School of Art, Architecture and Design where I obtained a B.A. in Silversmithing, Jewellery and Allied Crafts. I am a Denver native and currently reside in Aurora, CO where I run my studio and teach at The Art Students League of Denver. My work is available at RA Modern in Crested Butte; Mountain Home in Evergreen, and form+concept in Santa Fe, NM. My work is in several private collections in the USA and Europe. The Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art in Denver acquired a set of my spoons in their permanent collection.
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I volunteer with CoMA because I love being part of a group of metalheads! It is such an important aspect of sustaining connection with colleagues, learning new things, sharing our knowledge and giving a hand up to the next generation.
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Rocky Riviera
Vice-President
I am multi-skilled with a diverse educational background and a distinguished career in the technology industry, as well as a passionate pursuit of the arts. With a relentless drive for learning and innovation, I have made contributions in both the corporate world and the world of fine craftsmanship.
My educational journey is a testament to my thirst for knowledge and versatility. I hold a degree in Art, reflecting a deep appreciation for the aesthetic aspects of life. This foundation in creativity and aesthetics would later intertwine with my other pursuits. I earned a Bachelor's degree in Business, equipping me with the skills necessary for strategic thinking and entrepreneurship. My academic journey didn't stop there. I also hold a degree in Computer Science, which served as a bridge between the worlds of technology and art. The blend of technical expertise and artistic sensibility became a defining characteristic of my career. I capped off my educational live with a master’s degree in engineering. I dedicated 38 years to a career at IBM, one of the world's leading technology companies. During this extensive tenure, I undertook various roles, showcasing my adaptability and versatility. From software development to project management, my expertise spanned a wide spectrum of responsibilities. My understanding of both technology and business allowed me to contribute significantly to IBM's technology mission.
Outside of the corporate realm, my interests are equally compelling. They are the Vice President of the Colorado Metalsmithing Association, where my artistic background finds an outlet in crafting exquisite jewelry. This role demonstrates my commitment to fostering a thriving artistic community and nurturing the talents of others. My skills as a jeweler serve as a harmonious fusion of my diverse educational background and my artistic inclinations. My jewelry creations reflect a perfect blend of engineering precision, artistic flair, and business acumen.
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Rynn Miller
Treasurer
I’m a metalsmith working in silver, gold, and luscious stones. I love the process – give me fire and red-hot metal any day. I also have to keep making jewelry to support my stone-buying obsession.
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I love contributing to COMA because I have received so much from them it is time to give back!
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Liz Covert
Education Chair
Liz honed her skills while earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in small metals and sculpture. Inspired by the world around her, she continued her education with a Masters in Cultural Studies. Liz’s extensive experience in metal work includes welding, blacksmithing, and a career in sculpture conservation, including working at the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Musem. Her teaching background ranges from first grade art classes to private jewelry lessons and has spanned over a decade. Currently she teaches a variety of inspiring metal art classes at Art Students League Denver, Silver Peak Studio, and Denver Tool Library.
I want to be a part of CoMA for connection to other like minded creatives and share my passion for learning.
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Stephanie Dimmer
Exhibitions Chair
I love using different materials in my work to help file through thoughts and arrive at the final concept. I am trained in blacksmithing, metalsmithing, hot glass, and ceramics. I am currently engaged in combining those disciplines into sculptural canvases and forms. Following the completion of my undergraduate degree, I worked as a blacksmith for Geoffrey Newton Metalworks and then as a bench jeweler for Todd Reed in Boulder. I completed my MFA in Metals at Cranbrook Academy of Art and then I moved into a hot glass residency in North Carolina. I grew up in Denver but I now live in Strasburg which is about thirty minutes to the East where a small piece of land affords me a home studio and a micro farm.
I have been a CoMA member off and on since undergrad and I think the Conference draws a spectacular lineup of metalsmiths from around the country. I am volunteering on the CoMA Board because a few years ago I was just moving back to Colorado and I started getting invitations to join different shows through CoMA and it really helped me feel connected to the art scene here again. I hope that as Exhibitions Chair I am able to seek out new opportunities and keep that exciting momentum going within CoMA and for us as members.
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Helene Arendt
Secretary
I am the artisan behind CSBMetalsmith – The Mountain Metalsmith. My muse and connection to the creative world derives from growing up in my Opa’s Werkstätte. Just like Opa, a Master Cabinet Maker, attention to detail and commitment to quality guides every piece I create. In a world of mass-produced items, it is personally rewarding to put my mark on quality pieces.
In 2020 I had the honor of becoming a Roycroft Artisan. To maintain my Roycroft Artisan status and to be able to use the Roycroft Mark my work must continue to exemplify the following criteria: high quality hand craftsmanship, excellence in design, continuing artistic growth, originality of expression and professional recognition. I am on my way to establishing myself as a Master Roycroft Artisan, which can only be bestowed after 5 years of Artisan status.
After being a member of CoMA for many years I had an opportunity to join the board, as I felt a strong desire to give back to this community that has given me much inspiration. Connecting on a more personal level with my colleagues and sharing experiences completes the circle of my creative world.
My current work is on display at The Kaleidoscope Gallery in Nederland Colorado, The Schoolhouse Gallery in East Aurora NY and the Roycroft Copper Shop in East Aurora NY.
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Kristin Smith
Board Support - Administrative Assistant
I hold a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from MSU-Denver with a focus in drawing and ceramics. In the past, I have worked as a Gallery Assistant, Student Curator, and Gallery Coordinator. I have been the with CoMA since September 2021. I also have my own studio practice, and am a studio assistant and art facilitator at the Art Garage. I love supporting and uplifting other artists, and working with children in underserved communities here in the Denver Metro area.
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Ethan Schultz
Communications Chair
I am primarily a lapidary artist who makes jewelry out of stone, but love working in metal where I can! I have a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from MSU-Denver with a focus in jewelry and metalsmithing, and have been our President's, Kim Harrell, studio assistant since 2018. I have been the with CoMA since September 2019. I love creating new connections and working with other artists to build and strengthen our community.
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