The annual Southern Illinois Metalsmiths Society conference at SIU Carbondale is Friday and Saturday, Sept. 4-5. (SIU University Communications and Marketing photo)
August 28, 2026
SIU hosts Metalsmiths’ conference Sept. 4-5
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Get ready to hammer down and light the forge next weekend at the annual Southern Illinois Metalsmiths Society (SIMS) conference at Southern Illinois University Carbondale on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 4-5.
The two-day conference features demonstrations, artist talks and networking opportunities with metalsmiths, jewelers, blacksmiths, students and educators from across the region. The event is open to the public.
Visiting artists Sunyoung Cheong, an assistant professor of metalsmithing and jewelry at the University of Kansas, and Adam Hawk, an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, will each give demonstrations, artist talks and solo shows during the conference. Hawk earned his Master of Fine Arts in metalsmithing and blacksmithing from SIU’s School of Art and Design. Cheong’s visit is sponsored by the Fine Arts Activity Fee.
One- and two-day conference passes are available. Learn more about registration and conference information. All events are free for SIU students and children under 18.
A highlight of the conference, and a major fundraiser for SIMS, a registered student organization at SIU, is the fine art auction, which is free to the public. The event is from 5-9 p.m. at Oakland Station, 300 S. Oakland Ave. in Carbondale. Viewing starts at 5 p.m. with the auction from 7-9 p.m. The auction of handmade art donated by talented artists in the region helps SIMS bring in guest artists and instructors, pay for shop materials, and help fund field trips. The auction typically presents patrons with opportunities to buy high-quality art from up-and-coming artists.
Two days of demonstrations
The demonstrations on both days take place in the industrial wing of Pulliam Hall. Cheong’s small metals demonstrations are from 1-4 p.m. on Friday and 2-4 p.m. on Saturday in the metal studio, room 104. Hawk’s blacksmithing demonstration are from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday and 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturday in the blacksmithing studio, room 016.
Between the artists’ demonstrations on Saturday, a picnic-style lunch on the industrial wing loading dock is available. The lunch is $5, but free to registered conference guests and children under 18 years old.
Sharp Museum exhibition
Cheong and Hawk will also each have exhibitions featuring their works in SIU’s Sharp Museum starting Friday, Sept. 4 through Dec. 11. Cheong’s work will be in the museum’s South Hall Saluki Gallery with Hawk’s work in the North Hall Continuium Gallery.
Cheong “incorporates digital technologies with a traditional metalsmithing practice to create her visual narratives,” said T. Lance, the museum’s curator of exhibits. “Her work focuses on the honeybee and beehive to address issues of identity, belonging and building a sustainable community.”
Hawk’s creative research investigates digital design and manufacturing technologies in combination with traditional craft practices. Most recently, he has focused on CNC milling — where pre-programmed software guides computer-controlled rotary cutting tools — as a process to complement the design aesthetics, workflow and techniques used in his blacksmithing and metalsmithing practice.
Cheong and Hawk will give artist talks starting at 5 p.m. Friday in the museum auditorium, followed by a gallery reception in the museum lobby beginning at 6:30 p.m. Food and refreshments will be provided.