Monica Hampton
Executive Director
Monica Hampton has had a lifelong interest in the arts and education. Her background is a combination of fine arts, art history, education, and public outreach, with an emphasis on program development for museums and organizations specializing in history, fine art, craft, and design.
As an independent consultant, she produced the American Craft Council’s 2016 conference. Monica served as the Director of Education at The Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) and was formerly the Director of Education at the American Craft Council (ACC).
Past positions include working with the Society for Environmental Graphic Design (SEGD), Metropolis Magazine, and the Cooper-Hewitt.
She studied fine arts and art history at Bard College, received a dual fine arts/art history BA degree from George Washington University, and holds an MS in Museum Education from Bank Street.
Pam Robinson
Director of Education
Pam Robinson is a Chicago-based Jeweler, Artist, Educator, and Arts Administrator.
She was the Director of Education and the Jewelry & Glass departments at a large art center in Chicago.
She is a member of The Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) and served on their Board of Directors. As their conference liaison, she was instrumental in organizing, planning, editing, and scheduling conferences. In 2019 she received the SNAG Volunteer Recognition Award for her service.
Pam is currently on the board of the Women’s Jeweler’s Association (WJA) — Chicago chapter as their Programming VP and received their prestigious Shining Star Award for volunteerism. She was also a founding member of The Chicago Metals Art Guild (CMAG).
Pam earned her BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, minored in art history, and studied at The Gemological Institute of America. She is proud of her community outreach work, has exhibited her work nationwide, published in books and magazines, and is happiest when she’s in her studio creating and sharing her passion with others.
Lisa Nguyen
Administrative Assistant
Lisa Nguyen holds a BFA from the San Diego State University and is primarily a woodworker. Her curiosity for creating movement and cold connections has led her to discover a passion for jewelry and metalsmithing, and she looks for ways to add it within her furniture.
Her wood work is influenced by Greek architecture and from her cat, Leo. Lisa uses Greek architecture as a foundation for furniture while taking Leo’s napping interest as the heart of her pieces. Her unique approach to furniture values mindfulness and the companionship of her cat. The idea of how two parties can both occupy a space while also enjoying each others company is central to her work.
Lisa’s jewelry line is similar in this way, but instead, she uses color and gemstones to memorialize memories of places. While she still considers herself new to the metalsmithing world, she hopes to create a sense of harmony by using color theory to generate a space to express emotions and moods.
Alexander Zimmerman
Video Editor
Alexander Zimmerman is an artist, musician, YouTuber, podcaster and father. He likes to define himself as a creative as he does not align with any one particular form of creativity. Currently he is a MFA candidate at San Diego State University school of Art and Design. When he is not working on a project you can find him watching the Seattle Seahawks, watching Marvel movies, hanging out with his kids, or taking naps.
Check out Alex’s work on:
His Website, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter