Catherine Weiss Creates New Fund to Support Jewelry and Metalsmithing Students at UA Little Rock
Catherine Weiss has donated $10,000 to establish the Jewelry and Metalsmith Equipment Fund at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
The new fund will provide annual support to purchase and replace equipment and materials for students studying fine arts, with a special focus on jewelry and metalsmithing.
“I wanted to support the students because I’m a jeweler myself, and I know what it’s like to be a young student without all the resources you need,” Weiss said. “They have a fantastic program with great teachers. The students already have a good facility, and this fund can help them get the equipment they need.”
UA Little Rock’s Metalsmithing and Jewelry program introduces students to the foundational techniques of jewelry making and metalwork, including fabrication, forging, casting, and surface finishing. Through hands-on projects, research, and critiques, students develop skills in design, craftsmanship, and creative problem-solving for both functional and artistic works.
Weiss took summer classes at UA Little Rock when she was younger and remains a strong supporter of the university and the local arts community.
“This gift is all about supporting the students at UA Little Rock,” she said. “I wish them the best and can’t wait to see their next exhibition.”
Weiss, who splits her time between Little Rock and France, has been a jeweler since the age of 18 and believes deeply in the value of fine arts education.
“I think it’s important for students to express themselves through their art and having the right facilities to do that is fantastic,” she said.
Lydia Martin, visiting assistant professor of metals, expressed her gratitude for the fund, noting the vital impact it will have on student creativity and development.
“As a lifelong learner, an attitude I encourage in all students who walk into my classroom, I understand how important it is to have access to the right tools,” Martin said. “Access to tools is not just about learning a technique but discovering the creative potential of your own vision. The Jewelry and Metalsmith Equipment Fund provides students the resources they need to build their ideas into reality. I can’t wait to see the work they create and the new directions they find because of it!”
The donation will directly support students in UA Little Rock’s School of Art and Design, helping them access professional-grade tools and materials needed to refine their craft and explore new creative directions.