Larry Van Craeynest "Master Your Craft" Scholarship Fund

Metal Arts Academy was born out of a desire to train and educate in the art of fine jewelry fabrication, design, and the metal arts, with a focus on apprenticeships. Their goal is to provide students with the skills and guidance needed to venture into the world of metal sculpture, to begin a career as a bench jeweler or to just enjoy continuous learning. Using their skills, students get the chance to bring forth their creative ideas. The Metal Arts Academy is eager to teach the next generation of craftsmen and women who honor their field with knowledge, mastery, and passion. Larry Van Craeynest of Van Craeynest, Inc. believed in the importance of mentorship and apprenticeship. Larry was not only skilled in fine jewelry fabrication, but he was also a talented woodworker and tool and die maker. “Larry insisted on improving your skills and holding your standards high. There were no shortcuts.” -Michael R. Kosinski. Sadly, Larry passed away earlier this year. This scholarship fund will support students currently studying jewelry fabrication, woodworking, or the metal arts.

This scholarship fund continues Larry’s legacy of mastering a craft through hard work, repetition, passion, and the support of mentors.