M�a Vollkommer has been making jewelry and teaching classes based on her techniques for more than 20 years. As an artist, her goal is to use unexpected combinations of colors, build visual texture with a multitude of materials including, very recently, items that may otherwise be considered trash and, most importantly, create final pieces that demand “slow looking” to fully appreciate the details and complexities they contain.

As an instructor she strives to make her students comfortable and create a community environment within each class. Students are encouraged to “just start” without the fear of making mistakes or striving for perfection. Mïa has been with Smithsonian Associates since 2002 and taught the very first class offered by Associates on Zoom in 2020.

Artist Statement

Creating things by hand is fun.

Artwork