Handmade Horizons

Sean Macmillan

Sean Macmillan earned a Master’s of Fine Arts in Jewelry and Metalsmithing from the University of Kansas in 2005 and a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts Degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 2000.  He is currently serving as the Chairperson of the Slippery Rock Art Department and is an Associate Professor, responsible for teaching all levels of Metalsmithing courses, in addition to Professional Practices, 3-Dimensional Design, Basic Drawing, and all levels of Sculpture as needed. His artwork primarily utilizes traditional hammer forming techniques combined with welding/fabrication and enameling.  Shortly after earning his MFA he spent a year working as a Metal Spinner, Welder/ Fabricator and Production Bench Jeweler.  He has shown his work at numerous national galleries including the HOPE Center for Arts and Technology (Sharon, PA), Society for Contemporary Craft (Pittsburgh, PA), The Gallery at Fallingwater, (Mill Run, PA), Richmond Art Center (Richmond CA), Courthouse Galleries of the Portsmouth City Museums (Norfolk VA), Erie Art Museum (Erie PA), University of Kansas Art and Design Gallery (Lawrence KS), Alice Sabatini Gallery (Topeka KS), and the Craft Alliance (St. Louis MO).  Sean has taught numerous visiting metals workshops including workshops at Grand Valley State University in Michigan, California University of Pennsylvania, Murray State University in Kentucky, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Touchstone Center for Crafts, and the Society for Contemporary Craft.  He has authored two technical articles on welding for the Society of North American Goldsmiths and images of his work have been published in 500 Metal Vessels and the Best of New York Artists and Artisans. He currently resides on a three-acre farm in Butler, PA with his wife, two daughters, and various pets.