What can art-making materials tell us about the natural world, global trade, social and cultural frameworks, and artists' ideas? This series of gallery conversations and studio workshops immerses participants in hands-on exploration while investigating the history and context of the material used prominently in Gorham Silver: Designing Brilliance 1850–1970.

Look closely at works in the collection with a museum educator and delve into the history of silver, from the origin of metalworking to the popularization of silver as a material for tableware. Consider histories of silver mining, including the aggregation of wealth through the colonization of silver-rich areas of the world. Investigate silver’s chemical characteristics, like its malleability and antibacterial properties, and how these have contributed to its widespread use. Complementing these in-gallery experiences, metalworking sessions introduce participants to the techniques used to manipulate silver and the labor involved in Gorham's production.

This is a three-session series. Sessions are on October 19, October 26, and November 2.