Washington University

Now (checked 2026)

Status
Merged / renamed

Now known as
Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts — College of Art (BFA/BA in Studio Art, Sculpture area; Walker Metal Shop)

What happened
The dedicated metalsmithing/silversmithing program was built by Heikki Seppä (faculty 1965–1992, with John Baltrusunas part-time 1972–1992). It did not survive Seppä's 1992 retirement as a distinct degree program; metals was absorbed into the broader Sculpture area and the metal shop. Seppä died May 18, 2010 (professor emeritus). By the 2014-onward period of the archived directory and today, there is no standalone metals/jewelry concentration — only the Sculpture concentration plus shared metal-shop facilities and short jewelry workshops. Current undergraduate studio leadership is Chair Meghan Kirkwood. This is a merge/dissolution of the named program rather than a closure of the school, which remains very active.

Link
samfoxschool.washu.edu/academics/college-of-art