Tony Zelazoski
Milwaukee,WI
Summary
Artist and metalsmith whose practice explores the intersections of craft, material research, and ecological inquiry. Skilled in jewelry fabrication, metal forming, 3D modeling, and experimental processes, with experience supporting academic studios through research, fabrication, and technical assistance. My work investigates material life cycles, transformation, and the relationships between natural and human-made systems, informed by hands-on engagement with both traditional metalsmithing and contemporary fabrication techniques.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Jewelry Apprentice Internship
Kesslers' Diamonds
Germantown, WI
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Engaged in hands-on fine jewelry fabrication, working with gold, platinum, and diamonds to understand industry material standards and construction methods.
- Supported the creation and finishing of jewelry pieces through polishing, laser welding, and detailed surface refinement.
- Learned professional bench practices, quality control methods, and the technical demands of luxury materials.
- Expanded my metalsmithing practice through exposure to industry workflows, precision fabrication, and high-level craftsmanship.
Classroom Assistant, Industrial Processes
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Instructed students in a range of industrial fabrication processes, including lathe operation, milling, tap and die use, powder coating, and laser cutting.
- Demonstrated 3D modeling workflows for die-making and assisted with hydraulic die-forming of metal.
- Supported students in fundamental fabrication techniques such as cutting, soldering, sanding, polishing, texturing, and sandblasting.
- Provided guidance on proper tool handling, project troubleshooting, and best practices for metal finishing and material preparation.
- Helped maintain a safe, efficient workshop environment by reinforcing studio protocols and equipment care.
Jeweler Studio Intern
Ann Cianciolo Designs Studio
Milwaukee, WI
09.2024 - 12.2024
- Supported jewelry production through casting cleanup, surface texturing, photography, and small soldering work.
- Assisted in maintaining an organized and efficient studio environment.
Studio Research Assistant
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI
09.2023 - 12.2024
- Collaborated on Kaganovich’s research-driven sculptural work that explores the life cycles of natural materials, transformation, and ecological relationality.
- Assisted in material experiments and fabrication processes for works in the Divergent Fates series, including Tree Intuit’s Chair, gaining hands-on experience with ecological, sustainable, and nontraditional material practices.
- Engaged with concepts of reuse, transformation, and nonhuman temporality, I learned how environmental and ecological contexts inform material choices, fabrication methods, and conceptual outcomes.
- This mentorship and studio involvement deepened my understanding of process-based research, ecological materiality, and the integration of ecological thinking into metalsmithing and design.
Classroom Assistant, Introduction to Metalsmithing
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Helped new students learn foundational jewelry and metalsmithing techniques, including safe tool use and basic fabrication skills.
- Explained processes, provided demonstrations, and offered one-on-one technical support.
- Developed skills in communication, leadership, and studio professionalism while supporting daily class operations.
Jewelry and Metalsmithing Student Studio Technician
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI
01.2023 - 09.2023
- Responsible for daily studio maintenance, tool organization, and equipment readiness.
- Conducted light maintenance on metalsmithing machinery, including cleaning, lubrication, and part checks.
- Monitored equipment for wear or malfunction and promptly reported repair needs.
- Ensured the workshop environment remained safe, orderly, and efficient for student and faculty use.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Studio Art - Focus in Jewelry and Metalsmithing
Peck School of The Arts, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI05-2025
Skills
- 3D modeling (Rhino 3D)
- Jewelry fabrication & repair processes
- Mold making, die-making & hydraulic die-forming
- Centrifugal casting
- Enameling
- Metal finishing (polishing, sanding, texturing, sandblasting, powder coating)
- Laser welding (introductory)
Accomplishments
• 2025, $5000, Jewelers Mutual Bench Jeweler Career Development Scholarship
• 2025, $1500, Kesslers' Sparkle Scholarship 1st Place Award - Art and Design, UW-Milwaukee
• 2024, $700, Harold A. Milbrath Memorial Jewelry and Metal Smithing Scholarship Prize, 2nd Place - Makers! 24 Exhibition, Milwaukee, WI
• 2024, $700, Loose Bead Society Scholarship and Visiting Artist Lecture - Makers! 24 Exhibition, Milwaukee, WI
• 2024, Morning Glory Emerging Artist Tent Award - Makers! 24 Exhibition, Milwaukee, WI
• 2024, UW-Milwaukee Jewelry & Metalsmithing Scholarship - Art and Design, UW-Milwaukee
• 2024, $1000 Ware Family Arts Scholarship - Art and Design, UW-Milwaukee
• 2024, $1000 Elsa Ulbricht Scholarship - Art and Design, UW-Milwaukee
• 2023 - 2024, $2,500 Stipends for Undergraduate Research Fund
• 2023, Most Promising Newcomer Award - Makers! 23 Exhibition, Milwaukee, WI
• 2025, $1500, Kesslers' Sparkle Scholarship 1st Place Award - Art and Design, UW-Milwaukee
• 2024, $700, Harold A. Milbrath Memorial Jewelry and Metal Smithing Scholarship Prize, 2nd Place - Makers! 24 Exhibition, Milwaukee, WI
• 2024, $700, Loose Bead Society Scholarship and Visiting Artist Lecture - Makers! 24 Exhibition, Milwaukee, WI
• 2024, Morning Glory Emerging Artist Tent Award - Makers! 24 Exhibition, Milwaukee, WI
• 2024, UW-Milwaukee Jewelry & Metalsmithing Scholarship - Art and Design, UW-Milwaukee
• 2024, $1000 Ware Family Arts Scholarship - Art and Design, UW-Milwaukee
• 2024, $1000 Elsa Ulbricht Scholarship - Art and Design, UW-Milwaukee
• 2023 - 2024, $2,500 Stipends for Undergraduate Research Fund
• 2023, Most Promising Newcomer Award - Makers! 23 Exhibition, Milwaukee, WI
Selected Exhibitions
- 05/2025, Bachelor of Fine Arts Capstone Exhibition, Milwaukee, WI, Kenilworth Square East Gallery, UW-Milwaukee
- 04/2025, Makers! 25 Exhibition, Milwaukee, WI, Kenilworth Square East 3rd Floor Gallery, UW-Milwaukee
- 02/2025, Kesslers' Sparkle Scholarship Gala, Germantown, WI, Kesslers Diamonds Germantown Showroom
- 11/2024, Crossing Over, Milwaukee, WI, UWM Union Art Gallery, UW-Milwaukee
- 10/2024, Jewelry Speaks: The Voice of the Jill Wine-Banks Pin Collection, Milwaukee, WI, Golda Meir Library 4th Floor Exhibition Gallery, UW-Milwaukee
- 04/2024, Makers! 24 Exhibition, Milwaukee, WI, Kenilworth Square East 3rd Floor Gallery, UW-Milwaukee
- 02/2024, Kesslers' Sparkle Scholarship Gala, Germantown, WI, Kesslers Diamonds Germantown Showroom
- 04/2023, Makers! 23 Exhibition, Milwaukee, WI, Kenilworth Square East 3rd Floor Gallery, UW-Milwaukee
Conferences
2024, Society of North American Goldsmiths 51st+ Conference, San Diego State University, SNAG conferences help attendees gain new creative inspiration and foster lifelong bonds of collaboration and friendship within the jewelry and metals community.
Public Speaking
- 2025, Loose Bead Society Artist Lecture
- 2024, Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium
Community Service
- 10/16/23 - 10/19/23, Metal Museum, Student Volunteer (repair tent/food prep), 374 Metal Museum Dr, Memphis, TN, 38106
- 2023-2025, Object Member/Officer
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Jewelry Apprentice Internship
Kesslers' Diamonds
01.2025 - 05.2025
Classroom Assistant, Industrial Processes
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
01.2025 - 05.2025
Jeweler Studio Intern
Ann Cianciolo Designs Studio
09.2024 - 12.2024
Classroom Assistant, Introduction to Metalsmithing
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
01.2024 - 05.2024
Studio Research Assistant
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
09.2023 - 12.2024
Jewelry and Metalsmithing Student Studio Technician
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
01.2023 - 09.2023
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Studio Art - Focus in Jewelry and Metalsmithing
Peck School of The Arts, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee