1. Alma Rosalie Eikerman was an American metalsmith, silversmith, and jewelry designer who was instrumental in building the metals program at Indiana University, of which she retired Distinguished Professor Emeritus.
22 Facts About Alma Eikerman
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Alma Eikerman was a founding member of the Society of North American Goldsmiths and studied under several internationally renowned metalsmiths, such as Karl Gustav Hansen.
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Alma Rosalie Eikerman was born in rural Pratt, Kansas, one of seven children.
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Alma Eikerman's parents were creative in their own right: her mother designed clothing and hats while her father built additions onto their home and farm.
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Alma Eikerman began her undergraduate education at Kansas State University during the onset of the Great Depression.
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Alma Eikerman worked as a waitress throughout her time as an undergraduate, making 35 cents per hour.
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In 1934, Alma Eikerman earned her undergraduate degree in history, literature, and language from Kansas State.
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Alma Eikerman began her career as a public school music and art teacher in Pratt, Kansas and in Winfield, Kansas.
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In 1942, Alma Eikerman transferred to Columbia University in New York City to complete her graduate degree in painting, design, art history, and metalsmithing.
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Alma Eikerman would remain professor in the metals program at Indiana University until her retirement in 1978.
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Alma Eikerman pursued opportunities to study with renown metalsmiths and silversmiths around the world.
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Alma Eikerman participated in a Handy and Harmon workshop at the Rhode Island School of Design, led by Erik Fleming, who she would later study with in Stockholm.
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In 1950, Alma Eikerman went on sabbatical from Indiana University to apprentice in all over the world.
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Alma Eikerman was accepted to study with Karl Gustav Hansen in his Kolding, Denmark, studio where she worked with master craftsman Henrick Boesen.
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When she returned from Europe, Alma Eikerman introduced European hollowware techniques, including teapots and serving dishes, to the jewelry and metalsmithing program at Indiana University.
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Alma Eikerman was an active member in the College Art Association, Indiana Artist Craftsmen, and World's Craft Council.
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Alma Eikerman's work was featured in the Museum of Contemporary Crafts in New York City.
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Alma Eikerman worked on several side projects, including 1980 design plans for a home in Bloomington, Indiana.
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Alma Eikerman received the honor of Distinguished Professor from Indiana University in 1976 and retired as Distinguished Professor Emeritus in 1978.
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Alma Eikerman was dedicated to her students, many of which went on to become successful artists.
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Later in 1986, Alma Eikerman accepted a Doctor of Fine Arts from Miami University.
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Alma Eikerman is widely credited with making the metals program in the Fine Arts Department of Indiana University into one of the best in the country.