Joseph Muench

Joe Muench earned a B.A. in Craft Design from Iowa State University in 1984 and an M.F.A. in metalsmithing from Washington University, St. Louis, MO in 1987. He is currently an Associate Professor of Art and Visual Culture at Iowa State University where he has taught jewelry and metalsmithing since 2001. Muench often lectures and presents workshops on various metalworking topics at universities and craft programs throughout the United States. He has long been interested in metal shaping processes, these range from traditional techniques such as chasing and repoussé to more modern and industrial approaches. Both ancient and contemporary methods are brought together in his metalwork, to produce a unique hybrid style of construction. Muench has been included and written about in many metalworking books and journals. His art has also received numerous accolades, which he creates as he continues to teach young artists at Iowa State University.