Amalgam Arts Atlanta

Most Recent Comments

• September 2021 by Summerlove Reign
  This review is long overdue.I searched and searched for a metalsmithing instructor- and I was told that Wendy Tonsits of Amalgam Arts was the best in the area. She is exceptionally talented, but all in all, based on her lack of kindness and attentiveness, she was not the instructor for me.Let me clarify things. The group session was conducted with professionalism and care, while the private sessions were not.I took a group class where I made a pendant and it turned out beautifully (my design); the session was great.Then- I took a few one-on-one classes with her and I created one pair of earrings and partially another pair (w/ her assistance).While no one can deny that Wendy is an extremely talented and she excels in her craft, during a private session, she hurled an insult by saying she was a rocket scientist compared to me. I did not respond to her comment. I let her slide that day, but she is getting a reminder in this review. No one can deny her talent and she DOES have years of training in jewelry design in comparison- while I was and still am a novice. But this question comes to mind-why would an instructor make comparisons between herself and the student she has the privilege of training? Besides lacking the professional capacity to measure anyone else’s intelligence except her own, she could benefit from cultural sensitivity training or better yet, find enlightenment on the road towards kindness.I have really great ideas and have design skills in other areas- I needed someone who could help expand my skills so that I could create and execute the ideas in my head. Some instructors will insult you for having sophisticated concepts and spectacular project ideas, but will fail to realize it is their duty (as a paid instructor) to try to get you closer to achieving those lofty goals.During our private sessions, she was all too comfortable to the extent that I was left to work on my own while she ventured to nearby establishments for food that she devoured during instruction.Her skills aren’t questionable- her teaching practices and character are. Keep in mind, some people are treated differently because of the color of their skin-I’ve experienced this too many times not to recognize it. These behaviors are masked in a group setting, but can’t be denied one-on-one.The negativity shown towards me in private outweighed the good session. Any experience with Wendy has the capacity to be excellent (I would rate my first and only group experience as a 5 star)- she can and should always be a 5 star instructor when she commits to treating every student (regardless of his or her color or skill level) with the care, respect, kindness and professionalism we all deserve.Everything written herein is true and accurate.Surprisingly- I even wanted to try working with her again because I am a firsthand witness that her skills & technique are seemingly unmatched by other instructors (in this area). And she deserves credit for that.
• November 2018 by Iris Moon
  I found this shop online through a search for jewelry making classes. I was told that a metal fabrication class had started two weeks earlier but that if I paid $325 that week - I could make up the missed classes at any time. I spent $100 on supplies and began the class. Wendy lacks passion and energy but I was eager to learn. I attended the weekly classes for the next month before getting sick; I’m a recent cancer survivor. I had no choice but to miss 3 weeks of class due to medical emergencies and being under my doctors care. I contacted Wendy during all of this and she didn’t seem to care about my health issues or letting me make up the classes. She refused to teach me the classes from the start that she promised to teach or the classes I was sick for. She also refused to give a partial refund. I have never had a worse small business experience in my life. She took my hard earned money and spent it and refuses to do anything to make it right. I’ve texted her and emailed her numerous times asking her to let me make up the classes but she won’t do anything. I’m reporting her to the better business bureau. This is not how you treat paying customers. Buyer beware.
• November 2018 by Traci R
  Wendy is a wonderful, patient instructor. I have taken classes at other places, but I have not attended a class as thorough as Wendy's. She's an amazing artist, and is a excellent instructor. I look forward to many more classes with Wendy!
• November 2016 by Ximena Vasquez
  I took Wendy's Introduction to Jewelry Making class October 2016 and all I can say is wow! She was incredibly patient and a great teacher. I took my mother (60 years old) and my grandmother (almost 90) and we all left with a beautiful product. I would definitely recommend her class!