Kurt Matzdorf

Kurt J. Matzdorf, also known as Kurtheinz J. Matzdorf, was a German-born American jewelry designer, metalsmith (which included silversmith, goldsmith) and an educator. He was Professor Emeritus at State University of New York at New Paltz and he founded the metals department. Matzdorf was known for his religious objects in metal.

After completing his studies, he taught crafts at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, from 1955 to 1957. Matzdorf founded the metals program and taught at State University of New York at New Paltz (SUNY New Paltz), from 1957 until 1985. He was a Professor Emeritus of Gold and Silversmithing. In 1970, thirteen years after starting the metals program, he was joined by Robert Ebendorf. Matzdorf had notable students, including Barbara Seidenath and Lisa Gralnick.

Matzdorf was known for his contemporary Judaica silversmithing and goldsmithing, and he created objects like menorahs, kiddush cups, and synagogue jewelry. In 1992, Matzdorf was awarded the title Fellow by the American Craft Council (ACC). In 2006, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of North American Goldsmiths. He also designed and created a series of ceremonial maces and chains of office for colleges and universities in the United States.

His work is included in public museum collections such as at the Jewish Museum, Jüdisches Museum Berlin, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, among others.

Text courtesy of Wikipedia, 2024