M.F.A. in Craft (Jewelry/Metals Enameling), B.S. in Art Education
Rachel Suzanne Smith is an artist, metalsmith, and educator. She received her undergraduate degree at Miami University in Art Education with minors in 3D Media Studies (jewelry/metals) and Spanish. She received her MFA in Crafts (Jewelry Metals Enameling) at Kent State University in 2015. Smith taught Jewelry/Metals, CAD for Jewelry, and Makerspace Exploration/Digital Fabrication courses at Kent State between 2015 and 2020, and began teaching as an adjunct professor at the Cleveland Institute of Art in fall 2024. Smith dedicated her career to growing, supporting, and managing academic makerspaces from 2018-2025, but starting Fall 2025, Smith returned to teaching full time in Craft and Design and Foundations at the Cleveland Institute of Art.
As a practicing artist, Smith maintains a studio practice in North East Ohio. She creates works to exhibit in addition to a small number of limited production works that can be found at Ombre Gallery for sale. Smith is active in the craft and jewelry community, and currently serves as Board President of the Ohio Designer Craftsmen and the Ohio Craft Museum. In addition to her personal studio practice, Smith maintains a studio partnership with NE Ohio artist Jennifer Ramirez.
