Lauren DelBrocco is a North Carolina based metalsmith, designer, and educator specializing in intricate hollowware, jewelry, and mechanical pieces. With an M.F.A. in Metal Design from East Carolina University and a B.F.A. in Metalsmithing & Jewelry Design from Rhode Island College, Lauren’s work merges traditional craftsmanship with modern artistry. Her designs are complex, layered with moving parts, and showcase a range of fabrication and finishing processes that transform familiar forms into interactive, conversation-driven pieces. Recently, her sensory-inspired cooking and serving tool collection has sparked a new line of contemporary jewelry, inviting curiosity and engagement through tactile and visual detail.

As a passionate educator, Lauren is dedicated to a student-centered approach that empowers young artists to develop their voices while building strong technical skills and creative confidence. She holds teaching positions at East Carolina University and Pitt Community College and has assisted at renowned craft schools, including the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts and Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft. Lauren’s teaching philosophy emphasizes inclusivity and adaptability, with carefully developed course manuals that make each project accessible to diverse learning styles, fostering an environment where all students feel supported in their exploration of new ideas and techniques.

In addition to her academic roles, Lauren brings extensive industry expertise, having worked as a Director of Operations and Product Development Specialist in jewelry manufacturing, where she contributed to collections ranging from department store designs to luxury brands. Her hands-on experience spans commercial jewelry repair, bench fabrication, and custom jewelry design. Certified by the Diamond Council of America and the New Approach School for Jewelers, she combines deep industry knowledge with a commitment to mentoring students for success both in studio practice and professional settings.

Lauren’s community involvement is equally integral to her practice. Her collaborative work with her partner, Chris Zidek, has traveled nationally to support Planned Parenthood, and her recent exhibition in London raised funds for the unhoused community. Through partnerships with organizations, local communities, and artist networks, she actively fosters social impact through her art.

With her dedication to craft, education, and social responsibility, Lauren continues to shape her field and inspire the next generation of metalsmiths and artists.