“The Art of Making Medals” Published
by Mel Wacks
Editor Ross Pollard has packed his new book “The Art of Making Medals” with practical, first-hand insights from contemporary artists into the fascinating world of medallic sculpture.
Ross Pollard (ed.), The Art of Making Medals. American Medallic Sculpture Association, 2025. 279 x 216 cm, 90 p. ISBN: 9798218638375. Price: $19.99 (soft cover)/ $39.99 (hard cover).
The book explores a wide range of traditional and modern sculpting, casting, and die-striking techniques via step-by-step demonstrations and essays. Each chapter was contributed by a member of the American Medallic Sculpture Association and documents the creation of an original medal from start to finish. Authors include Mark Benvenuto, Don Everhart, Jim Licaretz, Jacqueline Lorieo, Tracy Mahaffey, Mashiko, Michael Meszaros, Susan Taylor, Mel Wacks, et al. and Pollard has written four chapters – on creating medals for Benjamin Franklin, Nathan Hale, a Vietnam Service Medal, and Oglala Chief Jack Red Cloud.
Topics covered include clay modeling, plaster molding and casting, working with fusible alloys, die engraving, bronze casting, 3D printing, and much more!
Ross Pollard is an artist and author dedicated to the preservation of traditional medallic techniques. He holds a degree in Art History from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and has written a number of how-to articles for popular magazines such as Railroad Model Craftsman, Leather Crafters Journal, and Ceramics Monthly. Ross currently serves as a board member for the American Medallic Sculpture Association and is a frequent contributor of technical articles to AMSA’s quarterly publication, Members Exchange.
This is a beautiful, comprehensive volume that belongs on the bookshelf of every medalist and every medal collector.
