This is your instructor, Professor John Ahr

John Ahr divides his career between artistic exploration and arts education.  His work as an artist explores the silly to the sublime in a variety of media to form a uniquely expressive hybrid.  Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ahr now lives in Southern California where he regularly teaches jewelry design and fabrication classes.

Ahr has worked as an artist and a designer for many years.  He has produced a wide variety of fine art and commercial work in both traditional and non-traditional materials.  Ahr's work has been exhibited in the US as well as Europe and Japan.  He is especially known for the skillful eclecticism of this work that often incorporates his photos.  In 2003, Mr. Ahr designed the featured decor elements for HBO's Emmy Awards and Golden Globes after parties.

Ahr earned a M.F.A. in metals from California State University, Long Beach.  He has appeared on both the "Lifetime" and "DIY" networks where he has shared his knowledge of crafts.

The man behind the scenes, Don Hunt

Don Hunt is truly a renaissance man.  He has enjoyed success in a variety of fields.  And, he is always willing to face a new challenge.  His artistic sensibilities and technical prowess have helped the OJA to quickly make a mark on the field of jewelry education. 



Our History

The Online Jewelry Academy (OJA) was established in 2012 by Co-Creators John Ahr and Don Hunt.  Working with just a cell phone camera, the two produced their first videos for YouTube.  The response to their initial videos was encouraging.  So, Ahr and Hunt decided to continue to produce educational videos for anyone interested in making jewelry.  As their access to video recording and editing technology increased, so did the number and quality of their videos.  But, the two men have remained consistent in adhering to three principles in each of their videos:
  • Safety First
  • Step-by-step instruction that's easy to follow
  • Concise and interesting lessons

​Historically, jewelry training was the realm of apprentices and journeymen working under the direction of a master.  In the 20th Century jewelry training moved to colleges and universities.  Many of these programs have recently closed.  But with the popularity of both do-it-yourself programs and personal technology devices there are now many self-taught jewelry designers and craftsmen.

The OJA seeks to bridge the extremes of today's jewelry training.  Using detailed video instruction and demonstration, students are able to have a virtual first-hand learning experience.  Our hope is to inspire others to fearlessly pursue their creative goals in jewelry.