Love is in the air — and at the Metal Museum, it’s taking shape in copper, color, and a splash of rosé. Roses and Rosé: A Valentine’s Day Copper Rose Workshop invites Memphians to spend Valentine’s Day doing something a little different: making art by hand, sipping wine, and walking away with a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
The workshop is part of the Metal Museum’s Fine Metals & Jewelry class offerings, which are designed for all skill levels. No experience is required, and all tools and materials are provided. The result? A handcrafted copper rose, decorated with vibrant alcohol inks — perfect as a gift, a date-night souvenir, or a personal token of self-love.
Francesca Manard, the Metal Museum’s Youth Programs and Tours Manager, organized and will lead the workshop. She says the idea grew out of an existing copper rose class, with the rosé added “to spice things up” and create a more relaxed, celebratory atmosphere. “We wanted to offer an opportunity for community members to celebrate a special day with us,” Manard says.
“Participants will leave with a unique memento of their day.” For first-timers, the class is intentionally approachable. The thin copper sheets can be cut with scissors, and the roses are assembled using wire and jewelry pliers — tools many people already recognize. Participants follow a basic petal pattern, then take creative control: shaping petals by hand, layering alcohol inks, and using heat guns to speed up the drying process. “No two copper roses are ever the same,” Manard says, making the experience engaging for beginners and seasoned makers alike.
Copper itself adds a layer of romance, soft enough to work with but durable enough to last — and a material with mythological roots. Copper is traditionally associated with Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, making it a fitting medium for a Valentine’s Day rose. Meanwhile, sipping rosé while creating art gives the workshop a low-pressure vibe, more like a creative gathering than a formal class. And it works for everyone: couples, friends, and solo participants looking for a meaningful creative escape.
Adding to the magic is the setting. Students work surrounded by metal art, active studios, and views of the Mississippi River — an experience that’s especially poignant as the Metal Museum prepares to expand from its bluff campus to Overton Park later this year.
In a digital-heavy world, Manard believes hands-on experiences resonate because they produce something tangible. “People always leave with a smile and a sense of pride,” she says. That alone might be reason enough to step out.
Roses and Rosé: A Valentine’s Day Copper Rose Workshop, Metal Museum, 374 Metal Museum Drive, Saturday, February 14, 3-4:30 p.m. $30.