Awards

Bridging the Visibility Gap - 2022

Portrait

Distinguished Professor (Emeritus) - 1976

About Alma Eikerman

Eikerman, a Kansas native, earned her undergraduate degree from Kansas State and began a career in teaching. While at Columbia University, during her graduate degree, her interest in, and reputation for metalsmithing grew. She taught design and jewelry design at Wichita State University and continued to hone her metalsmithing skills. At the outbreak of WWI, she served the Red Cross in Italy. She joined the Indiana University faculty in 1947, and it was at IU that she developed that arm of the art department. After studying and working under master craftsmen in Europe, she introduced European hollowware techniques into the metalsmithing program at IU. Throughout her career, Eikerman received many honors and awards. Before her retirement from IU in 1978, IU named her a Distinguished Professor. She was also awarded the American Craft Council's Gold Medal in 1993 as well as the Indiana Governor's Art Award for her many contributions to arts education. Her work has been featured in over 200 exhibits, including "Objects USA" at the Smithsonian.