First Annual Grand Masters

A Dream of Many Engraving Artists Fulfilled

In August 2005, some of the finest engravers gathered in Emporia, Kansas for an extraordinary event: the First Annual GRS Grand Masters Program featuring Winston Churchill and Ron Smith.

This fulfilled a dream for many engravers and GRS. Since the creation of the GRS Training Center, GRS hoped to someday host a series of breakthrough programs led by some of the most renowned engravers in the world. It's now reality, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Churchill and Smith each presented a 5-day engraving program specializing in the fine techniques of their recognizable, world-class styles.

They were held on successive weeks for up to 12 people per program. Limited to proficient engravers, all participants had to qualify by submitting photographic examples of their work.

Both Churchill and Smith work with traditional chasing hammers and hand gravers. Their programs were open to a wide variety of graver methods including hand gravers, chasing hammers, and power-assisted handpieces.

Every bench was equipped with GRS tools including a GraverMax and microscope, but attendees were able to bring other gravers, hammers and power engraving tools.