Friends and colleagues this week are remembering Carlyle H. Smith for his ground-breaking work, his mentoring and his lifelong craftsmanship.

Smith, a renowned artist who founded Kansas University’s pioneering jewelry and silversmithing program, died Thursday in Pittsburg. He was 93.

Works by the professor, who spent 30 years at KU, are included in the permanent collections of the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., and the Museum of Fine Art in Boston.

Friends and colleagues said he left a mark on those he taught and on the field of jewelry.

“His students are some of the most reputable designers and metalsmiths in this country,” said Lois Greene, a former colleague and current KU associate dean of design.

Ron Hinton, a former student who remained close to Smith until his death, said Smith always stressed the importance of craftsmanship to his students.

“To him, it was just as important for someone who ordered his jewelry to turn it over and see that the back was just as finished as the front,” Hinton said. “He had an impeccable, old-school work ethic.”

The Connecticut native was introduced to teaching while attending the Rhode Island School of Design. He had been at the school just one semester when he was asked to lead an art metal class at the Providence, R.I., Boys Club.

He began teaching in the public schools in Providence during the metal shortages of World War II, making do by having his students use large tin cans for projects. Toward the end of the war, Smith supervised the training program for the American Optical Co., which was doing naval contract work for eyeglasses.

Obit: Carlyle H. Smith

His big break came in 1947, when he was invited by KU design department chairwoman Marjorie Whitney to set up a program in jewelry and silversmithing at KU. It was the first program of its kind at a public university.

At the time, jewelry was a burgeoning field, and few high schools in the state had metalsmithing programs. Hoping to increase both the popularity of the medium and interest in KU’s program, Smith traveled to high schools throughout Kansas, conducting workshops and demonstrations for art teachers and students.

“He would look for students who might be interested in coming to KU for a jewelry degree,” Hinton said. “He was a true pioneer in terms of getting metals started in this area.”

Smith retired from KU in 1977, but continued to make jewelry until he was 90.

Among his works during his tenure at KU were the chancellor’s collar and mace used during graduation ceremonies. The Carlyle H. Smith Metalsmithing and Jewelry Studio in KU’s design department was named in his honor upon his retirement.

Earlier this year, the Mulvane Art Museum at Washburn University in Topeka put on a display of works Smith completed between the ages of 85 and 90.

“It was really phenomenal work,” Hinton said. “I keep telling myself that if I could be at the bench until I’m 90 like Carlyle did, I’m going to be one happy guy.”

Mass of Christian Burial for Smith will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Pittsburg.

— The Associated Press contributed to this report.