At Indiana Metal Craft, we had the privilege of contributing to a project that was as meaningful as it was technically challenging: transforming a historic IU bell into the official Bicentennial Medal. This initiative commemorated 200 years of Indiana University’s legacy by creating medals that physically and symbolically connected the past with the future. Designed by Jeeyea Kim, an IU faculty member and artist, the medal draws inspiration from both the ripple effect of water and global aviation routes—representing IU’s influence across Indiana and the world. As Jeeyea explained, “It would be so cool to represent something... IU’s interconnection throughout the campuses.”

The transformation process involved melting down the historic bell—a non-homogenous alloy—into a custom-cast medal. “There were some areas of the bell that were high tin content... other areas had high copper content,” one team member noted. “It created challenges, but it made a really unique end piece.” From digital CAD design to wax injection, ceramic casting, and hand-finishing, our team took meticulous care at every step to preserve both the integrity of the material and the vision of the design. The result: a set of medals rich with historical character, each one subtly distinct due to the original bell's varied composition.

Beyond the technical achievement, the emotional impact of the project resonated deeply with everyone involved. “The most exciting part was to see the reaction of staff at IU and Jeeyea the artist... I think the end product exceeded everyone’s expectations,” one Indiana Metal Craft team member said. For Jeeyea, the project held personal meaning: “When I contribute my own design for awarding people who contributed to this history of IU, I’m kind of very honored.” At Indiana Metal Craft, we’re proud to play a role in crafting objects that don’t just mark time—but honor legacy.