North Carolina metalsmith Annie Grimes Williams creates colorful enameled jewelry inspired by patterns and textures in nature as well as Mid-Century Modern designs. Artist: Born in Winston-Salem, NC, Williams grew up in Welcome, NC, a suburb. She graduated with a BFA in metal design in 2003 from East Carolina University. After graduating, she worked as…
Asheville metalsmith Elizabeth Walton is drawn to the intimacy of jewelry and its ability to facilitate interactions between the maker, wearer and viewer. Artist: Born and raised in Asheville, NC, Walton moved to Boone, NC to earn her BFA in metalsmithing and jewelry design from Appalachian State University. After graduating, she returned to Asheville to…
Francesca Vitali is a modern-day alchemist. The Texas-based designer, who started her career as a chemist, turns everyday papers into jewelry that is both modern and special. Artist: Grew up in Rome, Italy, where she earned undergraduate and master’s degrees in chemistry. She left home to pursue her PhD at the University of Zurich in Switzerland.…
In her North Carolina studio, Dori Settles draws on a French casting technique to craft glass shoes that range from baby shoes and boots to stilettos and sneakers – each one often accompanied by a personal back story. Artist: Born in Milwaukee, Settles grew up in southeast Wisconsin. She moved to Nebraska to attend the University…
Debe Dohrer says her jewelry line is not for the meek. “It’s unapologetic, attention-worthy jewelry,” said the Nashville designer. “And it always makes a statement.” Artist: Born in Salt Lake City, UT, Dohrer moved to Scottsdale AZ, when she was 10. Dohrer graduated from Arizona State University, where she studied art and merchandising. After college,…
Key West’s Helen Harrison transforms pieces of nature and found objects – from palm fiber and calabash to conch shells and coconuts – into sophisticated sculptures with balanced design and unexpected beauty. Artist: Born in Jefferson City, Missouri, she graduated with a BFA from Southern Methodist University. After college she married her husband Ben and…
In her Florida studio, Karen Schremmer blends traditional and digital techniques to create her rich-with-color mixed media portraits and sculptural works. The hand-placed rhinestones, resin flowers and high-gloss finish add texture and a touch of glamor. Artist: Schremmer was born in Chicago, IL, but has lived in Florida for most of her life. She holds…
Texas jewelry designer Lorena Angulo draws on her Mexican heritage and culture in her work. “My jewelry designs are a representation of who I am and where I come from,” said Angulo. Artist: Born in Mexico, where Angulo grew up traveling and living in various states. Her native country exposed her to different folk art…
For North Carolina metalsmith Erica Stankwytch Bailey, it’s the smallest details that count, whether in nature or in her architectural jewelry deigns. Artist: Born and grew up in Fayetteville, NC, where she knew early on that she wanted to become a maker. Bailey graduated from North Carolina School of the Arts for high school and…
Maryland’s Alice Kresse brings her foundation in printmaking and enthusiasm for non-traditional materials to her modern, fun-to-wear jewelry designs. Artist: Born in Cleveland, OH, Kresse grew up in Ann Arbor, MI. She graduated from Ohio University with a BFA in printmaking and painting. For many years, Kresse worked as an art director, graphic designer and…