The students of the Jewelry and Metalsmithing program at the School of Art + Design (A+D) are hard at work creating new and exciting pieces for the upcoming 28th Student Jewelry Sale on November 14. The Student Jewelry Sale is more than an opportunity for the students to put their talents and creativity to work and gain valuable, real-world experience, it is also an opportunity for our community to support the program.
"Our Student Jewelry Sale is a popular local event that brings out the energy and creativity of both the college and our program," explained A+D Visiting Faculty Claire Webb. "It's open to everyone and showcases the student's creative and unique work in the Lawrence Hall Lobby. Thanks to this sale every year, we are able to bring greater visibility to the program, the students, and their hard work."
Throughout the fall term in the Millrace building, the sounds of industry hammer through the hallway and the heat rises in the studio as the students get to work preparing for this one-of-a-kind student-run sale in November. Each student gets a chance to showcase their skill and creativity and looks forward to putting their creations on display in Lawrence Hall. Each student will present inventive jewelry using traditional and nontraditional materials and is responsible for the design and fabrication of at least 12 pieces of jewelry including rings, earrings, pendants, and brooches that range in complexity and price, with most being sold for under fifty dollars.
"[I am] most looking forward to everyone's finished work because everyone is working so hard and really excited to see how everything comes together," explained Aureli Rutledge, Art '25. "People are [in the] studio twenty-four/seven [and] I think everyone is feeling the heat. But [even with that added pressure], I am really excited to see how the general public reacts to our work and maybe has a newfound appreciation of the artistry [and hard work] behind metal smithing and jewelry making. I’m just really excited to see everyone's reaction to our work and I think people are going to be wowed."
In addition to the experience of creating each piece and planning for this event, the students are also helping support the longstanding program financially with the sale. Each piece purchased at the sale directly supports the Jewelry and Metalsmithing program, allowing the profits to support the program with much-needed materials, guest lectures, studio equipment, and other student support within the program.
"Obviously, the profit goes towards the program which is helpful in providing material for the classes and [helping] other people [discover] the program [thanks to this high-visibility event]," said Rutledge. "I think it's a really great [program] that not a lot of people know about. There are so many resources and Claire's knowledge is so invaluable [to our success]. I feel really lucky that I am [a part of the program] and that I am able to do this."
Open to the public, this year's event will be held in Lawrence Hall, across from the dean's office, on November 14 from 9 am until 4 pm.
"The Student Jewelry Sale allows not only other students, staff, and faculty to engage with the Jewelry and Metalsmithing program, but also the community at large," explained Webb. "Metals students produce some of the most exciting, creative, and well-crafted work on campus, and sharing that work with our community fosters pride in our work, and gets other students excited about taking a jewelry class, which helps keep the program healthy. Make sure to come early, collections often sell out!"
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