As fall starts to cool things down, the Department of Art is heating up, courtesy of the students of the Jewelry and Metalsmithing program. The students are hard at work creating new and exciting pieces for the upcoming 31st Student Jewelry Sale on November 13. The Student Jewelry Sale is a unique 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 and its hardworking students.
“The Annual Student Jewelry Sale is a community-powered showcase that makes the full arc of learning visible, from idea and sketch to fabrication and on sale. Students present well-crafted, original work using both traditional and non-traditional materials while also developing professional skills in pricing, presentation, and audience engagement," explained Visiting Assistant Professor Valerie Ho. "The event is open to all in the Lawrence Hall lobby and, year after year, raises the program’s visibility on campus and beyond. Importantly, purchases directly support student learning by funding materials, studio equipment, guest lectures, and other resources that keep this education vibrant and accessible. We encourage attendees to arrive early, as our collections often sell out!"
This annual showcase presents inventive jewelry for purchase, created by students, and is a one-of-a-kind student-run sale in November. In the workshop, the sounds of industry can be heard at all hours of the day, as these proud artists and students work to prepare for the sale. Each student will present an array of inventive jewelry using traditional and nontraditional materials and is responsible for the design and fabrication of a collection of pieces that could include rings, earrings, pendants, and brooches that range in complexity and price, with most being sold for under fifty dollars. Selected works can be seen in the gallery below.
"I think everyone is excited to see how the community reacts to our finished work," explained Sophia Newton, Art '26. "We've been working in the studio, some of us twenty-four/seven, and people are feeling ready to showcase their work. In addition to providing a type of professional experience, this event does an excellent job of displaying the type of work and artistry that goes into metalsmithing and jewelry making to the general public. You are going to want to be here early to get your pick of the pieces!"
Each piece purchased directly supports the Jewelry and Metalsmithing program and its students, allowing the profits to support the program with much-needed materials, guest lectures, studio equipment, and other student support within the program.
"What many people don't know is that half the profits for this go towards the program and the other half to students. Obviously, this is very helpful in providing materials for the class but it also helps other people and students discover the program thanks to the jewelry sale itself," said Harper Pearce-Mitchell, Art '26. "This is such a great program and the jewelry sale gives us a great opportunity talk with people who might not know anything about us. Valerie's knowledge has been so invaluable for this studio and the event. I just feel really lucky that we are able to do this. It's always a fun time and, who knows, maybe you will find some treasures for the holidays."
Open to the public, this year's event will be held in Lawrence Hall, across from the dean's office, on November 13 from 9 am until 4 pm.
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