World Jewelry for the 21st Century features works in jewelry from an international group of innovative designers. It's an exhibit that will delight, and maybe even stretch, art jewelry aficionados. Materials include wood, steel, cotton thread, leather parchment and even colored pencils and since contemporary studio jewelry embraces techniques from nearly every creative discipline, some of these works incorporate needle work, hand-forging and the book arts. Numerous nations are represented including the US, Germany, Poland, Israel, Italy, Australia, Holland, Japan, South Korea and Greece.

Jewelry and bodily adornment may represent one of mankind's first creative expressions. Even before metallurgy was developed, men and women embellished themselves with materials at hand, like plants and wood, simple beads and skins. A similar sense of adventure energizes jewelry today. While precious metals and gems retain their allure, artists are uncovering the ornament possibilities in the most pedestrian materials. This is beautifully illustrated by the colored pencil necklaces of Dutch artist, Iris Tsante. Colored pencils, like those in your desk drawer, are cut, sharpened and assembled into statement necklaces that challenge conventional notions of ornament. Works like this and others in World Jewelry for the 21st Century remind us beauty can reside in anything. We need only look, to find it.

Opening Reception
Friday, May 3
5 - 7 pm 

VIEW SHOW

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Patina Gallery’s owners Allison and Ivan Barnett are dedicated to offering superior works in the fields of art jewelry, clay, sculpture and studio wood, and the gallery’s reputation as one of the most beautiful galleries in Santa Fe continues to grow. Patina’s 2013 calendar promises the enriching and soul-stirring experience that Patina’s friends have come to expect.