Tag: black jewerly

Art has always been a part of my life to the point I never really considered it not to be, it was/is my normal in our family.  Many art projects from a young age were hung on the fridge, the walls or on shelves. We were always creating or in sports or going to museums, gallery, and shows as a participant or in the audience.  

My current journey into jewerly making starts with metal wire and gemstones from a seminar series that I took from Amy Wilderson – it was offered at our local (& only in the Twin Cities) African American heritage gallery & museum in North Minneapolis (MAAGHM).

I had heard about the class from the museum, my friend Melissa & social media. I guess the ancestors were speaking! And I paid attention.

In my class, with 7 other women from our community, we learned the basics for working with wire over ten weeks (yes it was a commitment!), our first exhibition and then a second series in the seminar through spring 2015.  We bonded, laughed and recreated pieces of our families ‘things’ into something new while learning new techniques and materials. It became our ‘Reframed treasures.’

The impact from the classes I’m certain will be felt and embraced for a lifetime.  I’m ever eternally grateful for the experience and these first steps along this wonderful new path of life. It has ignited a passion to keep creating.

Not only did I develop this new skill, made friends & new sense of accomplishment in my life I connected with the Chairwoman of a new arts and cultural commission in my city where I live. I applied and got on the board and am now – Vice Chairwoman! Wow what a start of the year.

Cherry on top we were able to showcase our work at the museum. It got accepted after at the UROC center of the University of Minnesota for two additional shows.

My jewelry – my art. My main focus is gemstones and different copper wires. You will see me at local fairs this year (2025) as I work on getting my website & store up and running.

My pieces are handmade with elements of upcycled jewerly, copper wire, resin, gemstones, glass & Czech glass.

Primary focus is bracelets, necklaces, cuffs & rings. I lean more modern & abstract even in my pieces.

Above same bracelet different angles.

First blog post thanks for reading and being part of my journey!

Cheers

Michelle