I have a big show opening next week!  The show is titled eleMEnTAL and features the work of Tedd McDonah, Becky McDonah, and myself.
I hope to see you all at the reception next Friday, but if you can't make it, the show will be up through August 12th!  Details below!

eleMEnTAL

Featuring Arizona Artists Becky Chader McDonah, Tedd R. McDonah, & Lynette Andreasen

When:

Friday, May 25 - Sunday, August 12, 2012

Where: 

North Gallery: Mesa Art Center, (480) 644.6500

One East Main Street

Mesa, Arizona 85201

This exhibition brings together three Arizona metalsmiths, whose aesthetics complement each other but retain their individual forms of expression. With precious and semiprecious metals and stones, these artists create reliquaries and containers, fishing lures, jewelry and other intimate art objects that beacon closer examination. Beyond the elegant surfaces, the work provides a deeper conversation on relationships, attraction, heritage, status and other implications of society.

Opening Reception: Friday, May 25, 2012 (7-10pm)

FREE and Open to the Public
• Musical Entertainment by JT’s Island Steel
• Artists in Attendance
• Benefit Raffle Drawing (Raffle items on display and tickets available for purchase starting Friday, May 18. Contact Betty at 480-644-6567 for more information or visit Mesa Contemporary Arts’ front desk.)
• Light Refreshments and Cash Bar

Rosette Collar

This is one of the new pieces I just finished for my upcoming show at mesa art center.  

Rosette Collar

silver plated copper, sterling silver, fine silver, freshwater pearls, antique chandelier crystals

I outlined most of the process of making this piece below-with pictures!

 I had the parts waterjet cut from copper sheet metal.  To give you a sense of scale, the copper piece below is 36"x36".  The parts for this necklace are towards the bottom-they look like flowers but have little tabs sticking out all around the petals.  I had several other pieces cut for other projects as well.  Normally I do all my piercing by hand, but I ran out of time and had things I wanted to get done for the show and this saved a TON of time. 

 These are the parts once cut.  The waterjet cutting also makes finishing super easy because they are cut perfect-no need for filing, just a little bit of sanding!

As you can see, the longer tabs on these are bent around the back and soldered, to form links for the jumprings to join each piece. 

 

 Here they are all set up for soldering.

This is after they have been soldered, connected with jumprings, and the jumprings soldered closed.

After that I took it to a silverplating company and had a really thick plating put on the whole chain.

This is after the patina was put on, and the crystals were set.  I just used a wood dowel and a bezel pusher to push the prongs over the edge of the crystal and into place.

 

And this is the finished piece.  I forgot to take pictures while I was adding the pearls.  They are just attached with a fine silver pin, balled on both sides of the crystal.

I really want to keep this one!

It's that time of year again!

It's time for the annual 10x10 benefit show and sale at Mesa Art Center!

Here is the piece I made for the show. Its made from laser engraved poplar wood, paint, and features a detachable brooch in sterling silver, bronze, embroidery, and a freshwater pearl.
It can be yours for $100! Just come to the show, info below!

When:

Tuesday, October 4 - Monday, October 10, 2011

Where:

Mesa Contemporary Arts

Mesa Contemporary Arts' (MCA) is pleased to announce its Third Annual 10 x 10 Benefit Show & Sale, which features the work of more than 100 artists from Arizona and beyond. Participating artists are asked to create an original work (2-D or 3-D) of art in keeping with the 10 x 10" theme. The competed pieces will be on display at MCA from Oct 4-9 and sold at the reception on Oct 10. Each piece will be available for $100. First come, first pick! Doors open at 7pm sharp! All proceeds benefit MCA exhibitions and educational programs.

Reception & Sale: Monday, Oct 10, 2011, 7-9pm

- $10 per person at the door

- MCA Members (and one guest) get in free and 10% off their entire purchase*

- Sweet treats will be served
- Cash Bar

32nd Annual Mesa Contemporary Craft Exhibition

DON'T MISS MESA CONTEMPORARY ARTS' OPENING RECEPTION!

Highlighting the finest in contemporary crafts from across the country, Mesa Contemporary Arts' Annual Contemporary Crafts exhibition has become a benchmark for innovation and quality. Representative of traditional craft mediums including ceramics, fibers, basketry, metals, wood, glass, jewelry, papermaking and book arts, this exhibition showcases 47 artworks by 37 artists, representing 18 states.

Friday, Jan 21, 2011 (6-8pm)
Free and Open to the Public!
- 6:30pm Artist Talk by Stephanie Trenchard
- Musical Entertainment by Tommy Eggleston Trio
Light Refreshments and Cash Bar- Light Refreshments and Cash Bar

Premiering Exhibitions:

32^nd Annual Contemporary Crafts
A national juried exhibition of all craft media
Jan 21-Mar 6

Memory is a Strange Bell--
Stephanie Trenchard
Narratives in Sand Cast Glass
Jan 21-Mar13

Mesa Contemporary Arts at Mesa Arts Center
One East Mesa, Downtown Mesa, Arizona
480-644-6567
MesaArtsCenter.com

Art Fair This Weekend!!!

Come check out my booth this weekend at the Mesa Art Center Holiday Art Festival!

10x10 Benefit Show and Sale at Mesa Art Center this Sunday!

It's that time of year again! It's time for the Mesa Art Center 10x10 Benefit Show and Sale! I just barely finished my piece...whew! See details below.

When: Tuesday, October 5 - Sunday, October 10, 2010

Where: Mesa Contemporary Arts

Mesa Contemporary Arts' (MCA) is pleased to announce its Second Annual 10 x 10 Benefit Show & Sale, which will feature the work of over 100 artists from Arizona and beyond. Participating artists are asked to create an original work (2-D or 3-D) of art in keeping with the 10 x 10" theme. The competed pieces will be on display at MCA from Oct 5-10 and sold at the reception on Oct 10. Each piece will be available for $100. First come, first pick! Doors open at 2pm sharp! All proceeds benefit MCA exhibitions and educational programs.

Reception & Sale: 10-10-10 (Oct 10, 2010), 2-4:30pm

- $10 per person at the door

- MCA Members (and one guest) get in free and 10% off their entire purchase*

- Catering by Creative Hands of Mesa

- Cash Bar

Here are some progress shots of my piece. I decided to keep in the same theme that I used for my piece last year and have the 10x10 be a sort of display for a wearable piece of jewelry. I originally painted the canvas gray, but then it seemed too boring so I drew this pattern on and started painting again. It took me like 6 hours to paint the pattern on. I am SO not a painter!

Then I made these copper hands that double as hooks to hold a necklace.

They protrude just a little bit from the canvas to add some depth.

The necklace is three strands of individually knotted freshwater pearls and garnet teardrop shaped beads, tied on red silk.

I hope someone likes it enough to buy it!

Arizona Designer Craftsmen 50th Anniversary Exhibition

This year is the 50th anniversary for the organization, Arizona Designer Craftsmen. In celebration of the anniversary, there is a juried exhibition at Mesa Art Center. I have 2 pieces in the show, but have tons of friends with really great work in the show as well. My friend Victoria's work is on the postcard, I can't wait to see those pieces in person! My friend Danielle Embry will have this piece below in the show, which I can't wait to see in person as well. Danielle and I went to school together at ASU when I was an undergrad, her work was amazing then, but has gotten even more amazing ever since!
So, be sure to check out the show, it will be full of work from artists all over the state working in clay, glass, wood, fiber, metal, and mixed media. Details below.

The Arizona Designer Craftsmen
50th Anniversary Juried Exhibition
Mesa Contemporary Arts Center
June 11 - August 8, 2010

opening reception: Friday, June 11th from 7:00-10:00.

31st Annual Contemporary Crafts Exhibition

I have a piece in the upcoming 31st Annual Contemporary Crafts Exhibition at Mesa Art Center. Here is the info for the show, I'd love to see you all there (the opening is this Friday)!

When:
Jan 22 - Mar 14, 2010

Opening Reception: Fri, Jan 22, 2010 (6-8pm)
Where:
Mesa Contemporary Arts

Free and open to the public

"Highlighting the finest in contemporary crafts from around the country, Mesa Contemporary Arts' Annual Contemporary Crafts exhibition has become a benchmark for innovation and quality. Representative of traditional craft mediums including ceramics, fibers, basketry, metals, wood, glass, jewelry, papermaking and book arts, this exhibition showcases 52 artworks by 42 artists from 18 states.

Guest juror for the 31st Annual Contemporary Crafts exhibition is Jane Sauer, owner of Jane Sauer Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. With over 34 years of experience as an artist and arts activist, Sauer is considered an expert in the craft community. "

Award and Upcoming Event!

I just found out that I was awarded one of the 2nd place jurors awards for the Holiday Music and Art Festival at Mesa Art Center! The festival is an arts and crafts fair that I have been participating in for 4 years now. I'm so excited to have won this award! And, one of my very best friends, Victoria Altepeter also won a 2nd place award! She is currently living at Arrowmont in Tennessee as an artist in residence but will be returning to AZ for the festival. Here are the details, make sure to come check out our booths, and also all the other wonderful artists that will be there! I will be sharing my booth with Katie Poterala (one of our new first year metals grads at ASU) this year, here are images of some of her jewelry:Holiday Art & Music Festival
When:Dec 12 - Dec 13, 2009
Where:Mesa Arts Center
Start time:10:00am
End time:5:00pm
Ticket Price:Free!

10x10

I finished my piece (barely in the nick of time!) for the 10x10 benefit show at Mesa Art Center. Its laser engraved wood, copper, sterling silver, embroidery and a pearl. The little circle piece comes off as a detachable brooch, so it can live on the wall when you aren't wearing it. I couldn't make something without somehow making it wearable!!:)

Here are some photos to get your mouth watering (haha, jk!) for the show! Make sure to come out and support a great cause. All the details for the show are at the bottom of this post.

On October 10, 2009, there will be a benefit show at the Mesa Art Center. At the show they will have 10"x10" works for show and sale by 110 Arizona Artists. Each piece will be for sale for $100.00. First come, first pick and doors open at 6pm. All proceeds will benefit the Mesa Contemporary Arts Exhibitions and educational programs.
-$10 entrance fee at the door
-refreshments
-cash bar
I would love to see you all there. I LOVE the Mesa Art Center and think it is a great organization/facility to support. Come buy cool art for a good cause!!

10x10 Benefit Show

On October 10, 2009, there will be a benefit show at the Mesa Art Center. At the show they will have 10"x10" works for show and sale by 110 Arizona Artists. Each piece will be for sale for $100.00. First come, first pick and doors open at 6pm. All proceeds will benefit the Mesa Contemporary Arts Exhibitions and educational programs.

-$10 entrance fee at the door

-refreshments

-cash bar

I will be participating in this show and would love to see you all there. I LOVE the Mesa Art Center and think it is a great organization/facility to support. Hopefully I will finish my piece soon so I can post an image of it here.

Save the date! 10-10-09!!!

Resurrect: Art of the Reclaimed Object

I almost forgot! This Friday, June 12th from 7-10pm is the opening for a show I have work in!Resurrect: Art of the Reclaimed Object

The exhibition is at Mesa Art Center, feel free to drop by the opening and say hello!

The show runs: June 12 – August 9, 2009

"Resurrect is a national juried exhibition that focuses on art created from found objects, materials or items initially designed for another purpose but fashioned into works of art. The "reclaimed object" serves either as the main focus or as an embellishing feature that is visually present in the work. This exhibition showcases 55 artworks in nontraditional mediums by 51 artists from 18 states."

Artists include:

Christine Alaniz (Sinking Spring, PA)

James White and Joe Milosevich (Crest Hill, IL)

Lynette Andreasen (Mesa, AZ)

Nancy Arthur-McGehee (Sandiego, CA)

Lilyana Bekic (San Diego, CA)

Elyse Pignolet and Sandow Birk (Long Beach, CA)

Jen Blazina (Philadelphia, PA)

Carol Cole (Bala Cynwyd, PA)

Kat Cole (Salem, AL)

Allison Cooke Brown (Yarmouth, ME)

June Corley (Loachapoka, AL)

Emily Dvorin (Kentfield, CA)

Irene Embrey (Anacortes, WA)

Elissa Farrow-Savos (Sterling, VA)

Gayle Friedman (Washington, DC)

Rodgell Helm (Tempe, AZ)

Cindy Imhoff (San Francisco, CA)

Soyeon Kim (Urbana, IL)

Stan Klimek (Aquila, AZ)

Roberta Lavadour (Pendleton, OR)

Denise Laws (San Francisco, CA)

Zeke Leonard (Providence, RI)

Scott Lizama (Gilbert, AZ)

Mary Ann Lomonaco (Larchmont, NY)

Joetta Maue (Brooklyn, NY)

Barbara McLaughlin (Tucson, AZ)

Timothy McMahon (Brooklyn, NY)

Libby and Jim Mijanovich (Marshall, NC)

Justen Morgan (Tempe, AZ)

Joe Muench (Ames, IA)

Armin Mühsam (Maryville, MO)

Rik Nelson (Liberty Lake, WA)

Sue Norton-Scott (Chandler, AZ)

Jacki Orr (Phoenix, AZ)

Laura Prieto-Velasco (Oak Park, IL)

Kiki Revoir (Anguin, CA)

Carol Russell (Prescott, AZ)

Jeffrey Scanlan (New Orleans, LA)

Tom Shields (New Bedford, MA)

Anne Straus (Wyoming, OH)

David Terpening (Charlotte, NC)

Ruth Terrill (La Honda, AZ)

James Thurman (State College, PA)

Marlene True (Sandy Hook, VA)

Francesca Vitali (Rochester, NY)

Margaret Whiting (Waterloo, IA)

Ira Wiesenfeld (Tucson, AZ)

Peggy Wyman (Macomb, MO)

The guest juror for Resurrect was Claire Schneider, Senior Curator of Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Scottsdale, Arizona.

Good News: Selling Locally at Mesa Art Center Store

Some of my jewelry will now be carried at the Mesa Art Center Store, so if you are local head on down to Mesa Arts and take a look! The Mesa Art Center Store is a great place to find wonderful art things that you can give as gifts or keep for yourself! All proceeds from the store go to support the programs at Mesa Art Center...and we all know how important that is these days. Also, the Mesa Art Center is a beautiful building in downtown Mesa that has several galleries with shows that change regularly, and a performing arts center...if you haven't been you really should go!

30th Annual Mesa Contemporary Crafts Opening Reception

The opening reception for the Mesa Contemporary Craft Show was on Friday night. The show was really great and a wonderful display of what is going on in the craft world today. I wish a bit more work had been included in the show, I never mind if a gallery is a bit packed (just means more to look at), but the juror did a great job selecting pieces that were very diverse, while also complimenting eachother.
I had so many friends and family come to support me and I appreciate you ALL! Thanks so much to everyone who came. Really. You guys mean a lot to me:) My mom always takes a picture of me by my work. I get really red and embarrassed every single time, but I love her for it. Thanks mom! See, you always said someday I'd thank you:)
Anyway, the show was awesome and you should all go see it if you can. It stays up until March 15th.
Just in case you are curious, here are some of my favorite pieces in the show:

Orange Fruit Bauble by Angela Cunningham.

Vital Entity by Helen Otterson. Booster Series by Natalya Pinchuk.

Stonehenge Bookends by Seth Rolland.

Siren by Lilyana Bekic.