Contemporary Jewelry Show at Lindens

Linden Gallery in Ellison Bay presents “Tales from Southwest China,” contemporary jewelry incorporating antique copper molds from ethnic villages in Guizhou Province on July 12 – 13 from 10 am – 5 pm.

For hundreds of years, the Miao people of rural China have created exquisite pieces of silver jewelry; where often, families invest a greater part of their wealth in these works which then accompany a bride to her husband’s home.

The new exhibition of jewelry by Door County artists Skye and Peter Ciesla of Bazyli Studio displays the cultural traditions of these timeless Asian communities.

Peter and Skye have been working on an Asian collection for the past two years and were captivated by the copper molds brought back by the Lindens from China’s mountainous hinterland.

“I have a deep appreciation for the material past, and these molds contain stories and secrets about Chinese culture and mythology,” explained Peter Ciesla. “When I hold one of these molds in my hand, I can’t help but wonder about the artisans that worked with them.”

Jeanee Linden, owner of Linden Gallery, added, “Skye and Peter display a cultural inquisitiveness that goes far beyond the surface. Their jewelry reflects this deep appreciation for the traditions and original uses of many of their materials. What a juxtaposition to have molds once used by ethnic craftsmen residing in this provocative and elegant contemporary jewelry!”

The Cieslas,’ whose work has garnered national acclaim and shows in major galleries across the country, will be on hand at the Linden Gallery to open their exhibit on Saturday and Sunday, July 12 – 13 from 10 am – 5 pm.

Tales of Southwest China will run throughout the 2008 season. For more information on this show or on the Linden Gallery’s China Centre nestled in the Himalayas in Yunnan Province, stop by the gallery located at the corner of Highway 42 and Mink River Road in Ellison Bay, call 920.854.2487 or visit http://www.lindensgallery.com.