Inspired by Nature

Botanical forms take on new lives and meanings in the international jewelry exhibition, “The Nature of Jewelry: Botanical Designs & Symbols,” at Peninsula School of Art, April 19 – July 13. Close to 300 works by 28 studio art jewelry artists from the United States, Canada and Ireland will be displayed. The exhibition is free to gallery visitors, with most of the one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces available for purchase.

Sylvia Youell was awarded the 2011 Best in Contemporary Craft at The Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend for her “Daylily Candle Snuffer.”

The artists will display reference pieces, including plant material, sketches and photographs alongside their jewelry. Made from media that ranges from fine metals and gemstones, to polypropylene and handmade paper, the artists will also display a description of the materials and techniques involved in the making of their works.

Although each artist is inspired by plant life, the representations couldn’t be more diverse. For example, Missouri artist, Janice Ho, creates jewelry that represents the simple geometric elements of a plant’s cellular structure, whereas Sarah Hood, of Seattle, has found a way to combine her varied interests in children’s toys, botany and literature into her jewelry by working with model railroad landscape materials.

The Nature of Jewelry also features a retrospective of the works of award-winning studio art jewelry artist and Peninsula School of Art instructor, Sylvia Youell. The Sister Bay artist will display pieces that trace her notable 38-year career as a silversmith.

Peninsula School of Art and Guenzel Gallery, open 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday, are located at 3900 County Highway F in Fish Creek. For more information call 920.868.3455 or email [email protected].