Mary Schimpff Webb: Nouvelle et Fraiche January 28 2013

On Exhibit: February 2 – 23
Opening Reception: Sat., Feb. 2, 4 – 7 PM
Free and open to the public. Arts on Douglas, Fine Art and Collectibles

The New Smyrna Beach gallery, Arts on Douglas will be presenting a celebration of fine jewelry making in an exhibition by Mary Schimpff Webb entitled Nouvelle et Fraiche.

Mary’s distinctive use of materials and techniques developed over her extensive career sets her apart from other jewelry makers.  Her wearable artworks are fluid, sculptural and textured forms utilizing unusual combinations of precious and semi-precious stones with gold, platinum, silver and wood. All of her works are handcrafted, including the gems she often shapes herself.

In addition to making jewelry, Webb also creates sculptural boxes, fine silverware, belt buckles and other unique pieces. During her prolific career, Webb has continued to challenge herself with new styles and techniques to apply to her artwork. She has firmly established herself as a fine craftsman of modernist jewelry.

On the current works, Webb states “Each new gem stone, whether is it one that I’ve cut, collected or acquired, brings fresh inspiration to my designs.”

Mary began studying jewelry making at a very early age. Her mother Frances was an accomplished artist and jewelry maker. Webb's childhood was surrounded by art. In the 1970s, Webb opened a jewelry studio with her mother in Glen Arbor, Michigan.  Webb has taught and shown extensively through the US. and has been featured in numerous books on fine jewelry and metalsmithing.

An Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2013 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  This event is free and open to the public.  The exhibition “Nouvelle et Fraiche” will be on display until February 23, 2013.

Mary Schimpff Webb has been represented by Arts on Douglas since its onset in 1996. Her beautifully crafted designs have been featured in a solo exhibition each February for the past 12 years.

About Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles: A unique commercial art gallery located in the arts-rich community of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Founded in 1996 by Doris Leeper, artist and Atlantic Center for the Arts founder and artist/benefactor Ed Harris, Arts on Douglas promotes the work and careers of prominent Florida artists. Formerly a used furniture warehouse, and originally a 1930's era Ford showroom and service center, the space was magnificently transformed and has since become a community gathering spot for a discerning mix of art lovers, patrons, and artists.