More than Just Bling! – A Jewelry Invitational May 31 2013
Opening: Saturday, June 1, 4-7 PM
Exhibition dates: June 1 - 29, 2013
Arts on Douglas, Fine Art and Collectibles is pleased to feature six extraordinary jewelers for the month of June. Join us as we welcome: Stefan Alexandres, Robert Farrell, Gabrielle Gould, Bridgette Rallo, Mary Schimpff Webb, and Barbara Umbel in “More than Just Bling!” Each of these remarkable talents has been personally invited for their unique styles and distinction in the arts community.
Stefan Alexandres designs poetic yet contemporary jewelry, with solid craftsmanship and design. Stefan is known for his alternative metal fabrication methods, and has broken new ground in creating his titanium jewelry. The uniqueness of his work is based on his intuition for singular designs and starts with a pencil drawing ( no CAD). He works the metal directly without molds and is involved in every step of the process. Learn more about Stefan Alexandres at http://www.stefanalexandres.com
Robert Farrell believes that jewelry should quietly enhance a woman’s natural beauty rather than become a distraction from it. With that in mind, his current body of work consists of simple forms with subtle surfaces. The patterns are inspired by my admiration for Japanese graphics, African textiles, and the elegance found in nature. The primary material used is sterling silver. Robert does not use casting, plating, stamping, or any other mass-production techniques. Each object is created from flat sheet metal and wire. The surface patterns are created by either ‘hammered inlay,’ or true, ‘married metal’ inlay—a process in which different metals are fit together like a puzzle, and then soldered in place. Learn more about Robert Farrell at www.farrellsilver.com
Gabrielle Gould uses feathers the same way many jewelers use gemstones. Her work is an interpretation of the natural feel of coastal Florida and is inspired partly by the ornamentation of indigenous people. Each of her fascination works covey harmony in design, grace in execution and a sense of simple elegance. Learn more about Gabrielle Gould at http://www.gabriellegould.com
Bridgette Rallo considers jewelry “wearable art” and approaches each of her pieces that way. She strives to create works that evoke a special feeling in the viewer or the wearer. Her work is strongly tied to the environment and incorporates both gems and minerals in her jewelry, as well as fiber, glass, shells, coral, primitive and ethnic beads. Learn more about Bridgette Rallo at www.greenwoodsstudio.com
Mary Schimpff Webb has been represented by Arts on Douglas since its onset in 1996. Her 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. Learn more about Mary Schimpff Webb at http://artsondouglas.net/pages/mary-schimpff-webb
Barbara Umbel loves walking the sands of Melbourne Beach, collecting colorful seashells. Her fascination of their color variations and precise geometry has led her to her current works which are not only inspired by, but in part, come from the Atlantic Ocean. Learn more about Barbara Umbel at www.barbaraumbel.com.
An Opening Reception for More than Just Bling! will be held on Saturday, June 1, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public. This exhibition will be on display until June 29, 2013. Some works by may be viewed online at www.artsondouglas.net.
Special Feature: The Food Trucks are rolling in!
20 Food Trucks will arrive for the event to draw new attendees and bridge the art organizations participating in the monthly Downtown Arts District Gallery Walk in New Smyrna Beach. The caravan of savors will be stretched from Arts on Douglas on Magnolia Street to The Hub on Canal Street. Items to be served rage from Tacos to Lobster and will be available for purchase from 3 PM to 9 PM.
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.