The first sculpture chosen for the 2025 Women Artists of the DMV survey show comes from the talented hands and mind of a terrific artist whose work I’ve written about extensively, admired and seen spread and cross boundaries for years since this epic performance decades ago!Melissa Ichiuji is one of our most innovative artistic minds in an area that flourishes with an over abundance of geniuses. At first look, one could attempt to categorize her as one of the leading textile artists on the planet – and you would both be (a) not wrong in doing so, and also (b)…
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In our modern era, where sustainability is evolving beyond a mere trend, fashion lovers are increasingly looking for eco-friendly options. One of the most chic and meaningful ways to support sustainability is by choosing antique jewellery, especially antique bracelets. These classic accessories not only enhance any ensemble with their elegance but also provide numerous sustainability advantages, making them a fantastic alternative to contemporary, mass-produced pieces. In this blog, we will delve into the reasons why antique bracelets represent the perfect sustainable fashion choice and how they play a role in fostering a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. The Eco-Friendly Benefits of…
AJF published 118 fascinating, reflective articles this year. That’s so many to choose from! Selecting the five articles most interesting ones was like asking which pet is your favorite. How to pick? But choose I did. (Don’t worry, I don’t have that many pets. Bad analogy!) Atty Tantivit wearing Frankfurter necklace by David Bielander, photo courtesy of Atty Tantivit A Peek into the Collection of ATTA Gallery’s Atty TantivitWhy I picked it: Voyeuristic fun. Who doesn’t want a glimpse into the collections of some of the biggest names in the field? Besides, it’s light, easy reading. When Jennifer Altmann proposed…
Aquamarine Rings Aquamarine rings, with their cool, serene blue tones, make a stunning addition to any jewellery collection. The versatility of aquamarine allows it to be easily paired with other jewellery pieces, creating a sophisticated and cohesive look. Each piece is a unique treasure, perfect for any occasion or as a meaningful gift. Mixing metals When styling aquamarine rings, consider mixing metals, the cool blue tones of aquamarine pair beautifully with both silver and gold, making it easy to mix metals without clashing. For a modern and chic vibe, try combining your aquamarine ring with yellow or rose gold pieces—the warmth…
Today, we talking with Linda Peshkin, who recently created a new grant for makers of art jewelry. AJF’s Solo Exhibition Award will offer US$20,000 for the creation of a solo exhibition by an artist of any age or nationality, to be completed within two years. The winner of this first edition will be announced in Munich, during Schmuck, in March 2025. Applications are currently being accepted. The call for entry is open through January 12, 2025. Get the guidelines here. Linda Peshkin framed by jewelry at Gallery S O during AJF’s trip to Switzerland AJF: First, a little background. Please explain…
Collecting vintage advertising combines history, art, and nostalgia. Why wouldn’t you want to relive the days when a catchy jingle and a smiling cartoon mascot could sell you just about anything? These pieces of commercial art offer a window into past eras, cultural values, technological advancements, and artistic trends. What other type of collectible affords the opportunity to prove that smoking cigarettes was, at one time, not only socially acceptable but doctor-recommended? Ah, the bygone era of cigarette ads, this one proudly proclaiming, “More Doctors Smoke Camels”—because nothing says trust in medical expertise like a lab coat, a stethoscope, and…
It’s just about the end of the year, so let’s take a look at the best fiction I read in 2024! This wasn’t a huge reading year for me: we moved near the end of 2023 and I spent a lot of time this year working on our home – lots of home decor Pinterest boards, outings to vintage furniture stores, and meetings with contractors. But I still read 115 books (and counting!) in 2024 and some of them were excellent. As is typical for me, I mostly read Fantasy, Romance, Urban Fantasy, Romantasy, and YA, with a little Mystery…
From the factory floor to the front lawn.Before LEDs took over, blow molds were the stars of holiday cheer, lighting up the holidays in a way no inflatable ever could. Blow mold Christmas decorations emerged on the Christmas decorating scene in the 1960s. Plastic manufacturing advancements allowed mass production of these lightweight, durable, and vibrant holiday decorations. These festive elements became a staple of suburban lawns and homes. Initially marketed as an affordable and weather-resistant alternative to traditional decorations, blow molds quickly gained a devoted following thanks to their colorful designs and cheerful Christmas charm. This 1970s blow mold EMPIRE…
You’re finally in the Christmas mood. Perhaps you want to trim the tree or wrap presents or indulge in cookies and eggnog. You want the full throwback experience, but you don’t have any Christmas music to spin on your turntable, and you don’t want to hear the same old stuff from the local holiday-hits station. What now? One of the best parts of collecting Christmas music is that you can obtain a good collection for not a lot of money. Except for music that is collectible for other reasons — for example, doo-wop, punk/alternative, audiophile reissues, 1990s vinyl — most…
This substantive, educational, and enjoyable exhibition celebrates an innovative maker renowned for his technical and aesthetic contributions to studio jewelry Curated by Rebecca Elliot, it issued from the Mint Museum’s acquisition of a large amount of Ebendorf’s jewelry from the collectors Ron Porter and Joe Price, as well as the Robert W. Ebendorf Archive The exhibition reveals the breadth and depth of Ebendorf’s artistic output and influence as an educator and mentor Objects of Affection: Jewelry by Robert Ebendorf from the Porter • Price CollectionApril 27, 2024–February 16, 2025Mint Museum Randolph, Charlotte, NC, US The legendary American artist Robert Ebendorf…
