Prompted by the ongoing disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, more than thirty of the country’s most talented jewelry artists have come together to support victims of the Gulf Oil Spill through a charity auction on eBay Giving Works (www.eBayGivingWorks.com). The “Jewelers for the Gulf” (eBay username JewelersForTheGulf) have contributed original works to be auctioned on the site during September and October, giving jewelry enthusiasts the world over the chance to bid on unique pieces while helping to provide for the Gulf community. Proceeds will benefit Gulf-area residents who have been impacted by the oil spill. “We designed this event to help shine a light on the fact that many people are now out of work because of the BP Oil Spill, a tragedy that has wreaked havoc on our economy and our ecosystem,” said Patsy Croft, a renowned cloisonné artist who is helping organize the auction.
“The well may be capped, but the damage remains. A lot of people are hurting down here. This event gives people a way to help our fellow Americans while doing something nice for themselves or a loved one at the same time.”
The jewelry being auctioned spans a variety of styles, materials and price ranges. Shoppers will find everything from Fall’s runway trends like chunky cocktail rings and stackable bangles to more traditional, timeless pieces in high-karat gold, sterling silver and gemstones, as well as more artsy, unique works made of materials like glass, moss and even concrete. Several of the artists who have contributed have had their work showcased on the fashion runways, while others have been tapped to design custom pieces for the private collections of prominent models and celebrities.
One hundred percent of the proceeds from each piece listed by JewelersForTheGulf will be donated to Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, which has provided food and other assistance to more than 19,000 fishermen and their families since May 1, 2010.
While new artists will be added each week during the months of September and October, some of the confirmed donors include:
- Kristin Anderson is an award-winning artist and metalsmith, who has spent most of her life learning about and teaching art. She now focuses on designing custom pieces for clients, teaching, and making beautiful works in silver, gold, enamel, and stones.
- Carolyn Bensinger is a Boston studio jeweler, working in sterling and high karat gold pieces for all occasions.
- Patsy Croft is an award-winning cloisonné jewelry artist whose work can be seen in art jewelry galleries throughout the country. She focuses on works using brightly colored enamels, high-karat metals and precious stones.
- Guy Harvey Jewelry by Nautora. Guy Harvey’s famous artworks are now rendered in precious metal to create a singular blend of art and lifestyle jewelry. Pieces include hard fired enamel in spectacular color and original relic styles.
- Chris Hierholzer is a metalsmith and enamellist who began making jewelry in 1968. His innovative enameling techniques show the influence of world renowned jeweler William Claude Harper, whom Chris apprenticed with for more than ten years. Chris is one of the primary organizers of the Jewelers For The Gulf charity auction.
- Mary McBride was born and raised in southwest Louisiana, An MFA recipient, she specializes in techniques that incorporate textiles, silver, and unconventional mixed materials, producing an eclectic variety of collectibles.
- Tom McCarthy has been making jewelry for more than twenty-five years. An MFA recipient, his work is in numerous private and public collections, including the Mint Museum of Craft and Design in Charlotte, NC.
- Ileana Rojas-Bennett is a Costa Rican jewelry designer who takes her inspiration from the colors and textures of the rainforest. Her fashionable gemstone statement pieces have been chosen by celebrities, and have been showcased on the fashion runways of New York, Miami and soon Boston.
- Jerry Scavezze is a fine gold jewelry artist from Colorado who specializes in Anticlastic Raising.
- Mary Timmer has been designing and hand fabricating jewelry since 1998. Her work has been showcased in many fine craft galleries and juried art shows. Her pieces are unique, incorporating a mix of fine metals, pearls and stones.
- Patricia Tschetter is an award-winning jeweler and metalsmith, whose work has been shown nationally and is carried by galleries and boutiques across the country.
- Craig Vandeman is a professional Metalsmith and jewelry designer living in the Dallas area. He has participated in multiple collegiate shows, national juried shows and is currently working on a portfolio for admission to Graduate School.
The charity listings are now live and can be found on the JewelersForTheGulf About Me page on eBay. For updates on the auction, funds being raised and new artists being added, stay tuned to Patsy Croft’s Enamel and Goldsmith Blog, http://www.alohilanidesigns.com.
