Earning a B.A. in Communications, minor Psychology, from Ripon College in Wisconsin - my education initially took me to Chicago, where I sucessfully pursued a career in public relations, non-profit fundraising and event planning.

Yet, when vacationing in New Orleans - for Jazz Fest and a reunion of friends - I stepped out of the taxi on Esplanade Ave. and was immediately enamored... the patinaed architecture, wrought iron balconies, music and magic floating from the edge of the French Market.   I was hooked... and Louisiana's mystique quickly called me back in 1992, where I pursued my passion for metalsmithing and jewelry making... a seed which was actually planted by my creative and loving parents - waiting to grow, since early childhood.

Over several years of living in the Faubourg Marigny, I was fortunate to rub elbows, apprentice and/or work under several exceptional artists... including Thomas Mann, Margo Manning, Dana Sherman, Merry Pierce Lowrey, Juan Laredo, Stella Dottir and many others... while my own jewelry designs evolved.

Today, I feel very fortunate to live, work & play in the San Juan Mountains... in the village of Telluride, Colorado. Since initially moving to the mountains for a gallery director's position, I have now realized the oneness with nature which I was longing for... a place of spiritual discovery and healing.  

Currently serving as a jewelry trade shop, custom designer, jewelry instructor at AhHaa Art School, active community volunteer and board member for SW Colorado's wildlife rehabilitator - Brenda Miller @ Roubideau Rim, 501c3.   I continue to design and fabricate my own jewelry designs for my clients... always experimenting with new methods, media and inspiration.

A wish to never stop learning... jewelry arts & metalsmithing are in my blood.   My current mentors are goldsmithing and metalsmithing masters... Harold O'Connor, Valentin Yotkov and Andy Cooperman.  They have opened my heart and eyes to so many possibilities and a greater appreciation for decorative arts and beauty in all forms!

Flora, fauna, architectural elements, travel, and the language of symbolism... these currently serve as my greatest inspiration for jewelry designs.  Making pieces with my own passions in mind... hoping that they will find homes with others who share my aesthetic.  A desire to create art pieces which inspire and empower... talismans for both the wearer and the viewer.  I make a point of promoting and using ethically sourced gemstones, as well as reclaimed and recycled noble metals (in hopes of also supporting the new eco-mining groups).  As a metalsmith and gem lover, it is my duty to give back to the earth by supporting organizations such as Ethical Metalsmithing, Sierra Club, Sheep Mountain Alliance, 350.org, and more... in hopes of reducing the burden of mining upon our planet, our health, wildlife and our collective psyche.

Jenn Dewey - Jewelry Design & Metalsmithing

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Member Of:
COMA - Colorado Metalsmiths Association
SNAG - Society of North American Goldsmiths
Association for the Study of Jewelry & Related Arts
Ethical Metalsmiths
No Dirty Gold
Ganoksin Jewelers' Forum - Orchid Digest

Published:

Telluride Inside & Out Blog, Valentine's Day Art Show, 2010

Jawaher Gold & Jewels, January 2009

Best of America: Jewelry Artists & Artisans, Kennedy Publishing - 2007


Exhibitions & Awards:

10/4-7/2012 - Telluride Art & Architecture Weekend, Pop-Up Studio @ Arroyo Gallery, Telluride, CO

1/2012 - TCAH "Snow Show" - Strong House Gallery - Telluride, CO

TCAH Holiday Show - Telluride Council for the Arts & Humanities - 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010

TAB - Telluride AIDS Benefit Fashion Show - Designer of Commemorative Sterling & Swarovski Crystal Belt Buckles 2008, 2009

Telluride Jazz Festival - Exhibitor - 2011

Juried - Anti-War Medals Show - Velvet DaVinci - San Francisco, CA

Recipient of Alpha Award for Special Accessory (Rosette Baby Rattle)- Fashion Group International, New Orleans

Juried - Bywater Art Market - New Orleans, LA

Mermaid Gardens Art Market - New Orleans, LA

Juried - Custer's Last Stand, Art Show - Chicago, IL

Juried - Cow's on the Concourse, Art Show - Madison, WI

Arte Pour Arte, Thomas Mann's I/O Gallery Anniv. Show, 2008 - New Orleans, LA

Juried - Audubon Zoo's Annual Art & Earth Day Shows - New Orleans, LA