Silver
Jewelry Artist Susan Elnora Wins the 2012 Halstead Grant
Susan Elnora is the winner of this year’s Halstead
Grant. This is the 7th annual grant competition for new jewelry entrepreneurs
sponsored by Halstead Bead, Inc.
Minneapolis, MN – Minneapolis jewelry designer Susan Elnora
Frerichs is the winner of the 7th annual Halstead Grant for new silver jewelry entrepreneurs.
Frerichs, under the studio name Susan
Elnora, will receive $6,000 in start-up cash and jewelry
supplies to build her business.
“I’m thrilled! I am so incredibly honored and excited to
have been selected,” commented Frerichs.
The Susan Elnora collection of urban rustic silver jewelry
includes designs inspired by American settings, flora and fauna. Notable pieces
use linear perspective in layered landscape necklaces featuring scenery,
telephone poles and railroad tracks. Other designs feature hand fabricated moving
parts or detachable design enhancements. The line is anchored by artistic
statement pieces but also includes many options for everyday wear.
“Susan Elnora jewelry boasts a level of originality rarely
encountered in a trade that spans many ages in history,” said Hilary Scott, a
grant judge.
Frerichs was introduced to metalsmithing as an undergraduate
in Studio Art at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. Following the
advice of her employer and mentor, renowned mokume gane artist George Sawyer,
she then attended Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco. After four
years of apprenticing with master goldsmith Stephen Vincent in Minneapolis,
Susan launched her own studio. Her exploration of a fading American mythology is
a continuing source of inspiration.
Susan Elnora designs can be found at quality jewelry
galleries across the country as well as online at Artful Home and ARTprojectA.
Retail prices for sterling silver jewelry items range from $75 to $1800.
The Halstead Grant is awarded to a new silver jewelry artist
each summer. The program provides business development funds, supplies and
exposure to up and coming designers in the industry. Candidates must submit a
portfolio as well as a lengthy application packet including details on business
planning and strategy. The grant is sponsored by silver jewelry supply
wholesaler Halstead Bead, Inc.
Susan Elnora joins a roster of talented Halstead Grant
recipients with successful careers in independent jewelry design. For more
information on the grant program including past winners, eligibility
requirements and application details visit The Halstead Grant
website.
Congratulations Susan! I can see why you won this award. Your jewelry is truly unique and interesting. Please contact me (alexa at amatyzt.com) if you are interested in being featured on Amatyzt.com. We are a new site that specializes in unique and extraordinary jewelry design.
ReplyDeleteGo, Susan!!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Susan!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!! :)
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ReplyDeleteCongratulation for this great efforts.........!
ReplyDeleteThanks for keep sharing more.....
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Congratulations! I read about your award in a Jewelry Making Daily e-mail and followed the link to your blog - I like 'urban rustic silver' description of your work - its spot on!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Desiree!!
ReplyDelete