Dana Singer
Dana Singer
Executive Director 
Week of February 11, 2013 

Greetings!  

Today's weekly news blog posts are Board Member Speaks from Sharon Massey and In Memoriam, on the passings of L. Brent Kington and Clare Morison.

The legendary blacksmith, L. Brent Kington passed away on Thursday, February 7. Brent was one of the founding members of SNAG, the first SNAG President, and recipient of our Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. He is credited with the revival of blacksmithing and making it an integral part of the program at Southern Illinois at Carbondale. There is an army of Kington graduates who have gone on to be significant influences in the field such as Jim Wallace, Phillip Baldwin, Joel Schwartz, Mike Regal, Mary Lee Hu, Rick Smith, Stephen Yusko and many more.

Clare Brackett Morison, the life partner of Philip Fike, SNAG founding member and head of the Metal Arts Department at Wayne State University, died in December. Both Philip and Clare were huge supporters of SNAG, and both left bequests to SNAG when they died. We are grateful to Clare Morison for her $10,000 contribution to SNAG. 
 
Special Offer 50% Discount 3rd Gold Conference
Vision & Virtuosity
This April 11-13 conference addresses the heightened demand for gold, both for adornment and as a repository of value, and offers a wide-ranging look at gold from extraction to the production of finished goods.

Presenters include jewelers Henry Dunay, Rebecca Koven, George Sawyer. Namu Cho, Kent Raible, Stephanie Albertson, Annie Fensterstock, Elizabeth Garvin, and Patricia Madeja, Kara Ross, Irene Neuwirth, Waris, and Rebecca Koven.    

 

Other presenters include Alberto Milani, Buccellati, NA, Mark Emanuel, David Webb; William R. Williams, Barrick Gold Corporation; Nawal Ait-Hocine, Cartier; Christina Miller, Ethical Metalsmiths; Rob Bates, senior editor, JCK; Vanessa Friedman, fashion editor, Financial Times; and Tina Snyder, editor in chief, MJSA Journal.

 

Purchase your tickets at the SNAG preferred rate of $175 no later than March 1 by entering the code SNAG. Tickets normally cost $350.

Share Transportation to Toronto Conference
Here's a fun idea for others to emulate. 

The Michigan Silversmiths Guild has arranged fun, eco-friendly, cost efficient, round-trip transportation from a location in the Detroit area to the 2013 SNAG Conference in Toronto. Direct to the Royal York Hotel.   

Access the MSG registration form here.  You must return the bottom half of the registration form by April 22 to reserve a seat. Contact Julie Sanford with questions you may have. 
Early Bird Hotel Rates in Toronto
Absolute Final Call
This $179/night special closes Friday, February 15 at the end of the day (Toronto time). Pay only $179/night instead of $199/night.

So why would you pay more than $179/night?

You must make your reservations directly with the hotel here, or by calling 1-800-441-1414.  You MUST be sure to tell the hotel you are booking under the group code: MEET0513.  There are definitely still rooms available at this rate!

Use SNAG Room Share on GoogleDrive
SNAG has created this Bulletin Board that enables folks to post and search for roommates directly. Post your "Roommate Wanted" on our Bulletin Board. Once you find your roommate be sure to delete your post.
FORGE300 International Blacksmithing Event
Lorelei Sims
Join blacksmiths from around the world for Forge300, an international blacksmithing event held July 4-7, 2013, in the reconstructed 17th century French Fortress of Louisbourg, located on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia.

Forge300 will bring together top professional blacksmiths from around the world to celebrate the craft and culture of traditional and contemporary blacksmithing during the Louisbourg 300th anniversary celebration. 
Some of the demonstrating smiths include: Lorelei Sims, Michael Budd, Peer Meerding and John Mason.    

To register for the event or to obtain more information visit the Cape Breton Blacksmiths Association website.
Announcing New Guild Formed 
We are happy to announce the newly formed Athens Metal Arts Guild, in Watkinsville, Georgia. Contact them at  Athens Metal Arts Guild. Kudos to you!

Professor, Accessory Design,  

Savannah College of Art & Design 

The Accessory Design Program teaches students to conceptualize, design and execute an eclectic range of high quality fashion accessories, priming them for careers in the thriving accessories industry. These are full-time faculty positions.   

 

Expertise in handbag design and small leather goods, pattern making and construction, as well as technical experience in design theory, is preferred. Additionally, candidates also may have design and construction experience in footwear and millinery. Visit the SCAD website for more information about the positions and qualifications. 

Last Chance Call for Nominations
February 14 Deadline Nominations & Elections Committee  
Of the Membership, By the Membership, For the Membership...
SNAG leadership is created of you, by you, and for you!  

 

The nomination season is coming to a close on February 14 and the SNAG Nominations and Elections Committee is seeking qualified candidates for the 2013 election. We are seeking your help in identifying potential nominees for two (2) members of the Board of Directors and one (1) member of the Nominations and Elections Committee.   

We are seeking people with good communication skills, a breadth of experience and interest in assisting with this active organization. If this sounds like you, or someone you know, contact the NEC directly by emailing  Courtney Starrett NEC chair, or through the SNAG website 
(you will need to be logged into the site to access the NEC page). 
 
SNAG is dedicated to furthering the field of jewelry and metalsmithing by supporting the professional practice of artists, designers, jewelers, and metalsmiths. We would love for you to be a part of this dynamic organization by devoting your time, energy, and ideas to lead this group forward and the jewelry/ metals field towards greater success.  SNAG leadership is created by the membership through this process. 

 

If you would like to speak with someone that has direct knowledge of SNAG initiatives please contact the NEC Chair or any other member of the NEC.

 

 


COACH Designer, Jewelry   
Senior Designer-Jewelry will work with the Design Director to initiate concepts each season that are fashion driven and reflective of the creative vision. Be a part of a dynamic, creative environment  

 

Must have 7-8 years of jewelry design experience, Bachelor's Degree in Design or related field, ability to sketch both technical drawings and freeform renderings, experience developing product directly with factories; understanding of development from concept through engineering, required, strong understanding of materials.

 

For a lot more information about this position, visit the  Coach website.   

Walking Tour of SNAG-invited Artists' Booths at ACC
SNAG member Bruce Metcalf will lead a walking tour of the SNAG-invited artists at this year's Baltimore show. The tour starts at noon on Saturday February 23. Meet the group at the ACC booth just before noon.

This is a new collaboration with the American Craft Council, to infuse the shows with new work and engage artists who want to test the show waters.  The SNAG-invited artists are:

Alicia Boswell and Rachel Timmins
Sarah Holden and Katja Toporski 
Ashley Buchanan
Tara Locklear
and Jillian Moore (San Francisco show)
SNAG Educational Endowment scholarships CAFE
In 2013, SNAG will award three Educational Endowment Scholarships, in the amounts of $2,000, $1,500, and $1,000, and will again administer the $3,000 Hoover & Strong Scholarship for production jewelry design by a graduate student.  At least one of the Educational Endowment scholarships will be awarded to an undergraduate student.

In addition to the monetary awards, the recipients of these four scholarships all receive a complimentary membership in SNAG, and their work is featured on a four-color postcard sent out to an extensive list.

Submissions for all four scholarships is done through the CaFE website.  Deadline: March 15.
Post Office Eliminating Saturday Delivery
Read Michelle Pajak-Reynolds' post on her eMERGE blog on crafthaus about the cancellation of Saturday mail delivery and how it can open up marketing opportunities for artists and galleries who creatively adapt to the change. 
Springboard Recent Highlights

Creating Champleve Jewelry Using Laser Etched Models, California

Summer Position Teaching Metalsmithing/Jewelry, Maine

 Artners Gallery Looking to Add Contemporary Jewelry Artists, NY City

These are only a few of the opportunities you'll find at Springboard. Sign up today for the RSS feed. And help SNAG spread the word. Forward this to everyone on your email list.
British Fashion Council Rock Vault Designers
Hannah Martin

The British Fashion Council (BFC) today announces the ten Rock Vault designers who will showcase their AW13 collections at the Exhibition during London Fashion Week February 15-19, 2013. BFC Rock Vault is sponsored by International Palladium Board and curated by Stephen Webster.

As part of the new collaboration the jewelers have been invited to design a pair of red carpet earrings created in palladium. The one-of-a-kind earrings will be showcased within the dedicated Rock Vault area in the Exhibition at Somerset House.

The BFC Rock Vault, now in its third season, is a unique showcasing initiative developed to nurture the creative, fine jewellery talent based in London and increase exposure among UK and international media and retailers.
This Week
 
Third Gold Conference

Share Transportation to
Toronto Conference

Early Bird Rate
FINAL CALL
Toronto Hotel

Forge300

New Guild Formed

Professor, SCAD
Accessory Design

Call for Nominations
February 14 Deadline

COACH Designer
Jewelry 

Bruce Metcalf
Walking Tour
ACC Baltimore

SNAG Educational
Endowment Scholarships

Post Office
Eliminates Saturdays

Springboard Highlights

British Fashion Council

Maker Profile
Everett Hoffman

Welcome New Members


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About SNAG
SNAG
The Society of North American Goldsmiths supports and advances the professional practice of artists, designers, jewelers and metalsmiths. SNAG provides access to a vibrant and passionate community, through education, innovation, and leadership.
MAKER PROFILE:    Everett Hoffman
 Student, Boise State University

 

 
Welcome to the New SNAG Members who Joined in January 
Creative Side Jewelry Academy of Austin, Austin TX
Lillian Dokken, Savannah GA
Sana Doumet, Clearwater FL
Kate Finley, Cheyenne WY
Shoshana Fishberg, Toronto ON Canada
Rebecca Flewelling, Penniac NB Canada
Giovanna Fregni, Minneapolis MN
A. Friszman, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Nicole Gauvin, Laval ON Canada
Sharon Gillespie, Frisco TX
Patricia Goodine, Harvey Station NB Canada
Christopher Gustafson, Toronto ON Canada
Brent Hachey, Fredericton NB Canada
Jennifer Hepburn, Kitchener ON Canada
Katherine Hughes, Dallas TX
Vershali Jain, Jersey City NJ
Ariane Jarocki, Albuquerque NM
Alexandra Jay, Ottawa ON Canada
Yu Jean Choi, San Francisco CA
Melissa Jenkins, Williamsport PA
Mitchell Johnson, Roxbury CT
Gerry Karr, Venice CA
Stuart Kestenbaum, Deer Isle ME
Sooyoung Kim, Oakland CA
Lacey Kirkwood, Edwardsville IL
Ivy Klarer, Milwaukee WI
Alexis Kostuk, Toronto ON Canada
Dan Latta, Portland OR
Lynn Latta, Portland OR
Laura Lazarus, San Francisco CA
Karen Lee, Appleton WI
Lisa Lehmann, Fort Wayne IN
Gabrielle Lopez, North Providence RI
Elizabete Ludviks, Hamilton ON Canada
Amy MacInnes, Dartmouth NS Canada
Lauren Madar, South Wales NY
Marina Mandal, Toronto ON Canada
Nora McCarthy, Urbana IL
Grant McRuer, Dartmouth NS Canada
P Nicole Meyer-Fisher, Toronto ON  Canada
Joanna  Morgan, Seattle WA
Kamal Nassif, Providence RI
Liz Norkus, E Providence RI
Jennifer Proescher, Royal Oak MI
Patrick Quinn, Carbondale IL
Rachel Quinn, New York NY
Genessa Radke, Toronto ON Canada
Kaiya Rainbolt, Long Beach CA
Liza Rifkin, Cleveland OH
William Robinson, Fredericton NB Canada
Jenna Rose Youn, Toronto ON Canada
Nazanin Rostami, Montreal QC Canada
Eileen Schneegas, Bremerton WA
Christopher Smalls, Rock Hill SC
Jesse Tempest, Edmonton AB Canada
Eden Titcher, Toronto ON Canada
Beverly Tower, Ogunquit ME
Emilie Trudel, Montreal QC Canada
Sandra Zelazny, Fredericton NB Canada

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