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Presenting "From Grains to Gold"
Our 43rd annual conference is taking place
April 23-26, 2014 in Minneapolis!
This conference will explore the relationship between the maker and the materials at a time when the materials, techniques, and processes are rapidly changing, and examine the growing trends of consumers' desire for the 'hand-made' and - most importantly - what it really means to be "hand-made" in the 21st century.
The Twin Cities have given rise over the years to a rich cultural scene of creativity and innovation in the arts, crafts, music, design, architecture, independent studios, museums, and galleries. SNAG is pleased to have Minneapolis, the bustling urban center of creative culture, serve as the backdrop to this engaging conference.
Visit us often as we will be constantly updating with information on exciting new program formats, events in and around the Twin Cities, as well as a run-down on the schedule and conference program!
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Forging Entrepreneurs: Tools and Skills for Business Success
Symposium in San Francisco
Saturday, October 19, 2013, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Academy of Art University's Morgan Auditorium Followed by a casual reception
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Check out this speaker line-up. Only 100 seats available, act now!
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Sarah Graham will discuss her journey from having a home studio to being a million dollar enterprise and her successes and failures along the way. A must for aspiring jewelers!
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Cindy Edelstein is a jewelry business guru and founder of the Jewelers' Resource Bureau. She is a business coach and consultant for the JCK couture and JA NY trade shows. She will share her top online tips for promoting your business.
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 Ben Allen will discuss his high profile branding business, The Labrador Agency and the intersection of art and branding for small businesses. He has had many well known clients and will share his approach to making the most of your branding. |
Alissia Melka-Teichroew
is the creative director and founder of byamt that produces jewelry, furniture and home goods. She will discuss 3D printing and new technologies and how to approach outsourcing in your business.
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 Jonathan Russel runs JR Casting and has been in the industry for over 30 years. He will discuss making the best masters and molds as well as casting tips to help you get the most out of casting for production.
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 George Post is a fine craft photographer whose work has been published in many books and magazines. He will discuss how to shoot your work, how to approach computer processing and the archiving of your digital images. |
Todd Pownell is the Board Liaison to the new Forging Entrepreneurs Symposium. "The symposium is an intimate one-day event of practical knowledge located in an area with a strong metals community or guild. I believe the symposium serves as an excellent connecter for SNAG to the real place communities of makers, artists and craftsmen to help position their own autonomy in the world." - Todd Pownell
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Register now through EventBrite
Registration closes September 27, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. PST.
Symposium Coordinators: Christine Dhein, Kelly Nedderman, and Emiko Oye.
Contact SNAG at info@snagmetalsmith.org or 541-345-5689.

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 Sculpturings
Wins the 8th Annual Halstead Grant for Silver Jewelry Entrepreneurs!
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SNAG member Rebecca Rose is the winner of Halstead's grant competition! She will receive $5,000 in cash and $1,000 in jewelry supplies in addition to other prize package benefits.
Rebecca's business called "Sculpturings" features cast rings that are sculpted from found object components and original elements to interpret social issues or current events.
"Rebecca's collection has that rare wow factor. It is incredibly unique. Her cohesive body of work and strategy bridge the gap between art sculptures and wearable accessories," commented Halstead Grant coordinator Hilary Scott.
The Halstead Grant competition recognizes jewelry artists who excel in both design and business preparation.
The grant sponsor, Halstead, provides wholesale jewelry supplies to artists around the globe. The company celebrated its 40th anniversary earlier this year. Halstead is a trusted industry source for chain, findings, metals and tools.
Thanks to Halstead and congratulations to Rebecca!
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Springboard Recent Highlights
These are only a few of the opportunities you'll find on Springboard. Discover calls for entry, workshops, symposia, used tools, studio space and more. You are welcome and encouraged to post opportunities you want to share. Bookmark Springboard today!
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From Billanti Casting Company, this week's Riveting News sponsor: As the original BILLANTI, we have offered the personal touch since 1955, and continue to work closely with new and young designers and established artists. BILLANTI Casting has no affiliation with any other company or location. Our only location is 299 South 11th Street, New Hyde Park, NY 11040 - 516.775.4800 - office@billanticasting.com
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 I am SNAG |
New tech article about Alison Pack's "Ice Cream" series
For this article, we've decided to try a slightly different approach. Rather than focusing on a specific technique, Alison Pack and I thought it would be enlightening to share all of the details of each stage of construction of one of her very unique hollowware pieces. Alison is a consummate craftsperson and passionately dedicated teacher. It is truly my pleasure to work with her so that we can offer you a glimpse into her studio to witness the creation of her playful and provocative work.
-James Thurman, Technical Article Editor
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This Week on Jay Whaley's MetalSmith BenchTalk
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Volunteer Spotlight - Lindsay Fisher Lindsay Fisher is a recent Metalsmithing and Jewelry graduate from Grand Valley State University. She volunteered for the 2013 Meta Mosaic Conference, helping with voting, creating a sideshow and watching the vendor room.
"I volunteer for SNAG because I believe in the organization as a whole. SNAG has provided us with valuable opportunities, support, and information in our field and continues to be a leader in the metals world."
-Lindsay Fisher

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John Lunn, our upcoming maker profile artist of the week
If you don't use Facebook, visit his maker profile on the SNAG website.
 "Dryad's Touch" flute (detail) 18k green gold flute, 2009, 2" x 36" Photo by Jeff Nintzel |
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Quick Links
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About 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. |
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