Sophisticated and Smart Glass

This coming weekend, Smart Glass Jewelry will be hosting a trunk show at chic Manhattan shopping spot, Bendel. Bendel's invites customers to meet with the Smart Glass designer Kathleen Plate who is a featured artist at Best American Arts has been at the forefront of eco-conscious art jewelry. She has been instrumental in the greening of handmade american artisan movement and her beautiful jewelry and powerful message are sweeping the nation.

The Bendel Trunk Show is May 7th & 8th from 10:00am - 8:00pm @ Henri Bendel, 712 Fifth Ave, New York, New York.

If you can't catch Kathleen at the trunk show you can find a collection of her classic works in her online gallery.

What others are saying about Smart Glass Jewelry....
"SMART GLASS JEWELRY is handmade in Atlanta, Georgia from glass, sterling silver, and silver solder using traditional stained glass methods. Each piece is individually selected, with variations in shape and texture in the glass ensuring that every piece in the SMART GLASS line is a truly unique and one-of-a-kind original." - Low Impact Living

"Smart Glass recycled glass by designer Kathleen Plate offers simple, sophisticated looks through the single circle designs." - Green Cotton Blog

"Atlanta-based designer Kathleen Plate creates beautiful jewelry from recycled glass bottles, which will have you looking at your favorite products in a whole new light. on Smart Glass Jewelry— from bangle bracelets to this Asymmetrical Necklace— is handmade with recycled glass and either gold fill or sterling silver." - SheFinds - http://www.shefinds.com/blog/index.php/eco-friendly_shopping/#4

Artist Update - Andrea Corson

Although we tend to focus on niche designers and fashionistas flying under the radar, sometimes fashion shows and runways events can offer an glimpse into fresh design and style possibilities. Jewelry artist Andrea Corson was recently featured in the eclectic Subdivision Trunk and Fashion Show held at The Foundry in Long Island City, New York. Corson, educated as a sculpture, obtained her BFA at Syracuse University and went on to receive a Master of Fine Arts at the prestigious Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Her jewelry work perfectly showcases her fine arts training and has has enabled her to show in galleries from Texas to Vermont to New York City. The work features a conceptual base, drawing influence from animals, insects and the interstices of small forms and details. Her sculptural education is evident in both the process and the finished product.


Have a peek at Andrea's Online Gallery or view her featured item in our Spring Jewelry Gifts Ideas. Also, be sure to check out the April 09 issue of Real Simple magazine, Andrea's work is featured on page 56.

The video a is short feature from the Subdivision Fashion Show. Andrea is interview immediately following the video's intro. We especially appreciate Andrea's quote, “The pieces are statement pieces, but they're easy to wear”... our thoughts exactly.

Great American Artisans news, tips, trends, or events? Send them our way. Matt@BestAmericanArts.com

Artist Update - Veleska Jewelry and American arts stories

Veleska Jewlery has graciously been hosting a monthly gallery opening for the First Friday Arts Event in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The gallery is the studio of Kathryn Pearce of Veleska Jewlery but on the first Friday of each month, she opens the space to the local artists and features painting, photography, and other work, with the goal of strengthening the local arts community. Over 90 gallery spaces exhibit during Lancaster's First Friday's event. A listing of March 2009 events can be found on the Lancaster Arts website.

Additionally, Katheryn Pearce is a member of the Pennslyvania Guild of Crafttsman . "The Guild is a non-profit arts organization for emerging and established craftspeople from throughout Pennsylvania and the country. The common thread betweenthem all is the joy they find from creating with their hands."

The Craft Guild and it's member work to tell the story behind the craft including, "experiences, inspiration, personality and hard-working lifestyle that defines a craft artist." This echoes the mission of Best American Arts. Much time and effort goes into the creation of beautiful arts works, creating a mystique and storyline much deeper than a price tag. This storied connection between artist & crafts and creation & collector is what we strive to create.

We would love to hear your craft related stories, from both artisans and collectors. Does a piece of art of jewelry hold a deeper meaning for you? Perhaps an piece of American art has been passed down from generation to generation? It is these type of stories that inspired us to start Best American Arts. As we continue to tell our Artisan's stories, we'd love to hear yours. You can email your thoughts to matt@bestamericanarts.com, together we can tell the tale of American arts.

Artist Update - Emiy Amey

Jewelry Artist Emily Amey recently had 5 pieces featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. In the past few years, Emily has been featured in Instyle, Lucky, People and City Magazines. Handmade designs of silver and gold dominate her elegant style, while gracefully playing on nature and organic forms. Her work has appeared on fashion show runways, been touted by fashion editors and stylists, and worn by the likes of Gisele Bundchen. She has been getting a lot of attention recently for her beautiful new work she is producing.

What do you think of Emily Amey’s art jewelry? Does her style remind you of other boutique jewelry makers? We’d love to hear questions and comments on our artists and their work.

The Boom is Over. Long Live the Art!

Recently the The New York Times ran a great article regarding the arts movement as it pertains to today's socio-economic climate. The Boom Is Over. Long Live the Art! (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/arts/design/15cott.html?_r=1&ref=arts) reflects on the sweep changes that affect the art world, and the country as a whole during times of upheaval, past and present. Galleries are closing and artists have to be more resourceful and efficient to continue creating work. As noted in the article, "This has happened more than once in the recent past. Art has changed as a result. And in every case it has been artists who have reshaped the game."

Through thick and thin, American artists and artisans will continue to be creative. Creating work and jobs, supporting families and friends, forming collectives and arts organizations. Previous periods of downtrodden and unemployment saw the creation of The National Endowment for the Arts, Manhattan's Soho Arts movement, the formation of New Wave Art, and many new, exciting ventures.

Best American Arts aims to connect American with American Art. We take great pride in supporting our artists and artisans. The National Endowment for the Arts aims "to enrich our Nation and its diverse cultural heritage by supporting works of artistic excellence, advancing learning in the arts, and strengthening the arts in communities throughout the country."

We proudly of behind the NEA's motto that, "A great country deserves great art."

Read more about Our Artists, Our Story and Our Mission @ BestAmericanArts.com.

Feature : Quilting Artist Judy Rush

One of our newest artists, quilter Judy Rush is featured in a pair of videos discussing her quilting process and artistic history. This past summer, Judy was featured in the exhibition, Material Matters: Quiltmaking in the 21st Century at The Columbus Museum of Art. The exhibition challenged traditional idea of quiltmaking, exploring the innovative techniques, concepts, and styles in modern quilting. Watch Judy discuss her work in the videos below then browse on over to her online gallery and view her eclectic style for yourself. 

In the coming month we will be interviewing Judy, as part of our Connecting Americans with American Art project. Our project aims to futher the conversation regarding the artistic process, inspiration, and story behind great American art. 

Updates from the Best American Artists

Artist update time....

As always, Brenda Griffith of Siyeh Studio has been busy working AND maintaining her blog ( You go girl!) . Recently, she installed a beautiful backsplash panel in her own kitchen. It looks marvelous and is a great example of the functional home decor art that we love. Visit Brenda's Blog for more pictures or just to keep up with her Atlanta, Georgia based studio.

JAK Designs has been nominated for a 2009 Niche Award in the Handwoven/Knitted catagory. Their organiJAK Sleeveless Wrap was selected for it's environmentally friendly qualities as well as it's new age style. It is made entirely from organic cotton and sustainable bamboo, making it good for both your wardrobe and the environment.

Be on the lookout for new Spring additions at Best American Arts. We have some new Artists and Items lined up, including exciting additions to our Art Glass collection and more great American made Jewelry.

Valentine's Day Sale

Thank you Michelle Obama for making a profound statement about American creativity, design and craftsmanship. Her choice of clothing for Inauguration Day has the media talking about American artisans and the talents of lesser known American designers. Mrs. Obama didn’t need help from major brand labels or from Paris or Milan to find elegance and style.

Mrs. Obama’s stunning lemon grass day dress with matching jacket were designed by Isabel Toledo and made in her Manhattan studio at the hands of thirteen employees. Ms. Toledo left Cuba as a young girl when her family came to the USA in search of a better life. She has been a designer for 25 years and is a small American entrepreneur we can all be excited for.

Mrs. Obama’s ivory with sparkles evening gown was designed by Jason Wu. Originally born in Taiwan, Mr. Wu works in New York and is only 26. He and his team designed and made the gown by hand in December.

Follow her lead when buying your own jewelry and accessories and when shopping for Valentine's Day.  Make this the Year of the American gift! 

We would like to extend to you a special Valentine's Day Offer!

Simply enter the code " BEMINE " and instantly save 15%

 on your purchase at BestAmericanArts.com. Valid until Feb 14th.