Radical Jewelry MakeoverJanuary 26 - March 20, 2021A PROJECT OF: Ethical Metalsmiths
SUPPORTED BY: Lighthouse ArtCenter, Armory Art Center, and Resource Depot 
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Radical Jewelry Makeover (RJM) is Ethical Metalsmiths' innovative community mining project. It raises awareness of the connection between mining, metalsmithing, activism, collaboration, and art. It involves volunteer "miners," "smelters," "refiners," jewelers, and metalsmiths working together to create a new and transparent supply chain.
RJM relies on local “mines” – donated jewelry – as a source of “raw” material. The donated jewelry is then de-constructed to the original components, and reconstructed into wearable works of art by artists, students, and professionals.
Donated jewelry is rich with sentiment, and lends itself to conversation about source, future thinking design, and collaborative problem-solving. The completed jewelry sold through the Lighthouse ArtCenter Gallery will generate program funds and raise awareness.
The made-over jewelry will be on display at the Lighthouse ArtCenter Gallery January 26 - March 20, 2021, where all pieces will be for sale.
Anyone who donated jewelry will receive a coupon towards their jewelry purchase (the amount is determined by what is donated).
RJM relies on local “mines” – donated jewelry – as a source of “raw” material. The donated jewelry is then de-constructed to the original components, and reconstructed into wearable works of art by artists, students, and professionals.
Donated jewelry is rich with sentiment, and lends itself to conversation about source, future thinking design, and collaborative problem-solving. The completed jewelry sold through the Lighthouse ArtCenter Gallery will generate program funds and raise awareness.
The made-over jewelry will be on display at the Lighthouse ArtCenter Gallery January 26 - March 20, 2021, where all pieces will be for sale.
Anyone who donated jewelry will receive a coupon towards their jewelry purchase (the amount is determined by what is donated).
Why is this important?
Traditional jewelry production is often unsafe for metal miners (metal mining is one of the worst polluting industries in the world), dangerous for gem miners, sometimes deadly to gem cutters (repeated exposure to silica causes silicosis), extremely toxic to ecosystems (mining with cyanide or mercury), at times poisonous to refiners (often relying on toxic materials), and hazardous to jewelers (toxic fumes and chemicals).
Enjoy this preview of some of the incredible artwork that will be included in the Radical Jewelry Makeover exhibition:
Marthe E. Harwell; "Going Swimming;" Necklace; Reticulated brass, costume coral and alligator, coral chips, handmade gold-filled clasp.
Liz Cohn, "Learning to Fish," Ring, Costume jewelry.
Laura Konecne, "Sad Golden Strawberry," Brooch, Modified base metal strawberry brooch.
Sarah Knudtson; "Clown Fish Hanging from a Cloud;" Brooch; Plastic flowers, santa paper, fish.
Wayne Werner; Earrings; Sterling silver, 14k gold, keumboo.
Liz Cohn; "Acting Gnome-al;" Ring; Copper plastic bead and gnome/mushroom plastic figurines.
Susan Van Lindt; Pendant; Silver, 14k gold, blue topaz.
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