Press Room

Annual benefit show, and pop-up sale celebrates creative visionaries paving new paths in artistic practice of jewelry design from April 25–29

New York, NY (March 28, 2023)

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) is pleased to announce the 2023 edition of MAD About Jewelry, an annual benefit show and sale of contemporary jewelry. Now in its 23rd year, MAD About Jewelry shines a spotlight on innovation, craftsmanship, and design prowess in the practice of jewelry design, and supports the Museum’s exhibitions and educational programs.

This year, 50 artists from 20 countries were selected to showcase their work at the esteemed institution located at 2 Columbus Circle in New York City. In what has become known as the ultimate pop-up shop for contemporary, artist-made jewelry, MAD About Jewelry brings together collectors and enthusiasts for the rare opportunity to meet and acquire pieces from some of the most innovative creators in the field.

In addition to traditional materials such as gold, silver, platinum, and semi-precious stones, visitors can expect to see artists using groundbreaking materials and techniques—from pleated paper to Corian and 3D printing. Examples of extraordinary uses of materials can be found in the colorful, niobium brooches by Marina Sheetikoff (Brazil), pieces made of eggshells and seashells by Miki Asai (Japan), and the mix of traditional and nontraditional metals used by Everett Hoffman (USA) as substrates for setting vintage rhinestones and gemstones, to name a few.

“This year’s incredible show represents a truly global perspective on jewelry artistry, and we’re thrilled to welcome the 50 artists selected to the Museum of Arts and Design. MAD About Jewelry is a unique opportunity for visitors to discover, discuss, and collect the most innovative designs from around the world. We look forward to welcoming visitors, once again, to this special show,” said Bryna Pomp, director, MAD About Jewelry.

For over two decades, the work exhibited at MAD About Jewelry has reflected the wider dialogue around significant cultural issues. Once again, the theme of sustainability is at the forefront of many of the artists’ work. Recycled materials, including kimonos reinterpreted by Yumi Kato (Japan), wine bottles melted down to create undulating shapes by Deirdre Maine (France), and coins, bank notes, and postage stamps framed in stunning settings by Diego Sparaiva (Brazil), are given new life in fresh jewelry designs. In addition, several of the artists featured in the show explore gender fluidity in their work, creating masterful pieces designed to be worn by everyone. These makers include Steven KP (USA), Yoojung Kim (South Korea), Kristin and Kofi Essel (USA), and Akvile Su (Scotland), among others.

During the show and sale, visitors can enjoy an interactive experience of creating custom work with an artist within the Museum lobby. Capri-based Emanuela Caruso creates jeweled sandals and bags using exclusively Italian-made materials. Her practice is rooted in continual research and close attention to detail, resulting in luxurious, retro-inspired designs that reflect evolving fashion trends while referencing tradition. Caruso and her skilled artists who will be making custom footwear from an array of footbed, laces, and gemstone options.

This year, MAD is thrilled to introduce a new mentorship program developed to advise and support participating artists. With the goal of cementing long-term partnerships and supporting career development, the Museum has built a program that involves leading experts in various fields from marketing to merchandising. Halstead Beads will lead a session on marketing strategy with additional mentors to be named soon. In addition, jewelry designer and MAD About Jewelry 2022 participating artist Lorraine West, will serve as Artist Liaison throughout the course of the show and sale, as well as lead a mentorship seminar.

“Over the years, MAD About Jewelry has become a powerful platform for championing visionary artists working within the medium of jewelry. We strive to create shows that put innovative thinking and design skill at the forefront of culture and this year’s show and sale is no different. We’re particularly excited to introduce the mentorship program this year to provide our artists with valuable programming from industry leaders,” said Michele Cohen, chair of the Board of Trustees, Museum of Arts and Design.

On Tuesday, April 25, MAD will host an opening benefit event featuring first access for patrons to meet the artists and acquire their designs, a cocktail hour and reception, as well as a dinner honoring the MAD About Jewelry 2023 Award recipients: Alexis Bittar, founder of the eponymous luxury jewelry and accessories brand; Linda Fargo, senior vice president of fashion and store presentation at Bergdorf Goodman; and Sam Broekema, editor-in-chief of Only Natural Diamonds, the digital editorial platform powered by the Natural Diamond Council. The honorees were selected for their career-long histories of championing extraordinary artistry in jewelry.

• Alexis Bittar, founder of the eponymous luxury jewelry and accessories brand: Winner of CFDA Accessories Designer of the Year, Bittar fuses art and sculpture with a brave use of color and unique materials that has set his designs apart for over 30 years.
• Sam Broekema, Editor-in-Chief of Only Natural Diamonds, the digital editorial platform powered by the Natural Diamond Council: At the helm of the premiere digital destination for the universe of natural diamonds, he is responsible for spearheading OND’s quarterly issues and covers as well as leading annual trend reports, content strategy, and overall creative direction. 
• Linda Fargo, Senior Vice President of Fashion and Store Presentation, Bergdorf Goodman: Regarded as the “eyes of Bergdorf Goodman,” Linda Fargo is responsible for spotting trends and shaping the visual identity of the storied and opulent New York department store. Renowned for her discerning taste for fashion trends, creative directorship of the Bergdorf shop windows and re-envisioning the look of the store, Fargo has held her role at Bergdorf Goodman since 2006.

MAD About Jewelry Hours

Wednesday, April 26, 2023: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Thursday, April 27, 2023: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Friday, April 28, 2023: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday, April 29, 2023: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Free with Museum admission. Timed tickets available here.

Opening Benefit Preview

Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Cocktails and Shopping, 5:00 pm
Dinner and Award Ceremony at Robert restaurant, 7:30 pm

ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF ARTS AND DESIGN

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) champions contemporary makers across creative fields and presents the work of artists, designers, and artisans who apply the highest level of ingenuity and skill. Since the Museum’s founding in 1956 by philanthropist and visionary Aileen Osborn Webb, MAD has celebrated all facets of making and the creative processes by which materials are transformed, from traditional techniques to cutting-edge technologies. Today, the Museum’s curatorial program builds upon a rich history of exhibitions that emphasize a cross-disciplinary approach to art and design, and reveals the workmanship behind the objects and environments that shape our everyday lives. MAD provides an international platform for practitioners who are influencing the direction of cultural production and driving twenty-first-century innovation, and fosters a participatory setting for visitors to have direct encounters with skilled making and compelling works of art and design. For more information, visit madmuseum.org.

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