Wearable Art: A Look At Jewelry By Painters and Sculptors from the Post-War Period to Contemporary Times  

Class Description

Taught by BELLA NEYMAN

Jewelry created by artists has long been celebrated as both "mini-masterpieces" and "wearable art," captivating art collectors and sparking intrigue among enthusiasts. This course will explore why jewelry became a compelling artistic medium for many renowned painters and sculptors, including Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Louise Nevelson, and Anish Kapoor. Whether it provided an opportunity to create miniature versions of their larger-scale works or served as a new avenue for their creative expression, jewelry allowed these artists to push boundaries in unique ways.

In addition to examining some of the most iconic artist-designed jewelry, we will explore the craftsmanship behind these pieces, focusing on the skilled goldsmiths and workshops that brought the artists' visions to life—such as GEM Montebello, François Hugo, and Mario Masenza. We will also discuss the market for artist jewelry, gaining insights into prominent collectors and their role in the appreciation of these works.

The course includes three lectures, complemented by two field visits. One visit will take us to the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum to view its collection of jewelry by American kinetic sculptor George Rickey. The second visit will be to the Mahnaz Collection on Madison Avenue, where we will see a range of jewelry made by painters and sculptors, including many of the artists featured in our lectures.

Classes will meet March 21, March 28, April 4, April 11, April 25th.

Open to all levels.

Refunds & Credit

Please email us at info@bkmetalworks.com to withdraw from class. Withdrawals from class more than 7 days prior to the start of the class will receive a full refund for the class minus a 10% processing fee. If cancellation occurs 3-6 days prior to the class, we will provide a 50% refund. Cancellations 48 hours or less receive a 25% refund. Refunds will not be provided for no-shows or same-day cancellations.

We do not refund tuition for classes that students miss due to their own circumstances. There will be no refunds once the class begins in any circumstance, nor can we transfer you to a later semester. Students enrolled in multi-session studio courses (excluding workshops and intensives) may make-up missed class sessions during open studio hours for up to two weeks after the last class meeting.

We reserve the right to cancel or discontinue any class, in which case you may choose to receive a refund, apply the class credit towards a different course, or receive a tuition credit for future use. Tuition credits are valid for up to one year. Refunds will be issued within 30 days.