During the end of September to mid-November of 2023, I facilitated polymer ring making workshops inside of Justice Studio. Each session I would give a small spiel of the grant and the project concept. Students then opted—into working alongside me creating their ring. We would first start by measuring their ring size and finding a correlating ring blank, that they used as a sturdy base to build their designs on. Students learned to condition, mix, and shape polymer clay to appropriate sizes for wearability. After finishing their design and hardening it, students had the option to keep their polymer clay ring or submit it to the gallery show for other JDC participants to see. Approximately 60% of students choose to keep their ring, and when time allotted, some students choose to make multiple rings.
Coinciding with the November sessions in Justice Studio I used lost wax casting to make Sterling Silver replicas of the student’s polymer clay creations. I explored enameling, engraving, gold plating and various methods to create an appearance that complemented the original polymer rings.
At the end of November, I worked with other JDC students to create plaster molds of their hands, which was used to display rings for the gallery show, that took place during December. While showcasing the designs made, I used a printout to explain the process that occurred outside of Justice Studio sessions, such as casting and enameling. This time was used to answer any questions students may have regarding jewelry and the creation process.
All in all, I was able to work directly with 22 students and explain and showcase their designs with an additional 40 students. During these interactions students made note of their enjoyment creating their ring, questioned about how to become a jeweler, and sought NOMAD’s social handles so they can see the results of the polymer rings turned into metal upon release.
Thanks to this grant, students were made aware that being creative can feel good and be a career option.
Students designs are available for purchase, and the proceeds support the Justice Studio, NOMADstudio's in-house after-school art studio program at the Pinellas Regional Juvenile Detention Center. Shop the Justice Studio Collab collection here.
]]>Dear Reader,
This summer has been an eye-opening experience. Because of the artist grant provided to me from the City of St. Petersburg Office of Cultural Affairs, and the St. Petersburg Art Alliance, I was able to host jewelry workshops with the students of the Boys and Girls Club of St. Pete. What started out as a free community engagement experience for one location turned into two. Students ranging in age from 11-to 17 in groups of 5 had the chance to create rings in the creative facility of Venus in downtown St. Petersburg.
During my time, I witnessed some students who jumped right in at the chance of creating jewelry, while others began the process of creating in a negative head space. Being sure to ask each student at the end of the sessions of their thoughts on what they created, I received answers of joy and pride.
One occasion that stood out the most is when Student A, whose hand shock uncontrollably, needed to perform a task that would have benefited from a steady hand, continued to put in effort until success occurred. Not once did this student complain. Instead, as another student looked on and moaned about their own inability, the former noted “look at me I’m still trying”. This encouraging notion caused Student B to stop, reevaluate and continue working on their own project. This and many more moments solidified the idea that we need to create more opportunities like the workshops held this summer. Because of the artist grant I seek to impact more individuals in under-served communities while using jewelry as my medium.
Thank you, City of St. Petersburg Office of Cultural Affairs, and the St. Petersburg Art Alliance. I can say with confidence your grant has impacted young lives in our community, by exposing them to a medium and opportunity they might not have experienced.
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