MAD About Jewelry Brings Global Artistry to the Museum of Arts and Design
The Museum of Arts and Design put contemporary jewelry in the spotlight with its annual MAD About Jewelry exhibition and sale, held from May 5 through May 9 in New York. This year’s edition brought together 45 artists from 25 countries, showcasing one-of-a-kind wearable works made from porcelain, paper, recycled metals, textiles, glass, reclaimed objects, and other unexpected materials. In other words, this was not your average jewelry counter moment. It was jewelry as art, conversation piece, cultural exchange, and, frankly, the kind of thing that makes a basic gold hoop feel like it needs a sabbatical.
Photo Credit: BFA
The opening was celebrated with a benefit on May 5, where MAD Director Tim Rodgers spoke to the importance of supporting artists from around the world, especially at a time when gathering an international roster requires more than a little coordination. Board Chair Michele Cohen also emphasized the event’s larger message, celebrating freedom of expression, diversity, and the power of handmade works to connect people across borders. During the evening, Chief Curator Elissa Auther presented this year’s acquisition awards to Won Cho and Yuan Yuan, whose works will enter the museum’s permanent collection.
The celebration continued on May 7 with a luncheon hosted by Chair Emerita Barbara Tober, featuring a conversation between writer Lynn Yaeger and jeweler Judy Geib, along with participating artists Raluca Buzura and Sabrina Formica. Senior Curator Barbara Paris Gifford introduced the speakers, while guests included Gigi and Harry Benson, Cece Black, Jana Bullock, Susan Gutfreund, Michael Musto, Katie Ridder, Sally Singer, and Barbara Waldman. As ever, MAD About Jewelry offered more than a chance to shop beautiful pieces. It made the case for contemporary jewelry as a vital creative language, one shaped by material experimentation, global perspectives, and the thrill of finding something truly singular.
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