At an exclusive celebration dinner held on June 2 during JCK Las Vegas, Rio Grande congratulated and recognized three young jewelry artists as winners in the fifth year of the Saul Bell Design Award Emerging Artist competition. A panel of judges chose five finalists and, from these, three winners emerged. The three winners received varying gift certificate amounts from Rio Grande. Beyond prizes and awards, past winners of the Saul Bell Design Award Emerging Artist competition often feel that the confidence and encouragement gained from participating are the most invaluable rewards. Further, a matching award is given to the instructor of the Emerging Artist.
This annual competition celebrates the fresh ideas and creative spark of young, emerging designers. The competition is open to designers 18 years of age and younger. Finalists and winning pieces may be viewed online at www.saulbellaward.com.
2012 Emerging Artist Winners:
First Place -- $500 Rio Grande Gift Certificate
Sherry Wan of Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Name of Piece: "Summer Solstice"
Second Place -- $250 Rio Grande Gift Certificate
Drew Abts of Lake Tapps, Washington, USA
Name of Piece: "Kingdom of Heaven"
Third Place -- $100 Rio Grande Gift Certificate
Jay Baker of Sandpoint, Idaho, USA
Name of Piece: "Necklace #1"
For information about the upcoming 2013 Saul Bell Design Award Emerging Artist competition, designers are invited to call 800.952.6222 or e--mail [email protected]. Visit www.saulbellaward.com for general information about the Saul Bell Design Award.
