Even the koalas were talking about RJM!

Okay, so the koalas weren't discussing Radical Jewellery Makeover - Brisbane, Australia, but many people were.

The impressive attendance at the opening exhibition was a great reward for all of the hard work invested by the jewellers and the organizers of the project. Artisan was full of festive, celebratory energy and the staff at the register managed the flood of sales beautifully. Artisan has estimated that over 550 people saw the exhibition and that 42 Madeover pieces are being worn by individuals today. Artisan’s curator, Kirsten Fitzparick had this to say about Radical Jewellery Makeover, “It was a fantastic project which really engaged the community in a way we had not been able to do before at Artisan, and the outcome was some truly unique work and a very successful exhibition.”

We would like to thank everyone that participated in the the many parts of the project for their commitment to the idea that jewellery can and should be made responsibly. The three primary groups participating in the Makeover had something special to offer. The jewellery donors offered a transparent supply of raw material. The jewelers were challenged to re-consider the ways that they had typically been sourcing their materials, how they design and how to digest a steady flow of information about mining issues while trying to make something someone would want to wear. The jewelers also generously gifted us with their skills and creative vision, they made the jewellery after all. Individuals who purchased Madeover pieces have made a commitment to both wear and share the story behind the piece when given the opportunity. Thank you all for your support of Radical Jewellery Makeover.

Jewellery created during the project will be exhibited online on the NEW Ethical Metalsmiths website. Due for publication soon! Jewellery that was not sold at Artisan is available through the QCA Jewellery and Small Objects program.

RJM-Brisbane, Australia created a new opportunity to address controversial metal and gemstone sourcing issues. Queensland College of Art's Jewellery and Small Objects program is receiving a small, but significant grant for student research to explore responsible jewellery projects. This winter Elizabeth Shaw, Convenor Jewellery and Small Objects at QCA, and Ethical Metalsmiths with determine guidelines for the grant and then begin inviting student proposals. This is the first time that Ethical Metalsmiths is specifically encouraged the host of a Makeover to continue the work after the project ended. We are looking forward to working with Elizabeth and her students in 2011.

We would like to take this opportunity to list the names of all the individuals who gave their skills, creativity and finished jewellery to the project as well as names of a few noteable volunteers.

Makers:

Vashti-Sita Bardsley - QCA student

Ann Chadwick - Jeweller / QCA Technician

Amy Cochrane - QCA student

Dan Cox - Jeweller

Leander D’Ambrosia - QCA student

Renata Fojtikova - QCA student

Kylie Gartside - QCA student

Kathleen Hunt - QCA student

Alicia Lane - QCA student

Catherine Large - Jeweller / QCA Faculty

Bibi Locke - QCA student

Andrew Lowrie - QCA student

Shanna Muston - QCA student

Clare Poppi - QCA student

Sue Preston - QCA student

Elizabeth Shaw - Jeweller / QCA Convenor Jewellery and Small Objects

Karah Sinden - QCA student

Katie Stormoth - QCA student

Joan Teo - Jeweller

Kim Thomson - Jeweller

Louisa Thurecht - QCA student

Susie Woodhouse - Jeweller / Faculty

Alex Forrest - Volunteer discount voucher designer

Jacky Owens - Logistics volunteer

Brett - Photographer (Dear Brett, you helped us document the project and we don’t even know your last name! Please contact us rjm_at_ ethicalmetalsmiths_dot_org )

Thank you all for your hard work and support! Please let us know what you have been working on since Radical Jewellery Makeover blew through QCA.