MAD Momentum

As a team of collaborators we do not stop often enough to appreciate how Radical Jewelry Makeover has evolved since it was piloted in Richmond, VA in the winter of 2007, but this blog entry is a celebration!

Yesterday (9/12/09), several people who have been significant contributors to RJM's momentum converged at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City for the museum's "Jewelry Study Day". RJM and Ethical Metalsmiths were represented in two ways. The first event was the second public screening of the new video, "Radical Jewelry Makeover: a traveling community mining and recycling project" and the second event, attended by over 75 people, was a panel discussion featuring Ethical Metalsmiths' Co-director, Susan Kingsley.

The line-up of panelists from left to right: Susan Kingsley, Robert Ebendorf, Ursula Ilse-Neuman (MAD's jewelry curator), Daniella Kerner and Thomas Gentille

As Co-director of Ethical Metalsmiths and RJM, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to bring the film makers Sarah Zentz and Dana Richardson as well as three-time RJM participant, Meg Roberts to NYC! Susie Ganch couldn't join us in in NYC, but she was with us in spirit!


Everyone that participated in the "Jewelry Study Day" had the opportunity to watch the new 12 minute RJM video. We took several orders for the film, many of which were made by educators in the jewelry and metalsmithing field who are already using Ethical Metalsmiths' materials in their classrooms / studios. Here we are taking in the first run of the film at MAD.

"Radical Jewelry Makeover: a traveling community mining and recycling project" is now available to order by contacting Christina Miller at mail@ethicalmetalsmiths.org. The suggested donation to Ethical Metalsmiths to receive a copy of the film is $15.00 and this includes shipping. If you support the project and can donate more, we will put your generosity to good use. The packing for the DVD is made from 100% recycled paper. Sarah and Dana found the DVD labels in the trash and the first several copies will be packaged in a custom designed and hand-made, 100% recycled folder.


As if this weren't enough to celebrate, I'd also like to share some photos from the first public screening of the film, which took place outdoors on September 4th in Lancaster, PA's Binn's Park.


Our thank you list to people who made the production of this film possible is LONG! Collaboration is an essential part of all of our work and I would like to personally use this moment to shout out an expression of appreciation and thanks to everyone that has been involved! If this computer screen had arms, there would be a hug for each one of you.

SO - let the MOMENTUM continue and we looking forward to bringing Radical Jewelry Makeover to its next host community!

Best,
Christina Miller

Behind the Scenes - Preparing for the Debut of the RJM film

Take a guess. How long does it take to produce a 10 minute film if you are working on it a minimum of 10 hours per day?


In the case of "Radical Jewelry Makeover: a traveling community mining and recycling project," months is the correct answer and after all that hard work we are happy to announce the first two screenings of the film with this electronic postcard.



Working along with the directors and producers of the film, Sarah Zentz and Dana Richardson, has been a real treat. They have been filming, interviewing, editing, re-filming, critiquing, and working diligently. Useful to the project has been simple internet communication software like Skype and Audacity. The following photo is a great example of sharing a screening and critique moment with co-director of RJM, Susie Ganch via Skype.


We look forward to seeing you at Binn's Park in Lancaster, PA from 8:00 - 9:30 PM on Friday September 4th for the debut screening and/or in New York at the Museum of Arts and Design on September, 12th. The special screening will take place as part of the museum's "jewelry study day" from 11:30 - 12:30 PM.

Feel free to contact Ethical Metalsmiths at mail@ethicalmetalsmiths.org with any questions.

Radical Jewelry Makeover IV - Penland, NC

Penland School of Crafts is home to the next Radical Jewelry Makeover!

You could be a part of RJM-IV as student in the workshop, as a jewelry donor and as a "makeover" jewelry wearer. Join us for the next RJM, here's how!

If you are interested in participating as a student here's some information about the course and Penland School:

Radical Jewelry Makeover WORKSHOP (scroll down to session 3). This 2-week class (June 21 - July 3, 2009) is open to ALL levels (beginner to advanced) and will be co-taught by Susie Ganch and Christina Miller.

Penland School of Crafts "is a national center for craft education dedicated to helping people live creative lives. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Penland offers one-, two-, and eight-week workshops in books & paper, clay, drawing, glass, iron, metals, photography, printmaking and letterpress, textiles, and wood. The school also sponsors artists' residencies, community education programs, and a craft gallery."

If you are interested in donating your old, unwanted jewelry, precious metal scrap or gemstones here's how:

This link http://penland.org/makeover.html explains where to drop off or mail your donation, contains the downloadable PDF donation form (please include your email address on the form and tear off the bottom section for your records) and provides information about the discount coupons for donors.

If you are interested in purchasing a piece of RJM - Penland "makeover" jewelry:

There will be two ways to purchase RJM - Penland jewelry. If you are in the area, you can visit the Penland Metals studio on Wednesday July 1, from 9-11 PM (after Susie and Christina give a presentation about RJM at the Northlight building) and again on Thursday July 2, from 10-NOON. RJM "makeover" jewelry will also be for sale online beginning July 20, 2009 (details about accessing the online RJM-STORE will be available soon.)

If you have questions please contact Ethical Metalsmiths at: mail@ethicalmetalsmiths.org