2016 A.R.T. Jewelry Artist Kathy Evert Hosting 6th Annual Okoboji Bead & Jewelry Splash

Jewelry designs  ©Kathy Evert

Local jewelry artist and 2016 A.R. T. participant, Kathy Evert, is once again hosting the annual Okoboji Bead & Jewelry Splash; this is the 6th year.  Jewelry artists from Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin will be joining her again for a weekend show on July 23-24 at the Dickinson County Community Building in Spirit Lake.  Show hours are 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. both days and is open to the public.  Admission is $2.  

Evert has been creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces for 14 years and focuses on wire and wire-wrapping and precious metal clay (PMC) in her jewelry with semi-precious stones. Some pieces also include re-purposed items such as scrap copper, old foreign coins and more.  She has also begun incorporating the Japanese braiding known as Kumihimo into her necklaces. 

"I enjoy finding unique and beautiful stones and accenting them with wire.  I also enjoy working with wire and creating other pieces such as bangles and earring jackets.  Precious metal clay (PMC) is still my favorite; it has so many applications and can be as creative as I want to be!"  Evert and all of the vendors will be exhibiting and selling their jewelry creations during the weekend.  

2015 A.R.T. Artist Kathy Evert and the 5th Annual Okoboji Bead & Jewelry Splash

 

Several artists will be part of the 5th annual Okoboji Bead & Jewelry Splash set for July 25 - 26 at the Dickinson County Community Building in Spirit Lake including Kathy Evert of KJEwelry, also the producer of the show.  Jewelry artists and others (silk scarves stone accessories for your home and more) will be exhibiting and selling from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days.  "We are happy to welcome back most of the artists that have come every year as well as four (4 )new artists this year," said Evert.  Artists from Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota are participating.

Three jewelry-making classes are also available during the show.  The show is open to the public and admission is $2.  For more information about the artists and the classes visit www.okobojibead.com and follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/OkobojiBead.

2015 A.R.T. Artist Kathy J. Evert - KJEwelry Trunk Show Scheduled!

KJEwelry will be holding the first trunk show of the 2015 calendar year on Saturday, May 2nd, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Elements Design Studio, 36 Highway 71, Arnolds Park.  A trunk show is a showing and sale in a retail store of an entire collection of clothing, jewelry, etc., from a particular designer.  I will be on hand all day to showcase and talk about the jewelry designs and will be introducing three new collections - my Gearhead Collection of scrap copper pieces from SPM Gaskets in Spencer, the fine wire jewelry (sterling silver and gold-filled) and the Team Spirit Collection (your school colors).  

"I have done a few pieces in the past of the scrap copper and they don't last long, said Kathy J Evert of KJEwelry.  "I will have several pieces of this collection on hand for exhibit and sale and enjoy telling the story about how these came about.  You will have to stop by to hear the story.  The fine wire jewelry collection is a result of several one-on-one workshops taken this winter with a jewelry artist in Phoenix I met several years ago and had the opportunity to study and learn with her this winter. The team spirit collection is a new jewelry addition utilizing the old Japanese braiding technique called Kumihimo.  This collection is made of satin cords and have also been doing several pieces that are beaded as well as braided with leather."  Much more coming in the Kumihimo category as are classes at Arts on Grand and in Spirit Lake or Okoboji this year.

KJEwelry will also be one of the artists at the Orange City Art Burst, part of the annual Tulip Festival.  Art Burst is held on Saturday, May 16th on the Sioux County courthouse lawn, complete with live music, adjacent to the food court, and parade route.  There are 44 artists that have been selected for the event which is free and runs from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.   For more information visit www.octulipfestival.com.

To learn more about KJEwelry visit www.kjewelry.etsy.com or www.okobojibead.com