RADICAL JEWELRY MAKEOVER-
SOUTH FLORIDA
A Project of : Ethical Matelsmiths
Supported by: Lighthouse ArtCenter, Armory Art Center, and Resource Depot
.jpg){kind=logo}
Radical Jewelry Makeover (RJM) is Ethical Metalsmiths' innovative community mining project. It raises awareness of the connection between mining, metalsmithing, activism, collaboration, and art. It involves volunteer "miners," "smelters," "refiners," jewelers, and metalsmiths working together to create a new and transparent supply chain.
RJM relies on local “mines” – donated jewelry – as a source of “raw” material. The donated jewelry is then de-constructed to the original components, and reconstructed into wearable works of art by artists, students, and professionals.
Donated jewelry is rich with sentiment, and lends itself to conversation about source, future thinking design, and collaborative problem-solving. The completed jewelry sold through the Lighthouse ArtCenter Gallery will generate program funds and raise awareness.
Why is this important?
Traditional jewelry production is often unsafe for metal miners (metal mining is one of the worst polluting industries in the world), dangerous for gem miners, sometimes deadly to gem cutters (repeated exposure to silica causes silicosis), extremely toxic to ecosystems (mining with cyanide or mercury), at times poisonous to refiners (often relying on toxic materials), and hazardous to jewelers (toxic fumes and chemicals).
5. Buy
Radical Jewelry Makeover Exhibition: The made-over jewelry will be on display at the Lighthouse ArtCenter Gallery from January 26 - March 20, 2021, where all pieces will be for sale. Anyone who donated jewelry will receive a coupon towards their jewelry purchase (the amount is determined by what is donated).
For Gallery Hour and more information : https://www.lighthousearts.org/radical-jewelry-makeover.html
