Grant Winners Over The Years
2010 Winner: Cowboy's Sweetheart (Boulder, CO)
Amy Fortunato’s line consists of western jewelry in a contemporary style that playfully evokes the spirit of the cowgirl and the American west. Cowboy’s Sweetheart cowgirl jewelry selection blends traditional silversmithing with beading and metalwork . “Handmade jewelry that’ll stirrup your cowgirl spirit!”
2009 Winner: VOSTENAKstudios (Cottonwood, AZ)
The VOSTENAKstudios line is contemporary with fluid lines and great attention to detail. Ostenak’s unique sculpted jewelry style is easily recognizable in every piece. She creates one of-a-kind statement necklaces, hairpieces and earrings with delicately intertwined metalwork in her Woven Collection. Her Ribbon Collection consists of more simple hammered styles with a highly reflective finish.
2008 Winner: Bridgland Studios (Oakland, CA)
The Bridgland Studios line primarily consists of necklaces and pendants as wearable works of modern art. The Bridglands create blown and sculpted glass forms using a type of glass blowing known as flameworking. Their latest collection of glass couture uses borosilicate glass crafted into focal pieces which are available in a wide array of colors, patterns and textures. The finished designs incorporate sterling silver, stainless steel and neoprene accents that give the couture jewelry a contemporary appeal.
2007 Winner: Belle Brooke Designs (Los Angeles, CA)
Barer creates designer jewelry that is inspired by the natural symmetry inherent in the organic world. The style is an artistic rendering of the concept of cells and their multitudinous manifestations. Her work is unmistakably original and features circular patterns compressed within shaped frames and offset by natural gemstones.
2006 Winner: Ananda Khalsa Jewelry (Providence, RI)
Ananda Khalsa Jewelry's designs incorporate tiny original paintings into sterling silver jewelry. Her work is inspired by Asian art and natural forms. Each piece is designed to communicate a quiet grace as well as rich cultural symbolism. The symbolic jewelry features clean lines and simple elegance, while maintaining evidence of the human hand.
Sponsor: Halstead Bead Inc. (Prescott, AZ)
The grant sponsor is a jewelry supply wholesaler that has served the trade since 1973. Halstead Bead Inc. specializes in sterling silver findings, chain, wire and beads. The firm also carries a broad line of other jewelry making items including gold filled and pewter components, crystal beads, tools, beading cables and more.
