Shannon Reeves
Copper, Silver, Natural Stones, EarthTones, these are the gifts of mother nature which helps me to forge the creativity which resides within my soul. I am inspired by nature, many cultures and traditions as well as the organic and fluid lines of the art nouveau era. I enjoy creating jewelry from a raw piece of copper which I foldform into a cuff bracelet or funky bowl, to an intricately handwoven collar neckpiece to that simple yet elegant and versatilenecklace you can wear with that perfect little black dress or with a pair of jeans. There is a sense of freedom, strength, and the nurturing of my soul after I have finished that perfect piece. Artist expression and progression are both stimulating and rewarding. I love to share this with the men and women who purchase my pieces as well as the students that I teach. I am co-owner of Bead Here Now, I am new mom to a beautiful girl named Stella, a girlfriend to an amazing man talented artst and teacher named Robert, I am teacher, a jewelry artist, a sister, a daughter and friend. You may view my work @www.shannonreevesjewelry.weebly.com Robert Noelke
Robert Noelke has been an artist for over twenty years. He began taking painting classes early in life and at the age of twelve began working in steel. Through the years he has experimented in both two and three dimensional artwork. Robert has received numerous awards, grants and scholarships. After graduating in 2002 from the University of Florida with a bachelors degree in fine art, Noelke went on to work for two years at foundry casting bronze, aluminum, and resin. During this time, his interest in direct metal sculpting grew and he began taking blacksmithing classes. In 2004, Robert moved to Jacksonville to work with renowned sculptor and Jacksonville native, David Ponsler. Since then, he has had the opportunity to work on many exciting projects and has learned both traditional and contemporary metal working techniques. Robert has displayed his work in numerous galleries throughout the United States in both public and private venues.
| Margaret Malgorzata
Born in Poland and moving to the Jacksonville as a teenager, Margaret has always enjoyed the arts, specifically pottery and mosaics. She has always had a fascination with natural stones and began doing jewelry 2 years ago. Margaret will be our young jewelers teacher, teaching children everything from basic beading, hemp and wire work and maybe in the future pottery, who knows!
Donna McGee
Owner of Green Lotus Organics, Donna offers wonderful handcrafted soaps, lotions and body butter using all natural products and essential oils.
In addition to her wonderful products Donna is a master herbalist, reiki master, and a teacher. www.greenlotusorganics.com You may view her blog at http://greenlotus-organics.blogspot.com/ |
Our Guest Teachers
Mary Doppel
Born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan I took an early interest in how things are put together, by watching my father, Bill Mikesell take them apart! I like to take an object and reconstruct it by using different materials, something unexpected. It gives an object a whole new meaning, or perspective while appreciating "MY" piece of art. I think that is why I love mixed media so much!
I have an associate's degree in Graphic Arts from Muskegon Community College. I ran my own business (Off the Wall Gallery) for over 10 years before moving to Jacksonville, Florida in 2002 with my husband George. www.maddogdesignstudios.com  David Manners Leather Working
Hello, my name is David Manners. I have been working with leather for over 25 years. When I first started to work with leather, the opportunity arose from the simple need to make some quality leather belts for my immediate family. It quickly became apparent that I could make a very good quality hand made belt for less than the cost of a store bought belt. The primary difference was that quality leather belts and brass hardware made for a more beautiful and long lasting belt. Shortly thereafter people began placing orders with me for belts and other leather goods.So, as time passed I began to branch out and make leather goods and belts for people along with card cases, wallets and key chains, dog collars and leashes and other custom items. After many years of experience I am now teaching leatherwork and providing the use of my vast collection of tools and with hands on guidance and assistance. In my classes, a student with no previous experience with working with leather can obtain an excellent result with a leather project. There is a simple element of joy working with leather and a feeling of accomplishment when coming away with a usable leather project. | Rebecca Hepburn
Originally a New Orleans girl, Rebecca has lived in Jacksonville for quite a few years now. Being passionate about mosaic arts, she will be teaching some wonderful upcoming classes here at the shop. We are looking forward to having her.
Judy Leatherberry
Born in Maryland then moving to Jacksonville as a young child, Judy began doing seed bead work when her father taught her traditional native american beadwork when she was 9. Now many years later, she is just as passionate about it as she was when she was 9. She has been teaching seed beads jewelry since the mid 90's.
Look for lots of fun seed bead classes with Judy in the future. |
