The American Craft Council Show will be at the Baltimore Convention Center this week from Thursday to Sunday. We get a whole extra day this year, and they have added a new category called “Lawn and Garden”, which will feature artists who have focused their craft specifically on outdoor decor. This show is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I don’t think of it as a craft fair, it’s more like an exhibit of exhibitors. I can honestly tell you that after going last year, it’s almost impossible to see everything in one day. This year I’m sure it will take me at least two days. After being so inspired last year, I’ve become a fan and have been following some of the artists blogs (Lauren Schlossberg)—so considering that some of these artists are like celebrities to me (Karen Gilbert), and that I will actually get a chance to meet them and speak with them (JacQueline Sanchez), who knows how long it will take me. But then again, I am quite shy, so I guess it depends on how cheeky I am feeling that day!

As I look through all the notes I took during the art show, and reminisce about all the inspiring pieces I saw, I realize how hard it is to narrow it down to just one favorite! I said I would write about one artist for each day this week, but that is just way too much pressure! Instead, I thought I would divide them into mediums, and focus on two or three artists from each. Today I have chosen to focus on jewelry design. The first booth that really caught my eye when I first walked in was that of JacQueline Sanchez. She chose to mimic LEGO’s and has turned them into a fashion statement with her Forever Young signature collection. I love silver jewelry and vibrant colors. Add a small diamond into the mix and it was love at first sight! I admire the simplicity of this collection. They appear very durable and clean. All of the art at the show was way out of my price range. If I could have afforded to buy one piece, I would have splurged for something from JacQuelines latest collection. She also had some other pieces on display, from other collections. You can see them all on her website if you go to www.jacquelinesanchez.com. Her story about how she became a jewelry designer is quite fascinating!

Another designer who fascinated me was Karen Gilbert. In comparison to Sanchez, I would say that her work is at the other end of the spectrum. Gilbert pulls her inspiration from things she has observed in nature and in science; under a microscope. She chose to lay all of her pieces flat, on top of large white sheets of paper. This simple presentation helped to accentuate the detail of each piece. Compilations of clear glass and thin bead clusters were paired together in her work. In order to gain full respect for her work, you really need to see it in person! She designs special pieces for her exhibits that are not viewable on her website. Check out some pieces from her collection as well as some sculptures, on  www.karengilbert.com.