Made with Love Reception – Feb 2015

Early Spring - Susan Shallenberger
Early Spring – Susan Shallenberger

All of my experiences leading up to the “Made With Love” show at the Many Hands Gallery in Capitola, may sound familiar. The large necklace I call ‘Early Spring” was still being assembled the day before we were to hand them in! I talked with a couple of other jewelry makers who said they were in the same boat, but staying afloat. The tiny screws I ordered arrived the night before, so I knew it would be completed in time.

It is so exciting to actually see everyone’s pieces displayed so beautifully in the cases. I love that we did not have to compete to get our jewelry in the show. Just think, now I can tell people I displayed in a jewelry show with the likes of Dawn Nakanishi and Lynn Guenther! Of course, there is a huge difference between the levels of expertise, but it still gives artists like me some bragging rights!

A real crowd pleaser
A real crowd pleaser

The artists’ reception was crowded and noisy, just like it should be. Jockeying our way up to the cases, we were immediately drawn to the display of bright shiny objects. It was fun to bump into people we hadn’t had a chance to talk with in a while, and ask about their pieces. All that artist energy was exciting, and we weren’t even missing the Super Bowl.

A serious metals discussion
A serious metals discussion, I am sure!

I have to admit I have been back to Many Hands Gallery a few times since the opening, just to absorb it all again. One day one of the women who works there said she “loved my necklace,” which really made my day! So if you haven’t been back, it is definitely worth your time to visit and enjoy the experience over and over.

Susan Shallenberger,
Contributor