New Artisan Jewelers!!

Gallery 50 Contemporary Art and Frame Shop welcomes two new artisan jewelers this season.

Linda Whitney -

Throughout the many years that we have been working in metalsmithing our goal has been to produce a smile on the patron's face by creating a jewelry work that is well crafted but very affordable.

All of our work is made from beginning to end by using the traditional metalsmithing technique of fabrication.

When we started creating pieces in the early 1970's they were all sterling silver and gold, but now we have expanded and added red brass, copper, and nickel silver. These copper based alloys and polymer clay have added in colors and oxidations that were never possible with traditional metals.

One example of this is how we continue to experiment with polymer clay as a way to add color and surface design to jewelry. Only by using this clay can we make the light weight pieces with motifs inspired by African textiles and Aboriginal art of the South Seas.

The cut pieces of metal are lovingly shaped over silversmithing stakes or tree stumps with the use of forming and raising hammers. The surface is sometimes chased to add in a surface discription or a corrugation.

Then the work is assembled with silver solder and gas torches. Natural stones are used to add integrity to the designs.

Our studio is a little like stepping back into the pre-industral age as we only use hand tools with the exceptions of the finishing equipment. We even use non-toxic chemicals salt and vinegar to clean the metals surface.

Our ever bonding love for the plasticity of metal and the joy of creating with our hands is our daily inspiration.

Karen Calandra -

I am a jewelry designer and metalsmith with the philosophy of creating wearable works of art with modern simplicity.   Inspired by the irregular yet absolutely perfect shapes of nature, I create handmade, custom jewelry in my sun-drenched studio.

I really love what I do.

Originality and quality craftsmanship are important tome. Each piece is handcraftedusing raw materials so no two are ever exactly alike. Most are one-of-a-kind or created in limited editions. I attended a technical jewelry design school in Florence, Italy and also studied with an internationally-known master jeweler in Pennabilli, Italy. My education continues at every chance.

If you have a specific design you'd like to see come to life, the gallery and I will work with you to create it.

Gallery 50 Contemporary Art & Frame Shop is located next to Henlopen City Oyster House and Salt Air at 50 Wilmington Avenue in downtown Rehoboth Beach (between 1st and 2nd Streets).

Also, please check out our online store by clicking on our website for all types of terrific gifts for men, women, children and others - that will allow you to support small business and not feel guilty for shopping online.  :)  You'll find our climbers, small works by artists, ceramics, glass, mobiles, jewelry and the wonderful Houston Llew Spiritiles on the store, among other great finds.....at great prices.

302-227-2050 or click here to email us.