HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SPARKLE IN GOLDEN ARTISTRY JEWELRY DESIGN COMPETITION

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By Kristin Hobbs Kjaero

February 25, 2011 (La Mesa) -- Golden Artistry Jewelry Design of La Mesa is hosting their third annual jewelry design contest for high school students in the Grossmont Union High School District. The theme this year is water.

The competition is the creation of jeweler Terry Whyte, who hopes to inspire artistic students to consider careers in jewelry making, the same way he was inspired when he saw one of his professors solder a ring.

 

“I was kind of channeled into math and science in high school, but that’s not where my heart is. In college a light went on and I saw my destiny…. I’m happy and being creative. I’m making things that are cherished by people, and will be cherished for generations. It’s an awesome privilege,” he said.

In addition to the Grand Prize winner receiving their design made into a real piece of jewelry, Whyte offers all the finalists an internship, and currently has three students learning from him. He says it is a joy to share their enthusiasm, and sees it both as an investment in the community, and a window to the larger world. “You look at archeology, and what do see? The arts. That’s what’s left,” Whyte said.

In addition to the competition, a May 5th, 5:00 -9:00 p.m. awards ceremony and auction at the La Mesa Community Center will fundraise for the Friends of East County Arts, which puts all proceeds back into local school theater, music and arts programs.

Whyte is looking for sponsors to donate cash, auction items or prizes to support the fundraiser and competition. Those interested can contact him at 619 589-7454.

He would like to see a jewelry program at every school in the District some day, saying that the more choices and experiences a student has in school, the better. “Without our help, a lot of students might not find their niche in community and society. We need to start supporting creativity and the arts locally.”

Competition details and entry forms are available on-line here at the competition website; the entry deadline in March 7, 2011. Designs will be judged on the basis of reproducibility, creativity, wearability, visual appeal and design inspiration.


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