The Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show (ACJS), a beloved annual tradition for jewelry enthusiasts since 2006, is set to transform The Carter Center into a haven of handmade, wearable art from November 3 to 5.
This event was conceived by Atlanta jewelry artists Debra Lynn Gold and Leigh Griffin as a response to the lack of artist-made jewelry showcases in the area. Gold, a seasoned exhibitor at national jewelry showcases, recognized the need for a similar platform in Atlanta and, together with Griffin, turned their vision into reality.
The Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show initially found a home in a small venue on the west side of Atlanta but has grown in popularity and attendance over the years. As it expanded, The Carter Center became the ideal location for this annual exhibition. This year, the event welcomes over 30 artisans from 20 states, including individuals from as far away as California and New York, providing a unique opportunity for Atlanta residents to view their work.
In 2023, a significant transition occurred behind the scenes at ACJS. The founders, Gold and Griffin, decided it was time to pass the baton to the next director and selected Mindy Spritz, the former director of education and development at the Spruill Center for the Arts, to lead the event to new heights. Spritz has a deep connection to the ACJS, having been involved in its development from its early years, facilitating week-long events and managing sponsorships.
The new executive director of the Abernathy Art Center in Sandy Springs, Spritz knew she would require additional support to oversee the jewelry show. Lisa Heller, a show manager with a background as a metalsmith and attorney who served as the president of the Metal Arts Guild of Georgia, was the ideal partner to assist Spritz.
A lifelong art historian, Spritz was drawn to contemporary jewelry art because of the materials used in the works, such as gold, silver, copper, and stones. She views jewelry as small sculptures and appreciates the sense of community in the jewelry department. She believes that jewelry creates memories and that memory, in turn, inspires the creation of jewelry.
The ACJS, according to Spritz, will be a source of future keepsakes and heirlooms, much like the cherished pieces passed down from generation to generation. It is a testament to the enduring value of jewelry and its ability to connect people through memories.
The Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show will take place from November 3 to November 5 at The Carter Center. Admission is $10, and parking is free. A portion of the proceeds will benefit CERF+ (the Craft Emergency Relief Fund), which provides assistance to craft artists affected by natural disasters and other emergencies.
