Call it a mobile artist colony, a colorful social experiment or a crafty piece of performance art. Each year since 2014, Sara Brown and Marissa Saneholtz have invited a new group of pioneering jewelers and metalsmiths to work side-by-side in a communal studio for 7 days. The initiative is called Smitten Forum, and invitees range from emerging to well-established makers who employ a staggering array of mediums and techniques. This year’s participants are headed to Abiquiu, New Mexico in late December, but they’ll also leave their mark on the nearby art center of Santa Fe.
Participating Artists: Sarah Perkins, Melissa Cameron, Bryan Petersen, Cappy Counard, Cheryl Rydmark, Tanya Crane, Rebekah Frank, Anika Smulovitz, Don Friedlich, Laritza Garcia, Leslie LePere, Hannah Oatman, Marissa Saneholtz, Sara Brown
About Smitten Forum
The concept behind Smitten Forum is to create opportunities that will give makers from the metals and jewelry field a place to come together in a creative environment and work-side by-side in a studio for one week. Each event is organized by Sara Brown and Marissa Saneholtz. Invitees range from emerging to well-established makers as well as educators and professional jewelers. A variety of techniques and mediums are represented, including traditional silversmithing, enameling, computer aided design, found object assemblage, tin construction, welding, powder coating, casting, and many more. By removing the distractions of everyday life and adding the energy of multiple makers, the participants are able to focus on their work. With the influence of those around them, participants can move in creative directions that may not have happened while working alone in their home studios.