Coming of Age

Coming of Age is an exhibition of work by art jewelers and metalsmiths who began their study of the field after age 40 or after at least 15 years of work in another field. The exhibition questions the assumption that emerging artists are by definition young and celebrates diverse viewpoints and fresh ideas from artists of all ages.

Artists who emerge later in life draw upon deep engagement in previous careers or life experiences that shape their art in various ways. These experiences span fields from law to history to education, parenting, and caregiving. The exhibition explores relationships between vocation and recreation, work and play, art and craftsmanship, and questions common assumptions about what it means to be an artist.

The exhibition will be held at the Adorned Spaces pop-up gallery at the annual conference of the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago, IL, May 22-24, 2019, as part of SNAG's 50th anniversary.

Eligibility: Artists must have begun study and making of art jewelry or metalsmithing after age 40, or after at least 15 years of work outside the home or as a homemaker. Entry fee: $30. Applicants must submit up to 5 professional-quality images (minimum 72 dpi, 1200 pixels on longest side), artist bio, CV, and artist statement. All work submitted must be for sale. Selected artists are responsible for shipping costs to curators by May 6, 2019. SNAG receives 25% of purchase price; artist receives 75%. Work will be insured by SNAG during exhibition. Curators will ship unpurchased work back to artists at curators' expense by June 17, 2019. Artists notified April 2, 2019.