Radical Jewelry Makeover Exhibition: KU Metalsmithing/Jewelry

Name: Radical Jewelry Makeover Exhibition: KU Metalsmithing/Jewelry
Start: 2025-01-31T09:00:00-06:00
End: 2025-01-31T13:00:00-06:00
Location: E. Laurence Chalmers Hall

Friday, January 31, 2025 9:00am to 1:00pm CST

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E. Laurence Chalmers Hall, Edgar Heap of Birds Family Gallery View map

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1467 Jayhawk Boulevard, Lawrence, KS 66045

https://www.facebook.com/events/614519614397985/614519651064648 #KUVISUALART

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Exhibition: TUE, JAN 21 - FRI, JAN 31
Closing Reception & Sale: THU, JAN 30 | 5PM - 8PM
Third Floor, Chalmers Hall, Edgar Heap of Birds Family Gallery
Gallery Hours: M-F, 9AM - 5PM
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Since 2007, Ethical Metalsmiths have facilitated semester-long projects in various communities across the country and around the world through the Radical Jewelry Makeover (RJM) initiative.

RJM: KU brings together metalsmiths and jewelry makers at the University of Kansas (KU) with local residents who donate unwanted jewelry, transforming it into new pieces. Metals and gemstones are often mined in some of the poorest countries, on sacred lands, and in disputed territories, resulting in significant costs to both human lives and the environment.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, hard rock mining is the most toxic industry in the United States. RJM aims to raise awareness about the sourcing of materials for jewelry production and to encourage consumers to reconsider their habits.

In the Fall of 2024, residents of Lawrence and Topeka donated jewelry and shared stories about their donations with KU Metalsmithing and Jewelry students, along with regional artists in the Lawrence and Kansas City areas. Participating students spent the semester collecting donations from the community, sorting through them, and creating new pieces of jewelry that honor their origins and the environment.