Design Practice | JEWELRY DESIGN
Build your design toolkit! Design Practice is a series of free, drop-in workshops for high school students exploring techniques, strategies, and careers in design. No prior experience required—just bring yourself and a creative mindset. This month, join us for a jewelry design workshop with Vanessa Miller of BQMNY. Each participant will create their own wire wrapped ring with a selection of crystal beads, learning all about the principles of jewelry along the way.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Program Length: 2 hours. Please join us any time between 4:30-5:15 so you have enough time to enjoy the event!
Interactivity Level: High. Participants will design their own wire wrapped ring while taking part in snacks and music.
Intended Audience: High school students ages 13-18.
Design Practice is developed for teens only, no adults are permitted.
GUEST DESIGNER
Vanessa Miller is the Jamaican– born NYC local artisan behind BQMNY. She is a self-taught metalsmith that specializes in fine– and semi-fine jewelry. Each piece is designed and hand– crafted in the tiny corner of her LES studio apartment that she shares with her 30+ plant children.
Vanessa has created pieces with the intention to adorn and uplift marginalized communities; offered community engagement through creative wellness workshops; consulted on DEI with organizations interested in increasing their advocacy work; and uplifted the NYC community through her work as a clinician.
Vanessa hopes that BQMNY will continue to grow into a comprehensive jewelry line that offers heirloom pieces and apprenticeships to underserved communities.
Accessibility
Location: This program will take place in person in the Lecture Room at Cooper Hewitt (2 East 91st Street, New York, NY). The Lecture Room is on the ground floor of the museum and fully wheelchair accessible. Read more about accessibility at Cooper Hewitt.
What to Expect: This in-person program will be a hands-on design drop-in workshop and tour (stay for as little or as much time as you like). No previous design experience is required.
Accommodations: For general questions, or if we can provide additional accessibility services or accommodations to support your participation in this program, please email us at CHEducation@si.edu or let us know when registering. Please make your accommodation request as far in advance as possible—preferably at least one week before the program date when possible.
SPECIAL THANKS
Design learning at Cooper Hewitt is made possible by The Pinkerton Foundation, The Richard and Jean Coyne Family Foundation, The Hirsch Family Foundation, PwC Charitable Foundation, The Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, internal Smithsonian Institution funds from the Youth Access Grants for Youth Innovation in Rural America, and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
