Spotlight show featuring the works of Calisse Browne April 22 through May 5
The Yaquina Art Gallery in Newport is pleased to present the artistic jewelry of Yaquina Art Association member Calisse Browne in the April 22 through May 5 show. The artist creates memorable pieces using metal, including silver and copper; enamel on copper, glass set in metal and stones varying from turquoise, agate, and picture jasper as well as clay. She also collects stones from the beach and looks forward to incorporating them in her jewelry.
“I love working metals, stones and jewels into something unique and beautiful”, said Browne. “It brings me joy to see someone wearing and enjoying a piece of jewelry I’ve created. I also enjoy reading about the metaphysical properties of stones. Now, instead of just carrying stones in my pocket, I can create ‘wearable art’ where the stones can be truly appreciated.”
Browne started metal smithing in 2015 by taking a Metal I class at the Denver School of Metal Arts. She then proceeded to take Metal II (which she did twice because she enjoyed it so much) and two Precious Metal Clay classes. When asked what inspires her, Browne said, “I believe life is an adventure that you embrace and find people and activities that feed your soul and look for opportunities to leave the world in a happier place.” Prior to metal smithing she did beading and wire wrapping.
A recent transplant to the Oregon Coast, Browne grew up on a farm in Indiana and lived in Colorado for over 20 years and also lived in South Africa for a year. Her love of traveling has taken her to China, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Russia, France, Great Brittan, Scotland, Malawi, and India.
Browne added, “I come from a ginormous family with seven siblings and over 90 nieces/nephews and great nieces/great nephews. I’m blessed with a wonderful husband, four children and two grandchildren.”
The historic, oceanfront gallery is located at the end of the Nye Beach Turnaround at 789 Beach Drive in Newport. Gallery hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Glass set in Sterling Silver
Turquoise stone set in Sterling Silver
