The American Jewelry Design Council (AJDC), a 36-year-old nonprofit, is embarking on a new chapter by prioritizing education and mentorship for upcoming designers over its traditional role of promoting jewelry as art.
“We’re bench jewelers who’ve honed our craft and found our voices. It’s time to give back to the industry and pass on what we’ve learned,” says AJDC president Tim McClelland. “This is the future direction of the AJDC: paying it forward.”
Nurturing Talent Through Retreats
One of the ways AJDC is fostering growth is through retreats where members offer workshops, portfolio reviews, and presentations. At a recent retreat in Savannah, Georgia, students from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) engaged directly with AJDC members, exchanging ideas and gaining insights into the industry.
Charter member Michael Good, known for his expertise in anticlastic raising techniques, conducted a hands-on workshop, sharing both his technical skills and the rich history of jewelry-making.
Workshops also covered enameling (led by David Freda), granulation (Kent Raible), and advanced saw-piercing (Tom Herman). The retreat featured a panel discussion with members like Chris Davies, George Sawyer, and Barbara Heinrich, while students showcased their work alongside these industry veterans.
Expanding Outreach
The four-day retreat included networking sessions for AJDC members to discuss industry trends, share work, and plan future initiatives. This year's gathering also introduced the council’s new administrative coordinator, Tomeka Kimble.
Previous retreats have been held in cities like Cleveland, with future plans to expand internationally, starting with Toronto. By moving these gatherings to different locations, AJDC connects with a broader range of jewelry students.
Inspiring Tenacity and Passion
McClelland emphasizes the importance of perseverance. “Our members have faced numerous challenges throughout their careers but remain passionate about what they do. That’s the core message we share with students: resilience and love for the craft.”
The AJDC’s efforts are leaving an indelible mark on students and members alike, bringing renewed excitement to the next generation of jewelry designers.