Unique Jewelry Made by Local Designer
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
MEMPHIS, Tennessee, August 16, 2006 – Visitors to the Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art, 119 South Main Street, can now purchase handmade, one-of-a kind jewelry pieces inspired by the Museum’s collection of Chinese art.
The jewelry is made by local graphic designer, Shannon Maltby.
"The jewelry I make is special because each piece represents something different," said Maltby. "The stones used in the pieces, like malachite and jade, match the stones found in the Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art’s exhibits."
Maltby comes from a long line of jewelry makers.
My grandfather used to come over all the time with stones and we would make them into jewelry, said Maltby. It became a hobby and it was the best time I could spend with my grandfather. Since I now sit in front of a computer screen all day, it is nice to work with my hands and create jewelry. It also brings back good memories of when I was a little girl.
Maltby attended the Rochester Institute of Technology, where she received a bachelor of fine arts in illustration. Her favorite piece she has created for the Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art gift store is a silver prayer box pendant with the Chinese symbol for eternity on top. A prayer box is a small box that holds a tiny piece of paper with a prayer written on it. Maltby’s pendant version is both fashionable and spiritual.
The Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art sells earrings for approximately $15, necklaces between $25 and $50 and bracelets between $20 and $40. These affordable prices enable tourists to purchase a beautiful souvenir or find an elegant gift for their loved one, or for fashionable Memphis women to add to their accessories.
"Anyone who visits the museum, whether they are tourists or Memphis shoppers, will love this jewelry," said Nancy Knight, Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art director. It has a unique tie to our Museum collection and is a great souvenir or gift.
"These pieces are great because you can bring a piece of the museum home with you," added Maltby. "Imagine walking around the Museum and seeing a stone you like on display and then imagine wearing it on a necklace, bracelet or even a pair of earrings. These pieces capture the spirit of the Museum."
The Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art receives quarterly shipments of new jewelry.
About Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art Founded in 1998, the Belz Museumof Asian& Judaic Art is home to a collection that spans the art of many cultures and time periods including: Chinese art primarily from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Jewish art and Judaica, a selection of natural history and various contemporary examples of art and craft from around the world. The museum has a diverse collection of objects on display. Sculptures carved from Chinese jades and other hard stones in the late Qing Dynasty, tomb figurines and statuary made during the Tang Dynasty in China, European art glass, Russian lacquer boxes and modern Jewish ritual objects represent the craft traditions of different cultures.
The Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art is located in the heart of downtown Memphis at 119 South Main Street, in the Pembroke Square Building. The museum is open from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from noon until 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For information on special group rates, guided tours, educational programs, teachers’ packets and special event room rental, contact the Museum at (901) 523-ARTS.
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