ABOUT
BIO
Edna Madera, a first-generation American, is a studio jeweler based in Kansas City, Missouri. She earned her MFA from the School for American Crafts at the Rochester Institute of Technology and her BFA from the School of Fine Art at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, both specializing in Jewelry Design and Metalsmithing.
Edna's unwavering dedication to her craft is evident in her continuous studio practice, even while working as a bench jeweler and studio assistant. Her commitment to executing repairs, stone setting, and small batch production has not only honed her technical skills but also opened doors in the jewelry industry. As a product development manager and jewelry designer, she delved into the intricacies of global sourcing, product development, and supply chain, further fueling her passion for the art of jewelry making.
In 2014, Edna opened her namesake studio, where her mission is to meld design and technique in fine jewelry. She has been frequently invited to share her knowledge and expertise, and has taught at various non-profit national arts institutions, such as the Penland School of Craft in North Carolina, Pratt Fine Arts Center in Seattle, and the Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts in Tennessee.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
Like an accumulation of pencil marks illustrates a picture, a multitude of delicate 24-karat gold threads are applied over silver. Each wisp of pure gold is razor cut and torch fused, one by one, in Edna's Kansas City studio.
MATERIALS
At Edna Madera Studio, the commitment to sustainability is not just a buzzword, but a guiding principle. The studio's unique approach involves sourcing recycled gold and silver from American suppliers that refine and mill in-house. Diamonds are carefully selected from partners who champion conflict-free gems from safe origins. The finishes are chosen to enhance the natural beauty of high-karat gold and fine and sterling silvers. To maintain a healthy and agile production process, the studio uses natural cleansing solutions, avoiding any plating or coating except for a light buffing of wax on silver pieces.
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS
2024
- Presenter, Material Topics Symposium at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
- Presenter Exhibition - Material Topics Symposium, Wellington B. Gray Gallery at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
2022
- Workshop Instructor, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Gatlinburg, TN
- Instructor Exhibition, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Gatlinburg, TN
2021
- Gold Fusing Workshop, Penland School of Crafts, North Carolina
- American Craft Council - Baltimore Craft Week
2019
- Master Artist Workshop: Gold Fusing, Pratt Fine Arts Center, Seattle, WA
- Master Artist Lecture, Pratt Fine Arts Center, Seattle, WA
2018
- Higher Education Channel (HEC-TV) Meet the Artist -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPE9UheqQt4&feature=youtu.be
- American Craft Council "Baltimore Show Awards of Excellence" -
- "New Brooches: 400+ Designs in Contemporary Jewellery"- Nicolas Estrada; Promopress.
- "JAMS Jewelry and Metals Survey 2017" - Society for North American Goldsmiths.
- Saint Louis Art Fair, St Louis, MO
- Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Denver, CO
- American Craft Council Show, St Paul, MN
- American Craft Council Show, Atlanta, GA
- American Craft Council Show, Baltimore, MD
CONTACT