The deadline is Nov. 15.
(Press Release) SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The Art Jewelry Forum announces the 2018 Artist Award is now accepting applications. The application period will close on Nov. 15, 2017, at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time Zone.
The AJF Artist Award is offered through AJF’s award and grant program and celebrates innovation in jewelry by a young artist. Through the AJF Artist Award, AJF acknowledges promise, innovation and individuality in hope the careers of rising artists that will direct the future development of art jewelry. Ambitious contemporary jewelry artists age 35 and under are invited to apply for this international prize in contemporary art jewelry, which includes US$7,500 for the winner, as well as an exhibition during Schmuck in March 2018 for the winner and four finalists.
This year winner will be selected by a panel of distinguished professionals in the field including Swedish collector Inger Wästberg, Australian curator Su san Cohn, and American artist and 2016 AJF Artist Award winner Lynn Batchelder.
Complete guidelines and application information can be found here.
Family Legacy, New Chapter: How Wilkerson Turns 89 Years of History Into Future Success
After 89 years of serving the Albany community, Harold Finkle Your Jeweler faced a pivotal decision. For third-generation owner Justin Finkle, the demanding hours of running a small business were taking precious time away from his young family. "After 23 years, I decided this was the time for me," Finkle explains. But closing a business with nearly nine decades of inventory and customer relationships isn't something easily managed alone.
Wilkerson's comprehensive approach transformed this challenging transition into a remarkable success story. Their strategic planning handled everything from advertising and social media to inventory management and staffing — elements that would overwhelm most jewelers attempting to navigate a closing sale independently.
The results speak volumes. "Wilkerson gave us three different tiers of potential goals," Finkle notes. "We've reached that third tier, that highest goal already, and we still have two weeks left of the sale." The partnership didn't just meet financial objectives—it exceeded them ahead of schedule.
