Donna Armstrong was a bookkeeper already planning her second (post-retirement) act, but her epiphany came when her Brazilian exchange student gave her an amethyst. A follow-up trip to Oro Preto, a Brazilian village in the heart of the gem trade, put Donna on her new path. Studying at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) she earned diplomas as a Color Stones Graduate, Diamonds Graduate, and a Graduate Gemologist; she also belongs to numerous metal guilds—and her work in reticulated silver is second to none. Her pieces are clean, simple, and eternally elegant, inspired by her pristine Idaho surroundings and showcasing some of the world’s most beautiful stones. Come to Third Thursday and hear Donna explain the intricacies of fusing metal, along with some secrets of the gem world…

As a high school student, Carolanne Stalteri fell in love with a ring she couldn’t possibly afford—so she taught herself how to make it. And with that, this classically trained pianist had found her passion—creating mixed metal, stunningly intricate jewelry. Carolanne’s work routinely encompasses multiple metals, three types of gold, and up to nine stones, not to mention Japanese techniques like Mokume Gane and Shibuichi. Each piece is a work of finely crafted art with striking individuality, making it a mention a showstopper to wear. Come to our first Third Thursday of the spring season, meet Carolanne, and take a closer look.

Born in Sedona, now boasting studios in Prescott and Cave Creek, Sarah Foster studied drama, music, and costume design, but has been making mixed metal jewelry for over two decades. She works in silver, gold, copper, and a variety of bronzes, blending in countless stones and textures, and creating airy, versatile, infinitely wearable pieces that have become her signature style. Come join us on Third Thursday Art Night, meet the artist, and see her latest work!