When times are tough, art often suffers. I am sad to report that two wonderful Omaha galleries have closed due to the recent economic downturn. As a result, my jewelry now has two fewer retail locations. Marelli’s in Rockbrook Village and Adam Whitney Gallery in Countryside Village are no more. I thank the owners and employees of both galleries for their support of my work.

A new collection of Kathryn Velasco Custom Jewelry pieces is now on display at Marelli’s Glass Artistry and Gifts in Rockbrook Village in Omaha. The collection features some beautiful natural stones in a range of earth tones—reds, browns, greens and golds—plus some black onyx and quartz crystal pieces, some natural turquoise, and a few other surprises. I’ve been working more sterling silver into my natural stone pieces for what I think is a very nice effect, and as usual, I’m still leaning toward the bigger and bolder look. Lots of fun.

Want to know what’s making me so busy these days? One of the biggest and best reasons I’m running myself ragged is a recent partnership with Omaha’s Dundee Gallery, located at 50th & Underwood Avenue. This beautiful gallery, which features lots of great local and regional artists, has recently added Kathryn Velasco Custom Jewelry to their roster. There are now quite a few KVCJ pieces available at the Dundee Gallery, the result of which is an alarming depletion of my on-hand stock! But all is well, because I’m busily making lots of new, pretty things for my upcoming shows, and Jean Imray, the Dundee’s owner, is doing a smashing job of introducing her customers to my work and selling my pieces right out her door. So our relationship is off to a roaring start, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have met Jean. My work and her gallery seem to be a great fit, and I’m so excited for the future. Many thanks to Jean for her enthusiastic welcome. If you’re in the Dundee neighborhood, pop on in and take a look!

Oh, there has just been so much going on lately at Kathryn Velasco Custom Jewelry. I’ve been meeting with stores and galleries, making new and interesting pieces, preparing for a hectic holiday show schedule, and trying to squeeze in a tiny personal life on the side! There are some exciting things coming up, like a partnership with another gallery set to kick off with a couple of events there in November, and then a trunk show of my work at my favorite local salon & spa in December. I couldn’t be happier with the way my work is being received around town. Now I just have to make sure there’s enough of my work to go around! So I’ve been busy in my studio, trying to create all sorts of brand new and original things (since I’m not too big on repeating myself). Unfortunately, being creative on command doesn’t always work so well, so I’m also trying to locate a more cooperative muse. But all things considered, busy is good, and I’m proud and a little bit awed that so many people seem to be recognizing my work all at once. Thanks to everyone who’s been so supportive. Future posts will include info on the individual shows and galleries that are figuring prominently in my life at the moment, so that you can check out my work in person if you’d like to!

I am delighted to announce that select pieces of Kathryn Velasco Custom Jewelry will now be available at the Adam Whitney Gallery in my hometown. The Adam Whitney is a cutting-edge art gallery in the heart of the city. From their website: “…Located in Omaha, Nebraska, the Adam Whitney Gallery is home to an outstanding collection of fine art, sculpture, ceramics, glass and designer jewelry from regionally, nationally and internationally acclaimed artists.” You can visit their website at adamwhitney.com, which they promise will be fully updated by the end of the summer; in the meantime, please visit them in person at Countryside Village, 87th &Pacific Streets, for your shopping pleasure. I am thrilled and honored to be included among the talented artists represented at the Adam Whitney. Many thanks to Stacia and Deb!

Sardonyx Links Bracelet

There’s a nice mention of my jewelry on the Ooma blog. (This is the San Francisco store that’s just started to carry some of my pieces.) They have good taste, don’t they?

I’m delighted to announce that select pieces of my jewelry will now be available at the darling San Francisco boutique Ooma, located in the North Beach neighborhood at 1422 Grant Ave (between Green & Union). For more info on the store, click here. If you’re in the Bay Area, head on over and find yourself or your sweetie a cute outfit and the perfect accessories from Kathryn Velasco Custom Jewelry. Not near San Francisco? Click here to shop online.

(Yay! I have a retail outlet!)

I’ve started contacting a few select brick-and-mortar stores, trying to generate interest with retailers to see if these stores would like to carry my jewelry. I’m approaching fashionable little boutiques with creative flair and fun atmospheres, because this is where I believe my one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted jewelry fits best. This is a bit of a scary prospect for me–putting myself out there like this–so I’ve been a little timid about it so far, but it’s also very exciting. I’ll update the blog when anything definite comes of it. So far, I’ve had a nibble from a wonderful boutique in San Francisco, which I’m so thrilled about. I can’t wait to make an announcement when and if that becomes official. In the meantime, I’m working on building my show schedule and continuing to sell through my online shop.