26
Sep
Halstead Grant - Emily Shaffer
Emily Shaffer has won the 2018 Halstead Grant for new jewelry businesses. Emily Shaffer Studio started three years ago in Franklin, Maine, and will be moving to a new location in Ellsworth, Maine, in October. Emily receives a $7,500 cash grant, $1,000 in jewelry supplies, a trip to Prescott, Arizona, the cover and a feature spread in the grant publication, Reveal, a feature profile, a jewelry showcase in the 2019 Halstead catalog, press assistance, a detailed feedback report from the judging committee, and a signature trophy.
Grant founder and Halstead president Hilary Halstead Scott says, "She has a gift for getting all the pieces of business to work together. We were impressed with Emily's sophisticated mix of marketing and strategy."
Emily received her BFA in crafts - fine metal jewelry and BS in art education from Kutztown University, where she was selected as a student exhibitor in the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Craft Show. She also received the J. Allen Pawling Craft Memorial Award, was named an American Craft Week 30 Under 30 Rising Star, and was a Top 5 finalist for the 2017 Halstead Grant last year.
Guest judge Michael David Sturlin says, "This year's winner, Emily Shaffer, has a very compelling and marketable body of work supported by a well thought-out business strategy and a realistic approach that is sure to propel her forward. I am excited to see her make the next big steps in her continuing success story."
Emily's jewelry features clean, modern, and minimal designs made from sterling silver and Argentium silver with a matte finish. Most of her Stacked, Line, and Layered Collections range in price from less than $100 to $400. Her jewelry is available for sale online at www.emilyshafferstudio.com or at retail locations in Maine, Massachusetts, and elsewhere.
The Halstead Grant competition recognizes other strong entries in two divisions. (Results within each group are in no particular order.) The Top 5 finalists are Stacy Rodgers Jewelry, Emma Elizabeth Jewelry, Lemak, Inc., and VLM Jewelry. The Top 10 finalists are Sarah Zentz Jewelry, TIN HAUS, Elana Jovero Jewelry, Lou Jewels, and Alexandra Scarlett Jewelry. Top 5 finalists receive $500 and Top 10 finalists receive $250.