An International Showcase of Contemporary Jewelry
New York, NY (May 7, 2026) — The Museum of Arts and Design hosted its annual MAD About Jewelry exhibition and sale from May 5 through May 9, bringing together contemporary jewelry artists from around the world for one of the museum’s signature events. This year’s edition featured 45 artists representing 25 countries, each presenting one-of-a-kind wearable works crafted from unconventional materials including porcelain, paper, recycled metals, textiles, glass, and reclaimed objects.
The exhibition highlighted the growing global influence of contemporary jewelry while emphasizing craftsmanship, artistic expression, and innovation in wearable art.
“This is truly an international event,” said MAD Director Tim Rodgers. “If you have been keeping up with current events, you’ll know that it wasn’t easy to get so many artists from around the world here for you to see their beautiful jewelry. If ever there was a time to support artists, this is it.”
Opening Benefit Celebrates Creativity and Connection
The opening of MAD About Jewelry was marked by a special benefit event on May 5, followed by a luncheon hosted by Chair Emerita Barbara Tober on May 7.
During the opening celebration, Board Chair Michele Cohen spoke about the importance of artistic collaboration and cultural exchange through creative work.
“We are celebrating artistry from all over the world. Artists are the ones whose ideas and craftsmanship transcend boundaries at times when the world needs to be reminded of connection over division,” Cohen said. “Here we celebrate freedom of expression, diversity of all kinds, and the ability to learn from each other and to purchase meaningful, handmade works of art created from materials not usually associated with jewelry.”
The evening also featured the presentation of this year’s acquisition awards by Chief Curator Elissa Auther. Artists Won Cho and Yuan Yuan were recognized for works that will now enter the museum’s permanent collection.
“At MAD, we are deeply committed to advancing jewelry as a vital contemporary art form,” said Auther. “One of the most meaningful ways we do this is through our permanent collection, which reflects the innovation, craftsmanship, and conceptual rigor shaping the field today.”
A Luncheon Spotlighting Artistic Inspiration
The May 7 luncheon hosted by Tober attracted a full audience for a conversation centered on creativity, craftsmanship, and artistic inspiration. The discussion featured writer Lynn Yaeger and jeweler Judy Geib alongside participating artists Raluca Buzura and Sabrina Formica. Senior Curator Barbara Paris Gifford introduced the speakers.
“We thought it would be fun for each of the jewelers to show two pieces, one they considered a triumph and another that was a challenge,” said Yaeger. “You can’t really define inspiration, but when you see something and it gives you that crazy thrill, you know it.”
Guests attending the luncheon included Gigi Benson, Harry Benson, Cece Black, Jana Bullock, Ron Chereskin, Joan Hardy Clark, Michele Gerber Klein, Susan Gutfreund, Joan Horning, Margo Langenberg, Laura Lobdell, Gilian Miniter, Michael Musto, Tinu Naija, Katie Ridder, Ben Rodriguez-Cubenas, Marc Rosen, Bianca Pratt Simon, Sally Singer, Shining Sung, and Barbara Waldman.
About the Museum of Arts and Design
The Museum of Arts and Design explores the intersection of craft, art, and design through exhibitions, programs, and events that highlight contemporary creative practices across disciplines. MAD About Jewelry serves as the museum’s annual exhibition and sale dedicated to contemporary jewelry, presenting international artists working across a broad range of materials and techniques.
For more information, visit the Museum of Arts and Design official website
