JOIN US IN CELEBRATING MIKE WEBB
You might know Mike from the Alara Gallery, where he "worked the floor" from 2018 through early 2022, when he started his jeweler apprenticeship at Alara.
The last step in his apprenticeship is to present a jewelry collection that is of his concept and design.
Our first jeweler apprentice is graduating...and you're invited to the party!
Join us in congratulating Mike Webb for this accomplishment, which is officially completed upon unveiling his new "Mountain Heir" collection in a runway format. All adults welcome. Bubbles & snicky-snacks--so we can toast Mike!
WHEN: FRIDAY, JANUARY 17 | 5p - 7p
WHERE: THE ALARA ATELIER | 424 E MAIN ST | PARKING BEHIND BUILDING
After the models individually weave their way through the Atelier, they will remain for the duration of the event, so come and go as you please!
Below is a gradual unveiling of Mike's new collection...starting with conceptual drawings followed with in-process shots. The collection itself will not be unveiled below until after the runway event.
MEET MIKE
Mike's been with Alara 2018...and little did he know that he eventually would become one of Alara's goldsmiths!
He'd already worked in elder care, butchery, and a multitude of other jobs...lucky for us he found something that captured his passion.
MIKE LOVES GEMS
Initially, gemstones and gemology seemed to call Mike to the jewelry industry. His love of colored gems pre-dated his start at Alara.
Babs fondly remembers "all the questions!" Mike would always ask. Ever probing, ever learning.
THE NEW APPROACH SCHOOL
As part of the Alara Jeweler Apprenticeship program, we shipped Mike off to Tennessee for comprehensive jeweler training. His friends from there are still with him--in Polaroids at his bench and via phone and text.
starting the apprenticeship
Mike came back from New Approach, raring to go! Here he is in early days, "doin' the bench jeweler thang."
harnessing fire
Torch control is one of the most difficult and important things a goldsmith can learn. In the two years of Mike's apprenticeship, he's really learned how to harness fire to make beautiful things.
upcycling precious metal
Knowing how to make a piece of jewelry from a solid piece of precious metal is at the core of metalsmithing. Mike's really enjoyed improving and perfecting his fabrication skills.
early project
Starting with solid gold, Mike hand fabricated this slide pendant and bezel-set a warm-colored diamond, producing a lovely push-and-pull between different geometric shapes.
starting the final apprenticeship project
This piece shows how the beautifully-veined natural turquoise can be enhanced through imitation of the veins themselves in handcrafted yellow gold.
MOUNTAIN HEIR PARTY!
Join us to celebrate the unveiling:
Atelier Alara (424 E. Main Street)
Jan 17 | 5p to 7p
