It’s by Nature will feature jewelry designers Katie Brooks, formerly of Cullowhee and her studio partner Annie Garcia of Blue Arbor Designs, Asheville during Sylva After Dark, Friday August 5th from 6-9 PM.  Both are 2010 graduates of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with Bachelor degrees from the School of Art and Design.

Both became ‘artists’ at a young age, inspired by nature and their surroundings. They became friends while sharing a work bench in college and decided to team up and return to the mountains Katie grew up in to start their business.
Katie Brooks shares, “In my sketchbook and in the studio, I do try not to replicate what I find in nature, but design from different aspects that resonate with me in nature. For instance, in one of my bracelets, I used spacer rivets and capstones to capture the fast movements of water around the smooth stones in a  river. Most of my work is contemporary jewelry and our newest line uses a combination of wood; inspired by my father who was a carpenter, sterling silver and leaf designs in a variety of forms.”
Annie adds, ‘ I have aways been drawn to the visual aspects of life and derive much of my inspiration from nature, the materials I use and the relationships in my life. I like finding a stone or object that I think is beautiful and then planning a piece around it. I am inspired by the atmosphere I am surrounded by and love the process of making a piece that reflects that. “
Gallery owner, Sandi Cooper invites you to join her in welcoming Katie back to the area this Friday evening at a wine and cheese reception for the artists as they present their jewelry designs to Sylva.
Acoustic guitarist, Robin Whitley will perform.
678 West Main Street, Sylva.  828-631-3020