2011 Award for Gasparilla Festival of the Arts

Bamboo Foliage Necklace

 Awarded Individual Award of Merit

 All I can say is that it's always an honor to win an award 

at Gasparella. 

Thanks Gasparella and to all of the volunteers!

About the piece: Bamboo Collection

Mediums: Sterling Silver, 14K Solid Gold with 14 diamonds

$3,600.00

New Bamboo Star Ruby Ring

I fell in love with this stone several months ago and I immediately went searching 

for 4 small blue sapphires to add to the many jewel tone colors in this stone.

My metal choices were Sterling Silver & 14k Gold

New Facebook Page...lets get started!

I have been wanting to start this page for a while now because I want to hear from you,

 please visit my page and give me a shout!

 

-Dawn

Bamboo Necklace

Bamboo Foliage Necklace is now available.

Bamboo Collection

Bamboo Necklace

The latest addition to our Bamboo Collection, The Bamboo Foliage Necklace is available now! Featuring our proprietary Flex Wire design, this comfortable design will move with you, yet give you the customization and adjustability that will allow for subtle adjustments for different necklines and collar styles. This is done by incorporating a flexible joint in the center of the design as well as an adjustable toggle/chain in the back.  

Shown in 342 Bronze with Sterling Silver neck wire, this design is also available in all Sterling Silver, or most any custom configuration you can dream up! Gold leaves with 3pt diamonds interspersed between the leaves? Bronze with a green patina on leaves and highly polished neck wire? Send us your ideas, we'd love to hear about them!

$1,650.00 

Close Up

I'm in the final process of sculpting one of my favorite collections. My hands were cramping up a bit sculpting the bamboo joints on the neck wire. I'm debating about adding small bamboo leaves at each joint...

I haven't decided which parts will be gold and silver but it will definitely be two tone to give it more dimension with some editions having small diamonds dotted between the leaves.










At this point, this is a pretty big project that will take 4-6 weeks to complete...if you are interested in purchasing this piece once completed, please e-mail me at dawnvertrees@gmail.com

New Release:

New Release: "Scooter" and "Peanut"

 Sculpted and Ready to be Adopted

Scooter and Peanut will be featured at the Ft. Lauderdale Orchid Show, January 14th-16th, 2011

and January 15th at the Wyland Galleries (Boardwalk and Polynesian Gallery) at Disney.

I sat in my studio on Lake Norman and created these two little froggies and they will immediately make you smile.

"Scooter"

$235.00

Pendant ID: 

SS-TF-PEND (Sterling Silver)

BZ-TF-PEND (Solid Bronze and CrystalCoat Coated)

Year Released: January 2011

Edition Size: 2000

Size: 2.0" x 1.50" x 3/4"

"Peanut"

$289.00

Ring ID: 

SS-TF-RING (Sterling Silver)

BZ-TF-RIND (Solid Bronze Frog, Sterling Silver Ring) 

CrystalCoat Coated

Year Released: January 2011

Edition Size: 2500

Size: 1 3/8" x 1" x 1/2"

Wyland Galleries

  Wyland Galleries 

announces newest artist Dawn Vertrees 

 

We are extremely proud to announce the placement of select works in two Wyland Galleries at the Polynesian Resort and the Boardwalk Resort at Disney in Orlando. 

 
As you might imagine, our Bamboo Collection and Orchid Collection have found a great fit surrounded by bronze sculpture and paintings of nature by renown artist Wyland as well as others. We hope to introduce our Ocean Reef Collection and Kudzu Collection over the coming months. 

The Wyland Galleries are some of the finest on the Disney properties, and feature only the highest quality art in the most beautiful atmosphere imaginable. 

If you have the opportunity, I would highly recommend a visit to either or both of these fine galleries the next time you're in Orlando!

Phalaenopsis Orchid Necklace

This is my Signature piece that I'm known for and being able to recreate this piece again has been so worth the time spent sculpting it.

  

Please e-mail me for additional information including current pricing.

This piece can be customized.

Starfish and Pearl Ring

 

Ocean Reef Collection - My Starfish Pearl Ring!

My rings are hand carved in wax and then cast using the lost-wax method. This ring is a highly detailed work of art with a design that flows all the way around the base of the ring.

Solid 14k yellow gold starfish wraps it's arms around this fabulous 13mm Black Tahitian Pearl. (blue, violet & green hues...beautiful)

This ring also features hand sculpted branch coral and plate coral accents.

Metals: 14K Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver 92.5 
Note: This ring can be customized.

Ocean Reef Collection

Hand Sculpted Fan Coral and Branch Coral Pendant

This pendant can be customized using a combination of Sterling Silver, 14k Gold or Bronze,
please e-mail me for more information. Our Signature Starfish is also available.

"more information"

Very nice article about CraftArt 2010

Saturday & Sunday, November 20-21 : 10am-5pm

Hope to see you there!

Starfish Post Earrings

Bronze Starfish Earrings

Silver Starfish Earrings

These little guys are just too cute but they are part of a whole new charm necklace & bracelet set coming soon.

(more info)

"Seven"

New Kudzu Pieces added today!

Stack-able Rings

Medium Kudzu Cuff

It has been a busy couple of months but we have finally added 7 out of the 10 pieces finished, polished, sealed and photographed. 

Hoop Earrings

 I have a lot to say about this new line but I have more to do tonight plus an Orchid Show in Ft. Pierce Sat. & Sun. where I'll be introducing the new line in Florida but I hope you like my new Kudzu Collection!

New Blog!

I would like to introduce my blog,

"Kudzu"

...it's everything you ever wanted to know about that darn stuff and more.

As you know we travel to some pretty amazing places and I would just like to share some of my cool findings. 

I hope you enjoy...

Got Kudzu?

Meridian Star

July 16, 2010

Got Kudzu?

Anne McKee
The Meridian Star

Got Kudzu?

MERIDIAN — We live in the Deep South – more specifically, we live in God’s Country. That’s right – East Central Mississippi, and, of course, we have KUDZU!  I must confess – when I began this column, I thought it would be a fun little take-off about the green stuff, the kudzu, you know, but as I researched, I could quickly see there is more depth (no pun intended) to the (Pueraria lobata) -- sometimes called ge’gen (Chinese.) Yes, the green leafy plant that is categorized in the pea family is a climbing, coiling, and trailing vine native to southern Japan and southeast China.

    I know -- how did it make its home so nicely in Mississippi? History reported at the time of the U.S. centennial  that was celebrated in 1876, there was an open invitation extended to foreign countries to build exhibits that featured unusual plants.  It was the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. Uh-huh, and Japan featured kudzu.  Now it must have been a real novelty to see the elaborate Japanese gardens on display.   Oh, how the lovely dark green leaves swooped and swirled – in and out, up and down, around and around.  It was so charming – made the Americans want to plant their own lovely kudzu enhanced gardens, and that’s how it all started.

    By 1905, Americans, as enterprising as ever, sought new uses for the fast growing perennial vine. It was quickly learned the plant could be used to prevent erosion, and  as forage for cows, pigs, and goats. Some one thought of planting the stuff along highways. It was the 1930s when the Soil Conservation Service paid hundreds of men to plant kudzu, and in the 1940s, farmers were paid up to $8 an acre as well to plant the green stuff. It didn’t take too long for the U.S. to stop their promotion of the out of control vine. By 1972, kudzu was declared a weed by the USDA.  However, the plant sometimes known as “the-foot-a-night-vine” and “the vine that ate the south” was out of control. Unfortunately, Mississippi as well as the entire southeast had near-perfect conditions for the prolific growth of the vine   – hot, humid summers, frequent rainfall, temperate winters with few hard freezes and no natural predators.  Today, it is estimated, kudzu covers 7 million acres of land in the southeast. It’s hard to believe,  but some estimate the plant is spreading at a rate of 120,000 acres a year.  In Mississippi, it covers almost 250,000 acres (some estimates are higher), and kudzu causes millions of dollars of damage each year for the Magnolia State – especially in the forestry industry.

     What to do? Years have been spent developing a cost-effective remedy for managing kudzu.  One complication is the fact of the deep root growth – as deep as 4 meters. Herbicides work but must be repeated over and over for upwards to 4 to 10 years in order to be effective.  Aerial spraying has found to be the  most effective, but the most expensive as well.  Also used to eradicate the weed are prescribed burnings and the use of landscape equipment such as skid loaders.

     Could goats be the answer? In recent years,  Mississippians have seen  growth in the goat industry – yields of meat, milk and wool products.  Yes, we know goats will eat anything green – kudzu has proven to be a high-quality, high-protein food similar to alfalfa. So, kudzu-plus-goats have brought a growing market for this non-traditional meat, but we can’t rely on the goats to eradicate kudzu from our land.

    Other ideas – basket making material, kudzu paper can be produced, soaps, lotions, compost, kudzu hay, clothing or wallpaper, food products such as salad, jelly, syrup, tea, fried kudzu, ground kudzu root, kudzu boiled like turnip greens, baked as a quiche, and so many other recipes that sound yummy, sort of.  It has even been suggested that kudzu may become a valuable asset for the production of cellulosic ethanol.  WOW!

    Perhaps the most interesting kudzu fact --  for 2000 years China has used kudzu as medicine. A few areas -- remedy for alcoholism and hangovers, treatment for dysentery, allergies, migraine headaches, diarrhea, fevers, colds, intestinal problems, and other ailments.  The first Chinese medical kudzu documentation is dated 100 AD. Today the main focus for kudzu medical research worldwide is for the treatment of alcoholism. Scientists have successfully concluded through experiments with hamsters and rats that a compound in kudzu shows a repression of alcohol consumption.

   Kudzu has continued its slithery pathway into countries around the world. It has been discovered in Canada near Lake Erie as recently as July 2009. During WWII, kudzu was planted by the U.S. armed forces at Vanuatu and Fiji to camouflage their equipment – it is now out of control there as well.  The creeping plant has found to be a problem in northeastern Australia and Northern Italy.

Every situation or fact of life should have a chuckle – a little humor.  James Dickey says in his poem “Kudzu”

That you must close your windows

At night to keep it out of the house.

    And who has not enjoyed the daily comic strip created by Doug Marlette entitled Kudzu? It was known as a funny take-off about rural Southerners – hey, that’s us!  At its peak, Kudzu was syndicated in three hundred newspapers.  CBS aired a pilot for a  Kudzu sitcom on August 13, 1983. A musical based on the comic strip was staged in Washington D. C. in 1998. Mr. Marlette was killed in an auto accident on July 10, 2007, and America lost a popular comic strip.

    Well, there you have it – a short version of the “Kudzu Story.” There  is so much more to know about the little “miracle vine” that has been given the name “Kudzula” in at least one theatrical production – maybe a later column will reveal some exciting “Kudzu Breaking News!”  Perhaps this is just a “Kudzu Dream,” but if the green stuff develops a proven food, fuel, or medicinal usage, could Mississippi one day be known as the “Kudzu Capital of the World?”

    Anne B. McKee is an author and storyteller. She lives in Meridian.  Anne is listed on the Mississippi Artist Roster, sponsored by Mississippi Arts Commission, as a dramatic and literary artist and as a Teaching Artist.  She is active with the arts and educational communities throughout Mississippi.  Visit her web site: www.annemckee.net

I've just started on this piece but it is turning out to be just too cool!

This was my brain thoughts when my husband told me that we really needed to add a man's line to our collections.
First: sculpted wood-like cuff with a fishing hook stuck in it....had to cut fishing line. Second: Hook and a lure stuck in wood cuff. Third: Kill the wood...hook, anchor cuff design. Fourth: Vintage anchor, no hook. Fifth: Really cool vintage anchor, found the KILLICK!
That's it...high five!!!!

Some of you may know what a Killick is but for those who don't...it's a small anchor, especially one made with a stone in a wooden frame.

There are many versions of a killick but this one was pretty awesome and a no-brainier for a piece of jewelry. It will have a stone, we are working on that one.

Hugh Whisnant, my Dad's painting...

My father's painting...

...looking through some of my old snap shots, I ran across this picture I took of my fathers

painting in his studio. It has the spot lights reflecting off the glass but I think you can

see his talent. He painted in Opaque water-color, generally known as gouache and we still have all of his prints available if anyone is interested. Each one of his painting took approximately 1 years to print.

It's a pretty awesome painting.

Calla Lily Pendant

Calla Lily Pendant

This Calla Lily Pendant features a highly detailed calla lily leaf next to the flowing polished 

Calla Lily Flower with a solid 14K yellow gold spadix. (center stem)

Materials: 14K Solid Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver 92.5
Length: 3.25"
Width: 1.35"Chain sold Separately
Made in US

Bamboo Curved Earrings

Bamboo Collection:  
Curved Bamboo Post Earrings 

Bold yet elegant 14k solid gold bamboo leaves artfully adorn these beautiful sterling silver bamboo stems.

Total Length:  2"
Materials: 14K yellow gold & 92.5 Sterling Silver

Price: $449.00

Made in the USA by "ME"

...to purchase, click here.

This is my daddy, Hugh Whisnant

He has become my new found inspiration even though he is no longer with us.

He died about 8 years ago, and although he never really taught me how to paint or draw, I think you can see that a little bit of him rubbed off on me.
It would be nice to show him what I am doing now, I think he would be proud.

New! An impressive 62ct London Blue Topaz to adorn my Ocean Reef Cuff.

$3,400


For additional information, Click Here

Large Round Bamboo Ring

Can I say that I just LOVE this ring! When sculpting the ring in wax, I would slip it on just to make sure it would be comfortable, not too big, etc...and once we cast the final piece, WOW...it was perfect, I wouldn't change a thing on this ring.

Description: Rows of bamboo with my signature bamboo leaves laying on top.

Description: Rows of bamboo with my signature bamboo leaves laying on top.

Materials: Sterling Silver & 14K Solid Yellow Gold Leaves
Oval Top: 7/8" x 1 3/16"
Available Sizes: 5-9
Cost: $369.00

Ghostly Habitat Bronze Sculpture

Ghostly Habitat

Bronze sculpture

Limited Edition - 12
Available - Number 3 of 12
Cost: $2,000
Total height: 11"
Materials: Tree Base (Bronze, Patina & Sealer)
Ghost Orchids & Roots (Brass & Sealer)

American Orchid Society's writeup...

Always wanted to own the elusive ghost orchid? Are you a collector of beautiful things? This fabulous sculpture, donated by artist Dawn Vertrees, is stunning! The tree is bronze, roots and flowers are brass. The sculpture—along with many more items--will be auctioned off on Saturday, May 1 at the conclusion of the AOS Spring Meeting. The auction is on Saturday, May 1 with preview starting at 5:30 PM and the AOS auction from 6:30 p.m. TO 8:30 p.m. Join us at the Clarion Meridian Hotel & Convention Center. You do not have to register to attend – the public is welcome.

This is just a part of the Orchid Conference hosted by the Oklahoma Orchid Society which includes a Keynote Address by Joyce Stewart. If you haven’t been to an AOS meeting, come join the fun! For schedule details go to the AOS web site www.aos.org and events and members meetings.

Kudzu Jewelry Collection

"Jewelry with Southern Charm"



Introducing my first Bronze & Sterling Silver Collection.

As you can see, more designs are coming soon.

...but lately I feel more like a sculptor than a jeweler, which I'm liking a whole lot more.

Ocean Reef Collection...

...sculpting new designs featuring
the ocean's reefs.

My new line of pendants go from simply
elegant to fabulous and I hope you agree.

Click here for more information.

Dawn VertreesJewelry Designer

Upcoming Exhibitions & Art Shows

2nd Annual Hilton Head Island Art Festival at Shelter Cove Harbor

May 29-30, 2010

Hilton Head, SC

20th Anniversary Art in the Village

June 5-6, 2010

Cleveland, OH

Downtown Louisville Art Festival at Fourth Street Live!
June 12-13, 2010
Louisville, KY

2010 Boardwalk Art Show Festival
June 17-20, 2010

Virginia Beach, VA

49th Annual Downtown Grand Haven Art Festival

June 26-27, 2010
Grand Haven, MI

East Hampton Fine Arts Festival

July 3-5, 2010

Amagansett, NY

American Orchid Society Project

Don and I have been very fortunate over the past few years to have cultivated a wonderful relationship with the American Orchid Society. One outgrowth of this relationship has been a new line of Sterling Silver charms called the "AOS Winner's Circle". These charms were sculpted using AOS award winning flowers as the models. With the purchase of any of these charms comes a small card which has a picture of the award winning flower as well as a brief history of the awards it's won and it's origins. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of these charms will be donated back to the American Orchid Society. The charm bracelet pictured is also part of the "AOS Winners Circle" line. It features 12 gauge jump ring construction, lending itself to easy attachment and rearrangement of charms as well as a very strong framework to hold these beautiful miniature works of art. Also features a large Infinity clasp making it easy to put on and secure to wear anywhere. Click Here for Additional Information

New Product Announcement:

Fan Coral Bracelet with
Australian Boulder Opal

From my first glimpse of this Boulder Opal stone, I knew I wanted to make something spectacular with it! It has such depth and color, it takes me back to the Bahamas, snorkeling over a sandy bottom with outcroppings of rock and coral.

This Fan Coral Bracelet design was formed from overlapping fan coral shapes in Sterling Silver and 14K Gold. If you squint your eyes, you'll see the movement of the fan coral in the ocean current. The resulting effect adds dimension and movement to the piece, and creates a magnificent frame to display the Boulder Opal.

This new piece was first shown at The Gasparilla Arts Festival in St Petersburg, Florida. It was selected for judging, and ultimately received an Award of Merit! What an honor!

Click here for additional information.

New Product Announcement:
Mini Ghost Orchid Earrings

Since the introduction of our full size Ghost Orchid Pendant, many of you have requested a smaller version either for earrings or for a more petite pendant. Well...it took a while, but they're ready now!

As you can see in the attached picture, the new design has a new "personality" with it's "legs" taking a much more natural twist. I hope you like the look, it makes me smile every time I look at it!

These new Mini Ghost Orchids are available in three earring configurations...stud, lever back, and french wire. Also available are pendant and lapel pin.
Click here for details.