A Collector's Eye: Collecting Fine Craft Jewelry with Mignon Durham
"Many of the pieces are functional, but most of all, they elevate our living experience and celebrate our cultures." - Mignon Durham, Collector of Fine Crafts, Former Board Chair at Penland School of Craft
We invite you to join us in Asheville, North Carolina, as we step inside the home of Mignon Durham. A former Board Chair at the Penland School of Craft, Mignon has spent decades supporting craft and craft artists, cultivating a deep relationship with "the wearable" - a hand-crafted piece of jewelry that transcends mere adornment to become personal, portable sculpture.
Mignon’s journey in collecting began with these exquisitely crafted pieces, each one a testament to the artist’s hand. As she reflects on her collection, it becomes clear that these are not just acquisitions; they are meaningful connections. Throughout our visit, she speaks warmly of the artists behind the works, sharing the stories that shaped her carefully curated world. In particular, she reflects on one of the earliest pieces from her collection, a cherished earring and necklace set by artist Joyce J. Scott, which remains a vibrant reminder of their enduring friendship. Mignon discusses a bangle bracelet by Marvin Jensen, pausing to admire his mastery and refinement of the mokume gane technique - a meticulous process of layering metals to create organic, wood-like patterns. She also points to a ring by the innovative jeweler and metalsmith, Bob Ebendorf, who famously found beauty in the discarded, pairing beach glass and pearls with gold and silver.
Ultimately, Mignon’s collection serves as a map of an extraordinary life. From Africa and London to Chicago and Atlanta, each piece acts as a lasting reminder of the places she has been, the artists she has championed, and the moments she will always remember. We invite you to explore this collection and other significant works in our Contemporary & Fine Craft Jewelry Auction, which opens for live-online bidding on Wednesday, January 28 at 10:00 am. Pre-bidding is available now.
Mignon’s journey in collecting began with these exquisitely crafted pieces, each one a testament to the artist’s hand. As she reflects on her collection, it becomes clear that these are not just acquisitions; they are meaningful connections. Throughout our visit, she speaks warmly of the artists behind the works, sharing the stories that shaped her carefully curated world. In particular, she reflects on one of the earliest pieces from her collection, a cherished earring and necklace set by artist Joyce J. Scott, which remains a vibrant reminder of their enduring friendship. Mignon discusses a bangle bracelet by Marvin Jensen, pausing to admire his mastery and refinement of the mokume gane technique - a meticulous process of layering metals to create organic, wood-like patterns. She also points to a ring by the innovative jeweler and metalsmith, Bob Ebendorf, who famously found beauty in the discarded, pairing beach glass and pearls with gold and silver.
Ultimately, Mignon’s collection serves as a map of an extraordinary life. From Africa and London to Chicago and Atlanta, each piece acts as a lasting reminder of the places she has been, the artists she has championed, and the moments she will always remember. We invite you to explore this collection and other significant works in our Contemporary & Fine Craft Jewelry Auction, which opens for live-online bidding on Wednesday, January 28 at 10:00 am. Pre-bidding is available now.
Contemporary & Fine Craft Jewelry Auction
January 28 at 10:00 am ET
January 28 at 10:00 am ET
