Valerie Mitchell

Valerie Mitchell is a jewelry artist whose work is influenced by that of organic forms, natural objects, and natural forces. Mitchell attended the Rhode Island School of Design where she received her M.F.A. with an emphasis in lightweight metals and jewelry.

Mitchell’s early work was inspired by archaeological objects, similar to that of prehistoric tools and other primordial man-made items. Further into her career, she began to study more organic forms, learning from books she’s read, and incorporated theories she had into her work. She eventually ventured away from industrial approaches and created organic shaped works. 

Mitchell’s work consists of an array of jewelry; ranging from earrings and necklaces to rings and bracelets; headpieces, wall sculptures, and other various forms. She has crafted using a series of light weight metals, including pewter, gold, brass, copper, and silver and has turned them into various sized pieces, running from small to large. 

Mitchell has earned several awards including the Best Jeweler Award by the Smithsonian Craft2Wear (2014), 1st place recipient of Ornament Magazine (1984), and the American Craft Council’s Award of Excellence (1999). Her work can be seen in the collections of the Oakland Museum of Fine Arts, the Racine Art Museum, and the CRA-LA Public Commission: 54 Arts District Medallions.