November 1, 2013

Chicago—The Millennium Fine Art Gallery at 8 S. Michigan Ave. will host Sherie Presta at the gallery’s new exhibition reception on Friday, November 15.

Presta will display her new line of earrings, necklaces and bracelets made with sterling silver, crystal and her one-of-a-kind hand-made and painted ceramic beads in Suite 2103 of the Willoughby Tower during the gallery’s reception from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“Ms. Presta’s exquisitely made jewelry is classic, fresh and exciting,” says Dr. Yolanda Ayubi, the gallery’s owner and curator. “Moreover, her work crosses cultures beautifully which is perfect for our gallery which attracts artists and patrons from around the world.”

After nearly 30 years as a successful creator director at several major international advertising agencies, Presta—whose jewelry was sold in the 1980s by the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art, the Contemporary Art Museum of Houston, and numerous local shops and galleries—had been looking for new channels for her art.

Her new line of sterling silver, crystal and her one-of-a-kind hand-made and painted ceramic beads debuted last year at UniQ, a fine jewelry store owned by top jewelry designer Doug Mitchell in the historic downtown of Three Rivers, Michigan about 130 miles east of Chicago where Presta has a ceramic studio.

“My hand-made and glazed beads are inspired by the spring-fed waters, flowers, plants, trees and animals around my lake house,” says Presta. “My sense of fashion, though, comes from the global influences of Chicago’s Michigan Avenue where I spent three decades in global advertising. I enjoyed the exposure to the designs of the best clothing and accessories designers from all over the world.”

 As a result, she says, her work is “ a classic style that crosses cultures with no boundaries.”

“I don’t believe in trendy,” she adds. “I like my jewelry to be classic enough so that a woman can wear my art and still showcase her own style.”

Ultimately, says Presta, her art comes from her naturally enthusiastic and positive personality. “I want my beads to be full of life. I try to instill this spirit in each bead through the shapes and colors, and most dynamic textures.

“When I find a way to express a feeling, the bead shows it and assumes a personality from sweet to bold to whimsical and everything in between!”