May 1, 2012

Chicago—After nearly 30 years as an accomplished creator director at several major international advertising agencies, ceramic artist Sherie Presta is once again making jewelry.

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 will debut in UniQ, a fine jewelry store owned by Doug Mitchell and located in the historic downtown of Three Rivers, Michigan about 130 miles east of Chicago.

“I am honored to debut sterling silver line in UniQ,” says Presta who has a ceramic studio on a lake in Three Rivers. “Doug is an exquisite jewelry designer who works in precious stones and precious metals. His classic and contemporary design complements mine beautifully.”

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.

“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!”

For more information contact Sherie Presta at 312-560-7993 or sherie@sheriepresta.com