"As a toddler I loved to play in my grandmother's jewellery box," says Fredericton artisan, business woman and teacher, Trudy Gallagher. "One day I pinned all of my grandmother's jewellery around the bottom of her dress. I thought she could see it better that way." Today Ms. Gallagher’s creations are found in many jewellery boxes, including that of the former Canadian Governor General, Adrienne Clarkson.
Inspired by trends, colours and styles set by fashion designers, Gallagher’s jewellery designs, created from sterling silver and gold, are embellished with colourful, handmade-glass beads. "Beads are incorporated into about 90 percent of our work," she says. "We're also using Swarovski crystal beads, which are huge this year." A sparkling example is the three-dimensional Starlight collection. "We have discovered that people all across Canada really like colourful jewellery. Many customers say we do 'happy' work."
Sixteen years ago Gallagher started her business, Bejewel, in her poorly-lit basement studio. Today she and her staff of seventeen experience a bright, spacious working environment in a mid-19th century commercial building located in downtown Fredericton. Large windows overlook Queen Street and Officer’s Square, welcoming the natural light warming the tangerine walls and illuminating the numerous jewellery displays. Here in the gallery five metal-related exhibitions are held each year.
Participating in nationwide trade and retail shows such as the New Brunswick Fine Craft Festivals held in July and Labour Day weekend, Bejewel strives to keep product lines fresh. Spring and Fall collections showcased in the gallery/retail area are released to the wholesale network the following year. "We're constantly changing," she says. "There's always another level to go to." Traditional men's neckties have a twist at Bejewel; they're made of silver and beads. Bejewel is also revisiting recycled, silver-sculptural work, which is now much more intricate than in the past, and one-of-a-kind.
For the past five years Ms. Gallagher has taught part-time at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design. She says, "I tell my students that paying attention to quality is what people respond to."
Shining brightly both nationally and internationally, Bejewel exports to approximately 175 stores and galleries across North America. "I consider myself a commercial, custom, and one-of-a -kind artist," says Gallagher. In 2005 she received the Outstanding Exporter Award; one of four annual awards presented as part of the Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence.
Being featured in fashion editorials such as Look, a weekly section of the Edmonton Journal, and on the cover of Where to shop in Manitoba, as well as Canadian Living magazine brings Bejewel into the fashion limelight. Elle Canada, a trend-setting fashion magazine, includes Bejewel in their 'Where to Shop' Web site listings.
"Part of the challenge is in keeping the original concept in the production piece," says Gallagher. "I love the fact that jewellery can make a personal statement. By simply adding a pair of funky earrings or a brooch you can have those ta-da moments."
Bejewel Gallery
506 450-7305
www.bejewel.ca