Handwritten text reading 'Debra Adelson'.
An image of jewelry artist Debra Adelson wearing an apron, at he workbench about to set a gemstone.

BFA, Tyler School of Art, 1996

Undergraduate Award in Metals

I always knew, even from the earliest age, that I would be an artist. Crayons, paint, and glue were the main components of my childhood. At Tyler School of Art, I was introduced to the metals studio, and I was instantly hooked. Holding a jeweler’s saw in my hand for the first time, I knew I had found my passion. As a student, I focused on tableware as well as jewelry. I am a natural object maker. I am a sculptor intent on creating pieces that stand the test of time.

I began my career before ‘carbon footprint’ and ‘climate change’ were terms used in our everyday vernacular. For over a decade, I incorporated plastics into my work as a way to add color, but with the shift in the current global conversation weighing on my conscience, I felt my only option was to reinvent myself, and I began a quest to find a more sustainable material. Through years of experimentation, I have developed my own modified cold-working techniques where I sculpt glass that I make from a mix of new and upcycled materials to create richly colorful, luminescent, and opalescent pieces. My process starts with a rough block of optical glass and sheets of colored glass that I laminate together. I then cut it into my desired shape with a wet diamond saw, and sculpt the pieces using flat lapidary wheels which grind the glass with a combination of silicone carbide grit and water. I then engrave the surface of the glass using the centuries-old process of stone wheel engraving: a stone wheel is used on a slow-spinning lathe that is cooled by water. I then polish specific parts of the piece using pumice on a cork or felt wheel. With this unique process, I can achieve texture and implied movement to create a unique vision of nature within each piece. I create the settings by hand-fabricating sterling silver. My last step is to carefully set the glass and gems, then sign and copyright the finished piece. My goal is to create narrative pieces that tell a story. I seek to capture a fleeting beauty and subtly encourage the viewer to think about their own relationship to the natural world.

An image of jewelry artist Debra Adelson in her booth at an art show.

  • 2024

    • 1st Place, Saint Louis Art Fair

    • Juror's Award, Main Street Art Festival

    • 2023

      • NJ State Council on the Arts Fellowship

      • 2nd Place (overall) Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair

      • Judges Choice Award, Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show

      • 2nd Place, Saint Louis Art Fair

    • 2019

      • 3rd Place (overall), Bethesda Row Arts Festival

      • Award of Merit, Central PA Arts Festival

    • 2018

      • Booth of Distinction, Central PA Arts Festival

      • Juror's Award, Boardwalk Art Show

      • 2nd Place (overall), Broad Ripple Art Festival

    • 2017

      • Best In Show, Boardwalk Art Show

      • Best In Category (Jewelry), Bethesda Row Arts Festival

    • 2016

      • Sand Dollar Award, Boardwalk Art Festival

    • 2009-2015 Transition Years (I stopped working with Plastics)

    • 2006

      • Award of Excellence, Webster Arts Fair

      • Juror's Award, Main Street Art Festival

    • 2004

      • Sand Dollar Award, Boardwalk Art Festival

      • Award of Excellence, Highland Park Fine Craft Festival

    • 2002

      • 2nd Place, Metal Category, Winterpark Art Festival

      • Merit Award, Boardwalk Art Show

    • 2001

      • Best in Craft, Artscape Baltimore

    • 2000

      • Best in 3D Mixed Media, Arts, Beats, and Eats

      • Merit Award, Bethesda Row Arts Festival

      • Sand Dollar Award, Boardwalk Art Show

    • 1999

      • Merit Award, New Hope Outdoor Art Festival

    • 1998

      • Merit Award, Washington Square Outdoor Art Festival

      • Merit Award, Penn’s Landing Art Festival

  • American Craft Council Shows (2016- 2001)

    American Craft Exposition (2015, 2003)

    Cherry Creek Arts Festival (2024, 2014, 2013, 2008, 2007, 2002-2005)

    Coconut Grove Arts Festival (2007, 2006, 2002, 2001, 2000)

    Longs Park Art & Craft Festival (2024, 2022, 2021, 2015, 2011, 2006-2009)

    Main Street Fort Worth Art Festival (2025, 2024, 2022, 2019, 2016, 2014, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2006)

    New Orleans Jazz Festival (2011, 2004)

    Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival (2025, 2024, 2023, 2012, 2011, 2006, 2001, 2000)

    Palm Beach Fine Craft Show (2022-2026, 2019, 2018, 2008-2014, 2005, 2004)

    Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show (2021-2025, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2003)

    Plaza Art Fair (2025, 2012, 2008, 2002)

    Saint Louis Art Fair (2025, 2024, 2023, 2021, 2012, 2010, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003)

    Sausalito Art Festival (2019, 2002)

    Smithsonian Crafts Show (2023, 2007, 2005, 2001)

    Washington Craft Show (2014- 2001)

    Winterpark Sidewalk Art Fair (2022, 2017, 2004, 2003, 2001

  • The Art of Jewelry: Plastics & Resin by Debra Adelson

    Forget gold and silver - the hottest materials in jewelry-making are plastic and resin! And this exciting entry in the new "Art of Jewelry" series is an inspirational treat that introduces the major techniques, provides insights from contemporary artists and showcases an array of eye-opening work. Learn all the basics on "hard" plastics, from sawing and drilling to joining, constructing and laminating. Get the lowdown on resin, including mixing, curing, adding inclusions, finishing and more. Easy-to-follow how-to photographic demonstrations clarify key steps - and best of all, some of the premiere innovators in the field have created these 22 amazing projects, from the dramatic Turbine Bangle and funky freeform ring, to an exotic necklace made of straws.

    ISBN 1579908314

    Pages: 128

    Publisher: Lark Books (NC)

    Published: 2008

    Language: English

    Alibris: ID15408922221