Number 7 Arts: Sonia Arnold

Jewelry: SONIA ARNOLD

"When you look in a kaleidoscope, you'll view an infinite number of shapes and colors with no two being exactly the same. For me, that pretty much describes the possibilities for jewelry making - an endless variety of combinations of metals and stones to explore.
"Although it's hard to be original in this day and time, by using all the many different stones available through nature and shaped by man, my designs are constantly changing and becoming more refined as I become more confident.

"When I choose stones to work with, I look for unusual shapes, colors - one-of-a-kind items. Some of my favorites include amethyst, charoite (from Russia), blue crysocolla, jasper, pearls, hematite, turquoise, opal, lapis lazuli, and dichroic glass. I especially like the unusual shapes lapidary artist, Bill Johnson, of Hendersonville, cuts.

"Often I have to look at a stone over a period of several months or even a couple of years before I decide how to incorporate it into a piece of jewelry. Each stone calls for a different treatment, so doing it justice is indeed a challenge. Although aiming at simplicity, I'm inclined to give the metal a somewhat asymmetrical feel whether I'm silversmithing or wire-wrapping. Whatever I do with metal is pure pleasure for me!"

Sonia Arnold of Brevard, NC has been handcrafting jewelry since 1990. Over the years she has developed her own home-based business, Kaleidoscope. She crafts original jewelry designs in sterling silver, 14 Kt. gold, gold-filled and copper using silversmithing, wire-wrapping, and chain-making techniques.

Sonia was the first student to receive a BFA (in studio art) from UNC-Asheville in 1985. Painting was her first artistic inclination, but after taking silversmithing and casting classes at Haywood Community College, jewelry making soon became her passion.

Wire-wrapping skills were then acquired from Harry Brookes of the Hendersonville Gem and Mineral Club and further wire-wrapping and chain-making skills were acquired through workshops provided by the Southeastern Federation of Gem and Mineral Society. Dichroic glass fusing skills were acquired at William Holland School of Lapidary Arts.

Regional craft shows that Sonia regularly participates in include T-FACE Fine Arts Show, TCarts Festival of the Arts, the Waterfall Crafters, the Patchwork Craft Group Show and Sale, and the October Arts and Crafts Festival in Maggie Valley. She is a member of the Transylvania County Handicraft Guild and participates in some of their shows. She is also a member of the Hendersonville Gem and Mineral club. Her work can be seen year-round at #7 Arts in 7 E. Main Street in Brevard, NC.

Teaching has been a big part of Sonia's background. Also holding a BA in English/Theatre, she taught seventh grade for eight years and art for six years at Brevard Middle School. She presently serves as a substitute teacher for Transylvania County Schools, and teaches art and theater classes for youth when the opportunity arises.

She is the founder of and often directs productions of the Brevard Little Theatre Youth Troupe and on numerous occasions has served as their playwright. Presently she is on the BLT Board of Directors and serves as a make-up artist for all BLT productions.

Sonia welcomes custom orders, considering them as not only challenging but encouraging. She is a charter member of #7 Arts and Carolina Mountain Artists.



		Jewelry: SONIA ARNOLD

			"When you look in a kaleidoscope, you'll view an infinite number of shapes and colors with no two being exactly the same. For me, that pretty much describes the possibilities for jewelry making - an endless variety of combinations of metals and stones to explore. "Although it's hard to be original in this day and time, by using all the many different stones available through nature and shaped by man, my designs are constantly changing and becoming more refined as I become more confident. "When I choose stones to work with, I look for unusual shapes, colors - one-of-a-kind items. Some of my favorites include amethyst, charoite (from Russia), blue crysocolla, jasper, pearls, hematite, turquoise, opal, lapis lazuli, and dichroic glass. I especially like the unusual shapes lapidary artist, Bill Johnson, of Hendersonville, cuts. "Often I have to look at a stone over a period of several months or even a couple of years before I decide how to incorporate it into a piece of jewelry. Each stone calls for a different treatment, so doing it justice is indeed a challenge. Although aiming at simplicity, I'm inclined to give the metal a somewhat asymmetrical feel whether I'm silversmithing or wire-wrapping. Whatever I do with metal is pure pleasure for me!" Sonia Arnold of Brevard, NC has been handcrafting jewelry since 1990. Over the years she has developed her own home-based business, Kaleidoscope. She crafts original jewelry designs in sterling silver, 14 Kt. gold, gold-filled and copper using silversmithing, wire-wrapping, and chain-making techniques. Sonia was the first student to receive a BFA (in studio art) from UNC-Asheville in 1985. Painting was her first artistic inclination, but after taking silversmithing and casting classes at Haywood Community College, jewelry making soon became her passion. Wire-wrapping skills were then acquired from Harry Brookes of the Hendersonville Gem and Mineral Club and further wire-wrapping and chain-making skills were acquired through workshops provided by the Southeastern Federation of Gem and Mineral Society. Dichroic glass fusing skills were acquired at William Holland School of Lapidary Arts. Regional craft shows that Sonia regularly participates in include T-FACE Fine Arts Show, TCarts Festival of the Arts, the Waterfall Crafters, the Patchwork Craft Group Show and Sale, and the October Arts and Crafts Festival in Maggie Valley. She is a member of the Transylvania County Handicraft Guild and participates in some of their shows. She is also a member of the Hendersonville Gem and Mineral club. Her work can be seen year-round at #7 Arts in 7 E. Main Street in Brevard, NC. Teaching has been a big part of Sonia's background. Also holding a BA in English/Theatre, she taught seventh grade for eight years and art for six years at Brevard Middle School. She presently serves as a substitute teacher for Transylvania County Schools, and teaches art and theater classes for youth when the opportunity arises. She is the founder of and often directs productions of the Brevard Little Theatre Youth Troupe and on numerous occasions has served as their playwright. Presently she is on the BLT Board of Directors and serves as a make-up artist for all BLT productions. Sonia welcomes custom orders, considering them as not only challenging but encouraging. She is a charter member of #7 Arts and Carolina Mountain Artists.