Biography
Shona Kearney began her professional craft career in 1997, working with some of Toronto’s top studio goldsmiths and designers after completing the Jewellery Arts program at George Brown College in Toronto. Concurrently, she opened her own studio where she created a range of custom and one of a kind jewellery pieces.
In 2002 Shona’s enthusiasm for teaching brought her back to the George Brown College as a full-time faculty member in Jewellery Studies. Shona’s teaching portfolio includes classroom lectures, small group teaching, supervising independent studies along with the mentoring and advising of current students and graduates.
Shona continues her practice as a jewellery designer and maker and maintains an active involvement in the jewellery industry. In 2012/2013, Shona participated in Quintet, a traveling show featuring the work of five Ontario jewelers. Also in 2013, Shona participated as a member of the steering committee in Meta - Mosaic, the Society of North American Goldsmith conference held in Toronto, Canada. In addition to these events, Shona continues to facilitate events to help promote collaboration within the jewellery industry in Toronto.
Academic Credentials
Advanced Diploma, Jewellery Arts, George Brown College, 1997
Applied Jewellery Professional, Gemmological Institute of America, 2020
Areas of Specialization
Jewellery Repair
Model Making
Jewellery Projects
Industry Skills
Jewellery Production Techniques and Digital Techniques for Production
Mentoring
Areas of Expertise
Mentoring and Coaching
Retail Display
Merchandising
Event planning
Team building
Community engagement
Career Highlights
2008 – Present: Professor, George Brown College, Toronto, Canada
2001 - 2007: Instructor, George Brown College, Toronto, Canada
1999 - 2002: Jewellery Studio Technician, George Brown College, Toronto, Canada
1997- Present: Professional Studio Artist, Custom and Contemporary Jewellery
1998 - 2000: Studio Goldsmith, Shelly Purdy Studio, Toronto, Canada
1998 - 1999: Studio Goldsmith, Susan Stopps Jewellery, Toronto, Canada
1997 - 1999: Studio Goldsmith, Tribal Eye, Toronto, Canada
Other Activities
May, 2013: Quintet Exhibition, A Conversation in Design - York Quay, Harbourfront, Toronto
2013: Body Language: Contemporary Art Jewelry, Wayne, Pennsylvania, USA
Oct–Nov, 2012: Quintet Exhibition, A Conversation in Design - Galerie Noel Guyomarc’h, Montreal
Jan–Mar, 2012: Quintet Exhibition, A Conversation in Design - St Mary’s University Art Gallery, Halifax
May–Jun, 2012: Quintet Exhibition, A Conversation in Design - La Pai Gallerie, Ottawa
Sep, 2012: Quintet Exhibition, A Conversation in Design - School of Design Gallery, Toronto
2002 - 2003: Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, Canada
2002: Bathurst Annex Studio Tour. Toronto, Canada
1998 - 2000: Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, Canada
1997: Society of North American Goldsmith, Student Slide Show, Sante Fe, USA
1997: Sandra Ainsley Gallery, Jewellery Arts Graduation Show, Toronto, Canada
Awards
2013: George Brown College, Achievement Award, Leadership: Jewellery Studies Faculty
2008: National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development, Teaching Excellence Award
