Shona Kearney

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A photo of Shona Kearney
Shona Kearney

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