Trunk Show Weekend
To celebrate our Grand Opening Weekend at our new studio in Northgate Station, we were thrilled to host three Green Lake Gallery artists in the space: Cynthia Toops, Emma Brooke, and Misani.
Trunk Show Artist: Cynthia Toops
Based in Seattle, Cynthia Toops is known for her breathtaking micro-mosaic jewelry. Best recognized for her time-intensive figurative and abstract compositions, she is a master of polymer clay—transforming it into intricate imagery and richly detailed surfaces from flat sheets. While her micro-mosaics draw inspiration from traditions such as Huichol beadwork and ancient Roman mosaics, their vibrant color and illustrative storytelling are entirely her own.
A world traveler and avid collector, Cynthia’s work reflects a deep fascination with global folk and ethnic art. Her background in biology and printmaking further informs her unique perspective, blending precision with creativity. Today, her work is included in major museum collections across the United States.
As Cynthia shares:
“In scale and utility, beads as objects of personal adornment are perfect for the body... After twenty years of making jewelry we continue to collaborate... we both seek to reinterpret the past, hoping to create new artifacts that will inspire as we have been inspired.”
Trunk Show Artist: Emma Brooke
Based in Portland, Oregon, Emma Brooke creates distinctive kinetic jewelry designed to move with you. Her pieces do more than shine—they spin, swivel, click, and shift, inviting interaction and a deeper sensory experience. These are not just beautiful objects, but jewelry you can engage with, offering both comfort and play.
Emma often describes herself as someone who was always fidgeting with her jewelry—and now she channels that instinct into her work. Her signature collection, The Fidgets, transforms nervous habits into intentional, thoughtful design. Each piece is meant to be twisted, turned, and explored, turning fine jewelry into a tool for grounding, mindfulness, and even joy.
As Emma shares:
“I create inventive, kinetic jewelry with a focus on the experience of touch and play. ‘The Fidgets’ remind us as adults to reclaim fidgeting, grounding, and playfulness as celebrated quirks of our expression and identity.”
Trunk Show Artist: Misani
Misani has been masterfully creating jewelry and wearable art by hand since 1965. Their skilled Italian artisans continually experiment with new techniques and materials, blending centuries-old Italian tradition with a distinctly contemporary sensibility.
For Misani, history is central to their identity. Traditional manufacturing methods and time-honored craftsmanship remain an essential part of their present-day practice, with each piece reflecting the expertise and artistry of their makers. Every jewel they create is a testament to this enduring dedication to craftsmanship.
As the brand describes:
“Symbols of Misani’s creative language, the boule unfolds in endless interpretations, transforming each jewel into a masterpiece of craftsmanship.”
We had such a wonderful time connecting with everyone who visited our studio during the Trunk Show Weekend. It’s always a joy to share and explore the artistry behind the work, and to connect with jewelry artists both local and from abroad.
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