Article By: Colleen Pringle
Published: Nov 19, 2007


Twelve Savannah College of Art and Design metals and jewelry alumni and students have placed as semifinalists and finalists in the student category of the Bright and Beautiful Swarovski Design Contest 2007.

Finalists Andrea Chririboga (B.F.A., metals and jewelry, 2007) and senior Kristen Poppo have been awarded a free pass to the Swarovski Tucson (Ariz.) Show 2008, held at the Omni Tucson National Golf Resort and Spa Feb. 6-9. The first, second and third place winners of the competition will be announced at the show.

“The Swarovski design competition gave me the opportunity to work outside of my usual design aesthetic,” said Poppo. “The crystals are an interesting and challenging new medium to work with, and I am very pleased with the result I achieved using them. I look forward to the Tucson show, and can't wait to see what the other designers have created.”

Poppo created her piece, “Beltane Crown” , in metals and jewelry professor Lanelle Keyes’ Jewelry and Fashion course last spring. Also called May Day, Beltane is a pagan celebration of spring, and Poppo’s piece represents a flower wreath of the type celebrants traditionally wore on their heads.
The nationwide competition challenged participants to create original design pieces without the assistance of a third party. Entries had to consist of at least 80 percent CRYSTALLIZED Swarovski elements, not exceeding one cubic foot in dimension and five pounds in weight. Awards for the student category include first place, $5,000 for tuition; second place, $2,500 toward tuition; and third place, $1,000 toward tuition.