Local Artist's Design Shines at New York International Gift Fair

The retailing industry trade magazine Retailing Insight chose the hand-stamped wooden bangle bracelet by Birmingham artist Beth North as one of a dozen “Best in Show” pieces at the acclaimed New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF).

North was one of just 45 new designers juried into the “hand made” section of the NYIGF, chosen from some 600 entries around the world.

The NYIGF, a style and design standard-setter among gift and home industry events, was held at the end of August in New York City. A bi-annual event, it brings the top artists and designers around the world and is attended by U.S. and international retailers, from world-class department stores to trend-setting specialty boutiques. The Fall 2011 NYIGF exhibited 100,000 lines from 2,800 companies.

North‘s bracelet was showcased in the “Hand-Made Designer Maker” category, where she exhibited her jewelry collection.

Retailing Insight, in its January-February 2012 issue, reads: “Hand painted wood makes these bracelets truly one of a kind. Every inch is filled with hand-stamped “be” words, each one expressing something different. What better way to celebrate individuality, intimacy, freedom and openness.”

“Since my jewelry is hand-made,” said North, “each piece is an original and bears its own unique fingerprint. Few things in life are ever as rigidly structured as they might seem, and it’s this fluidity that really interests me.”

North has been designing jewelry and accessories for 15 years out of her studio in Birmingham. She works in metal, wood, pearls and precious stones.

North has won numerous awards, among them: “Gold Award - Our Town Art Show”; “Best of Show - Art in the Park, Birmingham”; and “Best of Show - Art Birmingham.” She is now venturing into the national and international wholesale market with her collection with her website, www.bethnorth.com.