Success With Jewelry, Episode 142

Interview with Brienne and Chelsea of the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG)

Release Date: September 15, 2025
Hosts: Laryssa Wirstiuk and Liz Kantner
Guests: Brienne (Executive Director, SNAG) and Chelsea (Communications Specialist, SNAG)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Laryssa and Liz welcome Brienne and Chelsea from SNAG (Society of North American Goldsmiths) to discuss how this longstanding nonprofit supports makers, jewelers, metalsmiths, and educators across North America and beyond. The conversation delves into SNAG’s evolving mission, their focus on inclusion and community, key benefits for members, and thoughtful ways they foster connection among a diverse group of creatives. If you’re an independent jewelry designer, artist, or metalsmith searching for community and resources, this candid discussion offers both practical ideas and inspiring insights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. SNAG’s Evolution and Mission

• Broadening the Community:
  SNAG began as an academic-centric group and has intentionally broadened its membership to welcome all types of makers, including fine jewelers, blacksmiths, educators, students, and mixed media artists.
  • "We're very intentional about having, you know, an inclusive community... really broadening that umbrella because there are so many different kinds of people working in the field." — Chelsea (03:00)
• Leadership with Fresh Perspective:
  Brienne and Chelsea are relatively new to leadership but bring diverse backgrounds and a desire to connect various parts of the jewelry/metalsmithing world.
  • "I'm coming in with that fresh perspective and really...get to bring everybody together, which is just a joy." — Chelsea (04:20)

2. The Role and Importance of Community

• Countering Isolation in Studio Practice:
  Both hosts and guests discuss the solitary nature of studio work and why intentional community spaces are vital.
  • "It's such a solo experience... so I think it's so important that community exists and that there's opportunities for people to meet." — Liz (05:46)
  • "That's what I've really appreciated about SNAG: that connection to other people. It's people focused." — Brienne (06:28)
• Global and Local Reach:
  SNAG serves artists and makers from remote areas and those in vibrant art communities alike.
  • "We have members from, I mean, all over the world. And so some of them might live remotely and you know, we are that community for them." — Chelsea (06:59)

3. Programs & Resources for Connection

• Virtual & In-Person Gatherings:
  • In Conversation:
    A casual, monthly, virtual meetup open to anyone—not limited to members—encouraging dialogue at all levels of experience.
    "It's a level playing field where we're all in conversation together and it's really great. I highly recommend joining." — Chelsea (08:19)
  • Gallery Crawls at NYC Jewelry Week:
    Organized group outings during NYC Jewelry Week to guide participants through exhibitions, easing the overwhelm for newcomers and facilitating networking.
    • "So we have so many people last time...we had board members splitting up into groups because there was just...a lot of people." — Chelsea (10:01)
• Annual Member Archive:
  • "Annual archive of member work called We Are SNAG. That's a really exciting way to see the type of work represented among SNAG members." — Brienne (12:01)
• Metalsmith Magazine:
  Members receive SNAG’s acclaimed publication showcasing the breadth of contemporary metalsmithing—articles, features, and artist spotlights.
  • "We will continue producing it because it is just so beautiful to hold this tactile magazine and look at the work." — Chelsea (12:57)
  • Digitization plans aim to make the entire archive freely available, going back to the 1970s newsletters. (15:38)
• Opportunities Board & Resource Library:
  A regularly updated site section open to anyone, listing jobs, exhibitions, and more.
  • "We have a whole resource library, talks and techniques...an opportunities board where anybody can submit." — Chelsea (20:54)
• Partnership Programming:
  Collaborations with groups like Queer Metalsmiths and the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths bring educational events and connect more diverse makers.
  • "We've partnered with...Queer Metalsmiths. We just did an amazing event at Touchstone Center for Crafts with Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths..." — Chelsea (19:00)

4. Accessibility & Inclusion

• Serving Remote and Marginalized Artists:
  SNAG is intentional about creating virtual access, equitable programming, and partnerships to bridge gaps for those outside traditional art centers.
  • "Some of them would be like, oh, but I don't have a [local] chapter...So how do I still get involved? So there's also this element like being part of a community, but maybe not necessarily physically being able to be part of it." — Laryssa (07:41)
• Open Submission Policies:
  Artists do not have to be members to pitch articles or submit work for Metalsmith Magazine or for some SNAG calls/exhibitions.
  • "There's a submission form on our website...it's open. Completely open.” — Chelsea (18:11)

5. Upcoming Programs & How to Get Involved

• Virtual Symposium:
  SNAG's biennial virtual symposium on Indigenous Peoples of North America happens at the end of September and features interactive presentations and networking.
  • "We have an amazing lineup...It's great. We have some pre-recorded presentations...then there's...discussion...but everybody can participate in that conversation." — Chelsea (21:32)
• Workshops & In-Person Events:
  Fundraising workshops with guest instructors and ongoing participation in major industry weeks like NYC Jewelry Week and the Tucson Gem Show.
• Joining SNAG:
  Multiple membership tiers are available, including student and organizational options.
  • Special Offer: New members can use code "SWJ25" for 25% off a one-year membership.
    • "We also have a coupon code for your listeners...It's SWJ 25 in caps..." — Chelsea (24:08)

Memorable Quotes

• "We're really unique in that we're bringing people together from all of these different paths and they probably wouldn't meet otherwise and can form lifelong relationships." — Chelsea (02:42)
• "That's what I've really appreciated about SNAG and is that connection to other people. It's people focused." — Brienne (06:28)
• "It's a level playing field where we're all in conversation together and it's really great." — Chelsea (08:19)
• "We will continue producing [Metalsmith Magazine] because it is just so beautiful to hold this tactile magazine and look at the work." — Chelsea (12:57)
• "Within SNAG, we're really doing our best to promote other jewelers and metalsmiths, people within the jewelry field, people within the metal...however they're identifying, whatever type of work they're making, whatever materials they're making." — Brienne (14:39)

Key Timestamps

• 00:55 — 01:58: Introduction of SNAG, its mission, and guests Brienne and Chelsea
• 02:25 — 03:43: Details on current SNAG events and inclusive evolution
• 06:18 — 07:13: Discussion of the solo nature of making and importance of community
• 08:19 — 09:35: Description of "In Conversation" virtual event
• 10:01 — 11:11: NYC Jewelry Week gallery crawls and fostering in-person connections
• 12:01 — 13:52: Member benefits and significance of Metalsmith Magazine
• 15:38 — 17:11: Ongoing digitization project for the magazine/archive
• 19:00 — 20:38: Outreach and partnership programs for diverse audiences
• 21:32 — 23:55: Upcoming events (virtual symposium, workshops, jewelry week, gem show)
• 24:01 — 24:40: Membership sign-up details and special discount for listeners

How to Get Involved

• Website & Membership:
  Visit snagmetalsmith.org/join for details on membership levels.
• Opportunities & Events:
  Check the Resource Library and Opportunities Board for jobs, exhibitions, and submissions.
• Metalsmith Magazine:
  Subscribe digitally or in print, or submit articles via website forms.
• Special Offer:
  Use code SWJ25 for 25% off a new, one-year SNAG membership.
• Follow Upcoming Events:
  • Attend the virtual symposium in September
  • Join in-person events at NYC Jewelry Week and the Tucson Gem Show

Tone & Takeaways

The conversation was warm, encouraging, and practical, marked by a sense of inclusivity, excitement for the craft, and a commitment to making resources accessible no matter where someone is in their journey or where they live. Whether you’re an established metalsmith or just considering joining the creative jewelry community, SNAG and this episode offer pathways to support, inspiration, and professional growth.