In an unexpected twist, this year’s Facets Jewelry Design Competition concluded with a tie between two Cedarburg High School students. Cait Bonneau, creator of “Phoenix Rising,” and Katie Spencer, designer of “Graceful Dance,” were both honored with the top spot after garnering the most votes in a public poll. A total of 739 votes were cast, determining the winners among eight original designs.
The community is invited to meet the winners in person from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Pink Llama Gallery, located at W62N580 Washington Ave. in Cedarburg. The event will be catered by Miss Molly’s Catering.
The competition, which serves as a fundraiser, showcases the artistic talents of Cedarburg High School’s art students. Each participant was tasked with designing an original pendant. The Facets Jewelry Design Competition was founded by Patricia Gallun Hansen of Gallun Fine Jewelry and Jack Henke of Henke & Associates, with the goal of nurturing a passion for jewelry design and introducing students to the craft of goldsmithing.
“I was particularly impressed by the unique qualities of each design,” said Gallun Hansen. “‘Phoenix Rising,’ with its awareness ribbon in the center of the Phoenix, delivers a powerful message. In contrast, ‘Graceful Dance’ exudes a sense of peace and tranquility, creating a sense of relaxation to anyone who views it. Both pieces showcase the remarkable talent and creativity of the students involved!”
This year, the competition was sponsored by Port Washington State Bank.
Bonneau and Spencer will each receive $500, contributed by Port Washington State Bank and an anonymous donor.
Both pendants will be crafted into necklaces featuring sterling silver and accented by laboratory-grown diamonds. Gallun Fine Jewelry and Henke & Associates will present the first pendants off the production line to the winners.
The pendants will also be available for purchase, with 50% of the profits going toward supporting the CHS Art Department’s efforts to acquire high-tech jewelry-making equipment.
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