Camille Knutson
Board Chair
I love bright pops of color, the luminous glow of gemstones and natural pearls, the shimmer and shine of silver and gold metals that have been worked and burnished by hand.
I fabricate with all of my materials and many of the tools I use are customized with modifications that get me the look I want. Small details and deep, rich textures guide my processes from start to finish. Nothing I create is ever cast as multiples. Working this way leaves each piece as a one of a kind, heirloom quality item. It will never be duplicated the same way twice.
My intent as a jewelry designer/maker is to create finely crafted jewelry in limited quantities that are each a unique, tactile little treasure. I like to think that the work itself is the start of a long story that gladly journeys with the person it sparks a connection with. I want my work to become more cherished the longer the pieces are owned, handled, worn and loved…and hopefully the story and the journey will continue on down a family line for generations to come.
Amy Pogue Brady
Board Treasurer
treasurer@mnjag.org
Hi all! I live in St. Anthony, have 2 daughters (14 and 9), a husband and puppy. I have lived in the Twin Cities most of my life and love the creative communities this area has fostered from music to art to dance and theater (and more); it’s a huge part of why I have stayed close to home. During the week I am a Service Designer with a corporate job but in my free time I’m a part-time jeweler. I also love taking classes and home renovation projects. I find huge value in MNJAG as a way to connect to the jewelery community in MN and want to be a part of ensuring its future success. I’m personally interested in Education, Community (bringing people together for fun and connection!) and helping small businesses grow and succeed. I’d love to bring some of that energy into MNJAG and support this group with it.
Jessica Bergman Tank
Board Secretary
My belief is that art is for everyone and I love to create work in community and as an individual artist. My work is intentionally accessible while simultaneously informed by my formal arts training. I love to learn new processes to create with, especially those that are rooted in historical or ancient techniques and to be in community making art. I find the support of other artists in their journey inspiring with 20+ years experience in private and public class offerings and mentorship for all ages and abilities. I currently run the Foundry Department at the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center where I have found a home for the past decade in many roles including volunteer, instructor, public arts fabricator, and on staff as Volunteer Coordinator. I also have a bicycle transported traveling sculpture foundry called Pedal to the Metal : Traveling Foundry I use as an engagement and arts creation tool in the community.
Claire Argir
At Large
I am a formally trained goldsmith living in the Twin Cities. I began my jewelry career in 2014, where I attended the Gemological Institute of America campus in Manhattan to study Jewelry Design. I then enrolled in the Jewelry program at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, where I completed my BFA with honors. During my time in New York City, I gained experience working with an independent designer, as a technician assistant and monitor at the Pratt Jewelry studio, as well as working in a production and retail environment. After relocating to the Twin Cities in 2019, I worked as a repair goldsmith at a jewelry store in downtown Minneapolis. I transitioned to a career outside of the jewelry world since but still create jewelry at my bench in my home.