Fine art jewelry opens studio in downtown Benton Harbor

Cheri Lesauskis draws inspiration from the idea that when elements combine the results are larger than the sum of their parts. Lesauskis creates handmade jewelry based on that concept. Her jewelry is intended to be not only beautiful but to be pieces that create what she calls personal power for the wearer.

Her Elemental Alchemy handmade jewelry will be exhibited and sold the at the Anna Russo-Sieber Studio in the Barentson Candy Co, 147 Fifth Street from 4 to 8 p.m Feb. 10 and noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 12. There will be a reception from 5 to 9 p.m. Feb. 11.

Elemental Alchemy is handmade jewelry for women and men. It incorporates gemstones, crystals, rocks, fossils, beach glass, and similar objects. Pieces are influenced by Indian and Eastern European mythology, Zen, Carl Jung’s idea of the collective unconscious, and astrology. The poetry of Jim Morrison, Anais Nin, and fortune tellers all play a part in her creative process.

Lesauskis also does custom work and limited repairs and reworking of old pieces.

She has taken classes and studied tutorials from some of the most sought after teachers in her field: Lisa Niven Kelly, Barb Switzer, Eni Oken, Brenda Schweder, and many others. Her portfolio was accepted at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago.

Her new business in downtown Benton Harbor is getting off the ground after Lesauskis obtained assistance in planning and implementing  solid business principles from the Women Business Center of Cornerstone Alliance.

Elemental Alchemy studio is located at 210 Water Street, in Benton Harbor.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Cheri Lesauskis, Elemental Alchemy Studio