A Cultural Heritage Presentation and Czech Glass Jewelry Design Workshop by Andrea Turini
Join Minnesota jewelry artist Andrea Turini on June 27th from 10:30am-12pm as she brings audiences inside the living traditions of Czech glass and beadmaking. Her presentation, Heirloom Fire: Czech Glasswork, draws on firsthand experiences in Jablonec nad Nisou, a region long recognized as a world center of bead and button production.
Then, participants have the option of attending the Czech Glass Jewelry Design Workshop from 1-2pm.
The presentation is free and open to all, no reservation required. The workshop requires registration and payment. Scroll down to learn more.
During the presentation, audiences will learn about:
Cultural Storytelling
The evolution of the Czech glass industry, from family workshops to state-run factories under communism, and how artists adapted their craft during these changing eras
Generational traditions — families who have passed down lampworking, pressing, and cutting techniques for centuries
The cultural significance of beads and buttons, both as local artistry and as exports that shaped global fashion
The resilience of a cottage industry that once fed an entire region, where survival depended on glass and beadmaking — and the fact that many workshops remain in business today is nothing short of astounding
Interactive Demonstration
Step-by-step look at how a bead and a button are made
Sample beads at different production stages for audiences to handle
A Czech button mold and examples of finished jewelry featuring Czech glass
Add-On Workshop: Czech Glass Jewelry Design Class
Following the presentation, participants can enjoy a one-hour hands-on jewelry design session. Each person will design a coordinating set — either:
Earrings + Necklace, or
Earrings + Bracelet
Participants select from Andrea’s curated collection of authentic Czech glass beads to create their designs. Andrea demonstrates design concepts and assists with selection, then completes the technical finishing (wrapping, crimping and assembly) during class.
About the Artist
I have been a creator of beautiful, handmade jewelry for over 30 years. A master jeweler, I recently spent ten years in NYC studying under experts from all over the world, developing my skills and honing my craft.
While I have experience with many mediums, my passion lies in bead embroidery, the creation of intricate and unique designs that bring a sense of depth and dimension to each piece of jewelry.
I take pride in creating high-quality, one-of-a-kind pieces that are both comfortable and stylish. I use only the finest materials, including gemstones, Swarovski crystals and pearls, and Japanese seed beads, and stitch them onto thick wool felt and then build up. This creates a range of textures and colors that bring each three-dimensional piece to life.
Recognition
This program was awarded a Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) grant, recognizing its artistic and educational value. While the grant supports a tour in southeastern Minnesota, Andrea also offers the program to arts centers, libraries, cultural groups, and community organizations across the region.