Jay Bridgland Named 2010 Niche Award Finalist

Nov. 3, 2009 - PRLog -- NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Jean Thompson
410.889.2933 ext. 218
jeanT@rosengrp.com


Jay Bridgland
Named a 2010 NICHE Awards Finalist

Baltimore, MD – Artist Jay Bridgland of Bridgland Studios, Oakland CA is named as a finalist in the 2010 NICHE Awards for the piece entitled Modern Tribal in the Jewelry: Sculpture to Wear (concept jewelry) category. Only 161 entries out of nearly 1,000 submissions were recognized as finalists in this years competition.The awards program is sponsored by NICHE magazine, an exclusive trade publication for independent retailers of fine craft. The NICHE awards program, which began in 1990 recognizes outstanding creative achievements of American craft artists and exemplifies technical excellence in design and form, market viability, and a distinctive quality of unique, original and creative thought.

Bridgland and his wife and business partner Jennifer, own Bridgland Studios, an Oakland-based glass art studio.
  Jay has become known for his conceptual, -light-as-air “bead” necklaces that sell in museum shops and galleries around the United States.  “There came a point in my carreer where I wanted to take glass-making into a more functional realm and what is there better than to wear it?” Brigland says.
Jay continually seeks to redefine the concept of glass artwear and to explore the limitless possibilities of expressing fashion through glass.

Jay credits Halstead Bead, Inc. which awarded him a 2008 business development grant that has helped him to continue the growth of his art and his business.

Winners of the 2010 NICHE Awards will be announced at a ceremony at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Friday February 12, 2010, held in conjunction with the Buyers Market of American Craft, where Jays nominated artwork will be on display. Additional forms of Jays concept jewelry can be viewed at http//:www.bridglandstudios.com.