Unwanted jewelry gets a ‘Radical’ makeover in Ulster

Oct 27

Written By HVNY

Many of us have that stash – maybe in a shoebox, top drawer or bin somewhere – full of old jewelry that’s broken or just not worn anymore, piling up, sight unseen. But pieces like those hidden away are getting a new shine in life thanks to the students, faculty and staff at SUNY New Paltz.

Over the summer, participants in SUNY New Paltz’s Metal program collected pounds upon pounds of unwanted jewelry from hundreds of donations from around the region (and even a few mail-in donations) in order to dismantle and upcycle the pieces into unique, one-of-a-kind wearable works of art.

As part of an international educational project called Radical Jewelry Makeover, in addition to collaborating with the community to gather materials and create made-over pieces in-studio, students also researched ethical practices, as well as the environmental, social and economic impacts of the jewelry industry including complex mining issues and the modern over-saturation of plastic-infused products.

The project “draws attention to the creativity of local jewelry designers, investigates our habits of consumption, and puts unwanted jewelry back into good use,” says Susie Ganch, director of Radical Jewelry Makeover.

The metal program’s reinvigorated jewelry will be displayed, and available for purchase, as part of “Acquired Tastes: Radical Jewelry Makeover” on display at The D.R.A.W. Kingston Gallery from November 1-15, 2025. An opening reception will take place on Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 5-7pm.

Photos by SUNY New Paltz photography BFA student Mia Wasniewski-Llompart. Cover photo by Marin Neuhard + Estyn Hulbert / SUNY New Paltz

Event details:

Opening reception: Acquired Tastes A Radical Jewelry Makeover X SUNY New Paltz Metal Exhibition
Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 5-7pm
D.R.A.W. Kingston, 24 Iwo Jima Lane, Kingston
On view through November 15, 2025. https://mkad.art/art/the-draw-gallery/