Artist Overview- Chenin Hollaway

Chenin Hollaway is a native of Chambersburg, PA. Chenin first decided to pursue a career in Archeology, but after a few years in college, followed a strong intuition which changed her path and reunited her with her love of art. She first had enrolled in a silversmith class at the John Campbell Folk Art School near Ashville, North Carolina, which concentrated on the design and creation of sterling silver jewelry. After completing her first pivotal class, she knew without a doubt that she had found the artistic medium which she would learn to harness to express her creativity.

Chenin spent the next several years acquiring the equipment and tools needed for her art, and combined most of her spare time with her basic training to create stylish sterling keepsakes. At the same time she enrolled in the Graduate Gemology program through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

Chenin's love of Southwestern style silver jewelry originated from a fateful trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota in 2000 where she met Michael Alcott, a Navajo silversmith from Arizona making and selling beautiful silver jewelry adorned with various semi-precious stone inlaid in exquisite designs. Seeking to unlock the secrets of his talent, Chenin later convinced Michael to accept her as a student at his Arizona Studio. In June of 2002, she concluded a six-month long apprenticeship with Michael on the Navajo Reservation, a half-year journey she will never forget. Chenin forged the ability to create her own artistic expressions with the skill and craftsmanship which was passed on to her from this apprenticeship.

Chenin believes the marriage between silver and gemstones create one-of-a-kind unique artistic designs, with the silver providing an intricate backdrop for vibrant geometrical patterns of different color, style and shape. Each piece is exquisite in its own right, commanding attention, often worn without any other accompanying jewelry. We invite you to share in the beauty of Chenin's work by visiting the DESIGN GALLERY, or stopping by in person at one of her shows. Click here for SHOWDATES.