Ukraine House Hosts Olga Oleksenko and Tiffany Stevens in Conversation on Ukrainian
Jewelry Businesses.
WASHINGTON, April 17,
2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Last Thursday,
the Strong and Precious Art Foundation hosted an exclusive
private jewelry exhibition in Washington
D.C., showcasing a breathtaking exhibition of exquisite
Ukrainian jewels. The event, attended by local guests and members
of the press, featured six remarkable jewels, each telling a unique
story of craftsmanship, heritage, and symbolism inspired by
Ukraine. Hosted at Ukraine House,
the venue is a vibrant hub for Ukrainian culture and hospitality—an
event space for a diverse range of gatherings, including art
exhibitions, workshops, and culinary festivals. The occasion marks
the second Strong & Precious exhibition in the USA, following NYC Jewelry Week last fall at
the Mriya Gallery in Tribeca.
In a world where artistry intersects
with advocacy, the Strong and Precious Art Foundation stands as a
beacon of both creativity and compassion. Through this exquisite
exhibition, we not only celebrate the craftsmanship of Ukrainian
jewelry but also amplify the voices of a nation in
need.
In a joint statement, Marianna
Falkova, Executive Director of Ukraine House, and
Ruslan Falkov, Director of
International and Governmental Relations at Ukraine House, state
"We express our gratitude to the Strong and Precious Art Foundation
and the founder, Olga Oleksenko, for showcasing these six unique
pieces to our local community. Each piece carries a rich history,
transforming the act of wearing jewelry from a display of wealth to
an embodiment of cultural heritage."
Tiffany Stevens, CEO General
Counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) interviewed the
Strong & Precious Art Foundation's founder, Olga Oleksenko,
offering insights into the inspiration behind the captivating
pieces. JVC is a 107-year-old nonprofit working on ethics and
policy in the jewelry industry. Prioritizing consumer protection
through advertising, anti-corruption, and anti-money laundering,
JVC has recently been working with the government and trade on
Russian diamond sanctions and diamond traceability. Olga Oleksenko,
the founder of Strong & Precious Art Foundation, is a renowned
curator of private collections, a collector and art connoisseur,
and was the boutique director for Van
Cleef & Arpels for over a decade in Kyiv. As a reaction to the war in Ukraine, she founded Strong & Precious to
elevate contemporary Ukrainian fine jewelry design, with a mission
of sharing the symbolism and beauty of the Ukrainian jewelry school
globally.
"There is international awareness that the war in Ukraine is entering a new stage of escalation.
Russia is bombing Ukrainian cities
daily, along with the country's energy infrastructure, civilian
objects, and homes. Ukraine is on
the brink of another blackout, and we consider it our duty to
remind the world about the wonderful Ukrainian people, artists who
continue to create, and remind the world of our beautiful, creative
nation. Ukrainians deserve a peaceful and better life," says Olga
Oleksenko, Founder of the Strong & Precious Art Foundation.
"Not by chance, Washington D.C.
has become a new venue for our exhibition 'How Precious UA'. It is
a place where decisions are made that directly impact and support
Ukraine. Within the exhibition,
dedicated to modern symbols of Ukraine, there are black onyx and diamond
Blackout Earrings, which reflect the dark streets of powerless
Kyiv during the 2022 blackout. It
is regretful that this symbol threatens to become relevant again if
aid is not provided."
Other highlights of the evening include the "Freedom" necklace
by Nomis, a masterful composition of black pearls with a
cross-shaped pendant. Symbolizing the triumph of good over evil,
the necklace features pearls arranged in binary code spelling out
the word 'freedom,' serving as a beacon of hope in challenging
times, and an homage to excellence in Ukrainian computer
programming today. Inesa Kovalova's
"Links Brooch" seamlessly blends industrial structures with
nature's beauty, symbolizing the unity between the East and West of
Ukraine. Made of titanium,
18K gold, and adorned with natural
diamonds and a beautiful heliodor stone, this piece is a testament
to the country's rich heritage and resilience, with both the
heliodor gemstone and the titanium mined in Ukraine. The "Kolosinnia" necklace by Yuval'
Studios pays homage to Ukraine's
indomitable spirit, incorporating elements inspired by the
country's diverse landscapes. Crafted with golden wheat ears,
symbolic of the south, and a whorl resembling a twisting mountain
road in the Carpathians, the necklace is a celebration of
Ukraine's natural beauty and
strength. The "Trypillia" necklace by GUNIA Project captivated
attendees with its intricate design and historical significance.
Handcrafted in 18K gold, this
one-of-a-kind necklace features powerful symbols from the
Trypillian culture, including the famous Venus figure at its
center, representing a modern twist on ancient craftsmanship.
"In a world where artistry intersects with advocacy, the Strong
and Precious Art Foundation stands as a beacon of both creativity
and compassion. Through this exquisite exhibition, we not only
celebrate the craftsmanship of Ukrainian jewelry but also amplify
the voices of a nation in need. It's a testament to the resilience
of the human spirit, and a call to action for support and
solidarity," says Tiffany Stevens,
CEO and General Counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
The gathering of influencers, media, and government officials
underscores the Strong and Precious Art Foundation's mission to
promote cultural heritage and celebrate exceptional artistry
through jewelry design. Each piece serves as a reminder of the
enduring power of creativity and the human spirit. Strong &
Precious continues to support the need for aid for Ukraine and will continue conversations that
support local businesses on the ground.
For more information about the Strong and Precious Art
Foundation, partnership inquiries, information regarding future
events, please visit https://www.strongandprecious.com/. For
inquiries regarding this press release, contact Pietra
Communications at 212-913-9761 or email info@pietrapr.com.
About the Strong & Precious Art Foundation:
The Strong & Precious Art Foundation is dedicated to promoting
Ukraine's vibrant jewelry heritage
and showcasing its designers. Established in April 2022 by art collector and jewelry
connoisseur Olga Oleksenko, the foundation emerged from a heartfelt
desire to contribute to Ukraine's
positive growth and development. Guided by the belief that beauty
can inspire and uplift, the Strong & Precious Art Foundation
embarked on a journey to uncover the captivating story of Ukrainian
jewelry and art while highlighting the exceptional talent that has
thrived for centuries.
The mission of the Strong & Precious Art Foundation is to
support the Ukrainian agenda and tell the world about the work of
Ukrainian artists. Collaborating with those that embody creative
expression, the foundation ensures the preservation and advancement
of Ukrainian jewelry design. Through exhibitions and initiatives,
the Strong & Precious Art Foundation strives to promote
Ukrainian jewelry-making expertise, sharing its roots and
influences from ancient times to the present day.
https://www.strongandprecious.com/
Media Contact
Olga Gonzalez, Strong &
Precious Art Foundation, 2129139761, info@pietrapr.com,
https://www.strongandprecious.com/
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SOURCE Strong & Precious Art Foundation