Pictor Gallery "ART FOR GRABS" Invitational and Members Show
- December 02, 2021
Michele Benjamin Jewelry + Art
Michele Benjamin creates jewelry, sculpture, digital photography prints and wearable art. Her collections are offered in art galleries, cultural institutions, and boutiques in the U.S., and online nationally and internationally, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, Bruce Museum Store, Pictor Gallery, on the runway at New York Fashion Week (NYFW), and on Amazon.com. Her collections are certified: “Made in New York” through the New York Economic Development Corporation. She has received commissions from New York City Store, Central Park Conservancy, Battery Park Conservancy, Empowers Africa, The High Line, Roanoke College, Salem, VA, Berkshire Botanical Garden, Stockbridge, MA, Siddhartha School, Ladakh, India, and for Dubai Expo 2020, UAE.
Press coverage
""Made in Queens (MiQ) jewelry designer/maker Michele Benjamin, has been creating nature-inspired charm collections that symbolize a variety of causes near and dear to her heart….Thelma & Louise” star Susan Sarandon, … can be seen wearing the charm necklace to a recent 30th anniversary reunion event for the movie in Los Angeles, as she posed for the paparazzi on the red carpet with co-star Geena Davis....""
QNS
- August 18, 2021
"Thirty years after the Oscar-winning actress starred in the transcendent tale of female friendship "Thelma & Louise," Geena Davis is still fighting to improve opportunities for women in the film industry. She talked with correspondent Tracy Smith about seeking change in front of, and behind, the camera..."
CBS Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley
- July 25, 2021
""Exhibiting Artists: Carole Barlowe, Deborah Beck, Kyra Belan, Michele Benjamin, Alli Berman, Marcia Bernstein, Louise Bourgeois, Stephanie Brody-Lederman, Karin Bruckner, Erin Butler, Linda Butti, Hilda Green Demsky, Sari Dienes, Deborah Dorsey, Liz Ehrlichman, Mary Frank, Sharon Florin, Maria Formoso, Dorothy Gillespie, Myrna Harrison-Changar, Pamela Hawkins, Marilyn Herbst, Karen L. Kirshner, Helen Levin, Muriel Magenta, Margo Mead, Joan Mitchell, Alice Neel..."
Artsy.net
- June 22, 2021
""Women In the Arts Foundation, presents an intergenerational, multidisciplinary exhibition of 46 artists’ dynamic visions. This exhibition celebrates 50 years of WIA members, past and present, of art and activism working to overcome discrimination against women artists, and to promote their accomplishments. We are proud to have the work of our founding Executive Cordinatators Ce Roser and Joyce Weinstein in the exhibit along with other founding members. Exhibiting Artists: Carole Barlowe, Deborah Beck, Kyra Belan, Michele Benjamin..."
Arts Beat
- June 22, 2021
"Davis and Sarandon took advantage of the looser restrictions, arriving together in matching custom t-shirts... on Sarandon (also wearing a “Bee” charm necklace) [by Michele Benjamin]"
Hollywood Reporter
- June 19, 2021
Access Hollywood - NBC
- May 27, 2021
"ABOUT MICHELE BENJAMIN, LLC: [Company Description by Thomasnet]: Manufacturer of reusable, non-medical, cloth face masks. Offers custom decoration services including logo digitization, color-matching and embroidery. Products have 4 fabric layers and flexible, reversible nose wires."
Thomasnet.com
- October 06, 2020
"Mask Painting with Michele Benjamin This mask painting demo features Made in NYC member Michele Benjamin. Freshen up your mask collection and learn how to paint fabric, and embellish any mask or cap of your choosing. This demo will explore paint and embellishment methods for your DIY masks projects..."
Made in NYC, Pratt Center
- October 03, 2020
"Made in NYC PPE Marketplace Support Made in NYC Members + Shop locally made Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Browse for both individual use and bulk orders."
Made in NYC, Pratt Center
- August 19, 2020
""Check out these amazing “Made in Madagascar” crafts, designs, and creations highlighted by renowned American fashion designer and U.S. @statedept arts envoy @MicheleBenjamin. Marvel at the beauty of @Gaona’s embroidered shirt “Aloalo”, @rakotoarovonyeva’s fabulous “Bemiray” - hand pieced block pattern skirt, @Tashoumada’s lovely case accessory, and @marika_andria stunning “Madagasc’Art” hand painted cotton banner at Rockefeller Center in NYC. (Photo credit: @michelebenjamin) #IVLP #MalagasyFashionDesigners #MadeInMadagascar #VitaMalagasy"
U.S. Embassy Madagascar
- May 15, 2020
"Michele Benjamin who visited Laos in Fall 2019 under the State Department's Arts Envoy program to share her jewelry making skills with Lao audiences. “I brought this fabric back from Laos, it is really beautiful, and has serpents and elephants. I have created these masks from this fabric.” She is using her skills to make personal protective masks for hospitals and fellow New Yorkers. "
U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Laos
- May 12, 2020
" Do you remember Michele Benjamin? She is an artist and jewelry maker who visited Cambodia Fall 2019 , thanks to the State Department's Arts Envoy program. While self-isolating in New York she is using her jewelry making skills and re-tooling to make personal protective masks for hospitals and fellow New Yorkers. Constraints and challenges always spark creativity and innovation! Great to see an Arts Envoy joining the fight against COVID-19."
U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- April 17, 2020
"Michele Benjamin Keynote Speaker at Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations & Association of Zambian Women in Mining (AZWIM) -hosted a forum on natural gems mined by women mines in Zambia. Topics of interest were about conflict free gemstones, Artisanal mining and non child labor. "
Greater New York Chamber of Commerce - News
- February 24, 2020
"Michele Benjamin Nature-inspired jewelry inspired by cultural institutions and advocacy such as women’s empowerment, animal conservation, sustainability and educating youth. Made in NY Fashion Member."
Made in NYC
- October 07, 2019
"I appreciate the opportunity to empower women in Cambodia....The students will move forward with their creativity. - Michele Benjamin, Arts Envoy"
U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh, Cambodia - Video
- July 12, 2019
" Through this program, it is our desire to increase self-confidence, business empowerment, and decision-making, [against] conflicts and unsafe migration, and jobs that undermine women's participation. Small and Medium Business, and help them pioneer for their business."
US Embassy Cambodia Verified Twitter account @USEmbPhnomPenh
"U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh invited American jewelry designer Michele Benjamin to Cambodia to discuss women’s entrepreneurship and small business development. Michele worked with local partners, such as Artisan d’Angkor, Friends International, University of Southeast Asia, Harpswell Foundation, and many other local organizations in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. #WomenEmpowerment; #Entrepreneurship #ArtsEnvoy #MicheleBenjamin Jewelry Design, U.S. Department of State Exchange Programs."
U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh
- June 26, 2019
"The women were encouraged to form their own alliances and create “Woman-owned” and “Made in Cambodia” 🇰🇭 branding. Instead of waiting to be invited to “take a seat at the table”, they were encouraged to “build their own table”"
VOD Hot News - World Press Freedom Daily: 8 Minute Talk (Television Spot) Kmer Language. Phnom Penh Cambodia
- June 22, 2019
"Directors and lead coordinators from the jewelry department at "Artisans D’Angkor" Siem Reap, Cambodia, who attended my jewelry workshops. We created beads from air dry clay using locally sourced materials and mixed media. Wire metal work was done at Pouk Silk Farm. #michelebenjamin #jewelry #artisansdangkor #exchangeourworld #madeinnyfashion #cambodia #artisansdangkor "
CPN - Cambodia Plus News
- June 11, 2019
""#SavingAnimalsThroughArt Cultural Exchange Program enables Loa artists and students to become actively involved and to spread public awareness about the importance of animal conservation. This is opening up a dialogue by engaging artists and students to become socially active in their community through their art practice to affect social change and bring about awareness of animal trafficking." - Michele Benjamin"
Facebook Live - Lao Youth Radio
- June 03, 2019
"#SavingAnimalsThroughArt enables Loa artists and students to become actively involved and to spread public awareness about the importance of animal conservation. This is opening up a dialogue by engaging artists and students to become socially active in their community through their art practice to affect social change and bring about awareness of animal trafficking." - Michele Benjamin"
US Embassy Vientiane, Laos - Facebook Live Video
- June 05, 2019
"Michele Benjamin is a jewelry designer that showcased her innovative designs in the Fall 18 fashion show. Her trademark is a bee which was inspired by the beehives [on the rooftop at] the Whitney Museum. Aside from bees, her jewelry is also inspired by nature and floral scenery. Michele’s jewelry can be seen on numerous models throughout the Fall 18 fashion show. All her pieces are made from sustainable sterling silver and crafted in Queens, New York. Michele is best known for her liberty [pin] that represents woman’s rights...[she designed for] the National Women History Museum. Editorial Article and Photos by Monifa Payne"
Floss Magazine
- September 09, 2018
"Her jewelry collection is inspired by an appreciation for fine art and nature. Her “Bees” are in the Whitney Museum Shop. Her artistic designs are certified “Made in New York” of sustainable sterling silver. She earned a BA in Art History from Arizona State University with post-graduate studies at Parsons School of Design. "
Artistar - Milan Fashion Week
- February 22, 2018
"A public reminder to save the Garment Center. Gale A Brewer, Manhattan Borough President, Rep Carolyn Maloney NY Congresswoman and NYC Designers"
WWD
- September 09, 2017
"Susan Saradon made an appearance on The Tonight Show ..." - Wearing Michele Benjamin Bee Charm Necklace"
Just Jared
- August 15, 2017
Press Releases
December 02, 2021 -
July 25, 2021 -
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August 20, 2020 -
February 24, 2020 -
July 19, 2019 -
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February 22, 2018 -
September 10, 2017 -
Awards
Feb. - Sept. 2021: VERIZON MENTORSHIP PROGRAM TECH INCUBATOR, QUEENS COLLEGE, CUNY Awarded 6-month Digital Marketing Training Program. Sponsored by Verizon and Yahoo, and Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program.
- February 01, 2021
Global NY STEP 9 Grant Program Award "State Trade Expansion Program" Empire State Development Corporation, NYS, to Promote "Made in New York" products at SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL JEWELRY EXPO (SIJE), Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, July 14-17, 2022.
- August 16, 2021
NYFA New York City Artist Corps Grant Award Recipient:
- August 25, 2021
Global NY STEP 8 Grant Program Award - for travel to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to attend meetings scheduled through the U.S. Commercial Service Gold Key Matching Service.
- November 14, 2019
Michele Benjamin, Arts Envoy: U.S Department of State: Cultural Exchange Program "Women's Empowerment" CAMBODIA
- June 11, 2019
Michele Benjamin, Arts Envoy: U.S Department of State: Cultural Exchange Program - "Wildlife Conservation" LAOS
- June 01, 2019
Images
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Testimonials
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh invited American jewelry designer Michele Benjamin to Cambodia to discuss Women’s Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development. #Cambodia #womenempowerment #michelebenjamin #ArtsEnvoy
Check out http://tinyurl.com/yybkmzrm "
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Cultural Programs Division @CultureAtState Twitter U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Laos
Jewelry designer, @michelebenjamin, is an Arts Envoy in @usembassyvte working on wildlife trafficking and women's economic empowerment!
See the full video here: https://bit.ly/2XupeJp
#ExchangeOurWorld #michelebenjamin #ArtsEnvoy"
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Came just as described. Very well packaged.
18K Rose Gold Plated London Blue Topaz Lucky Elephant Necklace 16"
Hunter S., Hunswa_22 - Ebay Feedback Reviews"
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Her jewelry is equisitly handcrafted and beautiful !
I am the proud owner af the Sterling Silver Dragonfly Charm Necklace and I love it !
5 Stars - Google Reviews"
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I had the pleasure of meeting Michele first hand. For me, the pin represents our meeting as well as something else that is more personal to me.
In Silicon Valley, where my office is located, formal wear is rarely worn, so I have been keeping the pin on my backpack instead of a lapel; I will be wearing it instead of a tie next time I wear something more formal though - its simplicity is part of its elegance. For me, the pin has come to represent the idea that I am contributing to something bigger than myself the way a bee contributes to the betterment of the hive for the sake of the colony. So thank you for this beautiful and humbling reminder.
5 Stars - Google Reviews"
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I love her stuff! Amazing quality, designs and prompt service. The jewelry is so well crafted and artistic. I have one of her Hummingbird necklaces and get compliments on it every time I wear it. Just bought an adorable Dragonfly Charm for a friend. Was very pleased with the quick service, it arrived in perfect time for her birthday. She was thrilled!
5 Stars - Google Reviews"
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Love love love her jewelry! I love that it's nature inspired! Michele is lovely and very talented.
5 Stars - Yelp Reviews"
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"It was an honor to be able to showcase your work. Many thanks again for joining us and for the amazing work that you do! It was wonderful to feature the products and services you provide right here in New York... they are inspiring.
the Good Stuff team."
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The Female Founder Collective is a network of businesses led by women, supporting women whose mission is to enable and empower female owned and led businesses to positively impact our communities, both socially and economically.
WBE Certification
This certification will remain in effect for three years or until April 30, 2021.
"WOSB" CERTIFICATION: Women Owned Small Business Certification
"WOSB" CERTIFICATION:
Women Owned Small Business Certification
Certification, Sponsor, Mentor, Mark of Distinction
Made in NY allows qualifying businesses to use the Made in NY mark on their website and in promotional material to indicate support of the program. Use of the Made in NY mark allows fashion designers to illustrate their commitment to local production and the aims of the City’s program, not to brand specific apparel or accessories items.
Certification, Sponsor, Mentor
MiQ (formerly Made in Queens) is a curated collection of locally made, quality products that are sold online, in select locations, and at pop-up shops. Since opening our doors in June 2016 we have been going strong, being featured in numerous exciting opportunities throughout the New York City area.
We originally only worked with products made in the borough of Queens, but we have since expanded to include all of New York State. We are always on the lookout for the best products and the best places to introduce these products to consumers.
MiQ‘s mission is to sell small batch, originally manufactured local products. The goal is to promote local makers and manufacturers, share their stories, and provide an opportunity for new and existing local businesses to grow and flourish.
Downloads
Michele Benjamin Artist Statement and Bio PDF
Michele Benjamin Artist Statement and Bio
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