first, second and third place entries in this year’s Refined Art Metals/Jewelrmpetition and Exhibitiony Co

From left to right: Aric Verrastro’s first place entry, “Zafiro;” Melissa Lovingood’s second place entry, “Barnacle Pin;” and Amanda Bartlett’s third place entry, “As Above, So Below.”


NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Artwork by Aric Verrastro of Menomonie, Wisconsin, took first place in this year’s Refined Art Metals/Jewelry Competition and Exhibition at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Refined is a biennial exhibition of jewelry and metalwork hosted by the art metals program in SFA’s School of Art. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the event. Perry A. Price, executive director of the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft in Houston, served as juror.

Verrastro’s piece, titled “Zafiro,” was designed with steel, sterling silver and mixed media. Melissa Lovingood of Greensboro, North Carolina, took second place with “Barnacle Pin,” a design of sterling silver and shell. Third place winner was Amanda Bartlett of San Antonio with “As Above, So Below,” a design of brass, steel and mixed media.

Refined opened Oct. 26 and will show through Dec. 29 in The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House, 329 E. Main St. The Cole Art Center is SFA’s historic downtown gallery. Admission to the exhibition is free.

For more information, call (936) 468-1131.