Born in Evansville, Indiana, Sara Kay Rhoades was introduced to the art of jewelry making through her husband’s grandparents Albert and Virginia Rhoades while studying sculpture at the University of Southern Indiana.  Albert and Virginia had spent many years traveling the US scouring mines for precious gemstones that Albert then cabbed and fashioned into heirloom silver pieces for his family and friends.

After taking a few classes from the Evansville Lapidary Society and at USI Sara experienced a smooth transition from designing large scale bronze sculptures to tiny wearable works of art winning several awards for her jewelry before graduating with a BS in fine art.  After graduation in 2006, the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art in New Harmony, IN requested to carry Sara’s jewelry in their gallery.  This simple invitation sparked a fire that led to the creation of S.K. Rhoades Design and a line of contemporary jewelry that focuses on organic and floral forms.    

Sara’s jewelry was featured on the 2011 cover of Bead Star Magazine after winning the title of Best in Show.  Her work was also featured at the 2011 Mid-States Fine Craft Exhibition at the Evansville Museum of Art & Science.  She finished her MA at USI in summer of 2011 and currently works as the Assistant Director at the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art.

When not pursuing her interests in art and jewelry making, Sara enjoys spending time at Barnes and Noble with her husband Nicholas and their young daughter, Lyra Virginia.  Sara also loves flower and vegetable gardening and taking long walks by the Wabash River in New Harmony.

Jewelry from S.K. Rhoades Design is available on ETSY, directly from the artist, and at regional fine arts festivals.