Pleiades was begun in 1985 by 7 local women jewelry artists looking for a way to show their art and gain recognition. The initial group included Haesun Chung (Meon), Deborah Dubois, Joan Levy, Desiree Midgett, Pat Perito, Judy Sugar and Marie Susinno. The first show took place in the Garret Park Town Hall. The same seven women produced the second show the following year. Over time the show grew and evolved, eventually moving to the Women’s Club of Bethesda on Old Georgetown Road.
No longer just seven sisters as implied by its constellation namesake, Pleiades has grown to 20 women, primarily all local artists, who create quality hand-crafted jewelry and metalwork. Pleiades is now made up of a core group of twelve artists and a changing roster of guest artists each year. Additionally, we added a juried student booth to give new student jewelers a mentored experience in a retail show. Over time more than 80 artists have participated in Pleiades — all women. The work has included one-of-a-kind silver and gold pieces; with gemstones, dichroic glass, beads, paper and enamels, along with silver flatware, vessels, and table sculpture.
The women of Pleiades are represented in numerous private collections and museums, including the Renwick Museum of Contemporary Art and Craft in Washington, D.C. In 2010, we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of our annual show and sale in Bethesda, Maryland. As part of our Silver Anniversary Celebration we highlighted a display of work from the seven original Pleiades members.
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