Phyllis Wiggins-Horne / Jewelry Artist / Divine Treasures and Gems

Name: Phyllis Wiggins – Horne

City: Raymore, MO

Business Name: Divine Treasures and Gems

Medium: Jewelry – natural gem stones and semi-precious gemstones and wire

Facebook: Divine Treasures and Gems

Instagram: @divinetreasuresg

Website: www.divinetreasuresgem.com

Membership Status:  General Member, will be applying for juried status next go around

How Long a BOMH Member: About 3 years

Why did you join BOMH? A friend encouraged me to join because she felt I had grown as an artist and that I could benefit from the group.

Do you do create art full time?  I work part time at a Women’s Shelter and Sub at the local Elementary and Middle School.  I also have another business where I create cake pops (cake on a stick) for events like weddings, anniversary parties and birthdays.

How long have you been creating jewelry? About 10 years

Where did you grow up? Chicago, IL.

Where your parents creative? My Grandmother was creative, hat making and crocheting….I got my creative interest from her.

What inspired you to start creating?  I enjoy nature and colors and am inspired when I go outside, especially the night sky, it is very inspirational.  I am also inspired by people, fashion and dress.

What do you enjoy most about creating art? It’s nice to see and meet people.  I love when I talk with someone and I can design a piece around that person using some of their ideas to create a one of a kind.  I enjoy doing commissions and getting special orders.  Art shows allow me to meet and mingle with other creative people, I like their energy.  Art brings out the best in people, I love the emotional connection that can be made.

Do you do shows/exhibits?  Yes, I did Powell Gardens this spring, the Ward Parkway Show, and I just did the UnPlaza Art Show.  I’m also a member of Summit Art in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.  I have done exhibits there and look forward to participating in future member shows. I’ve been in a few galleries shows, business events, home shows, and have been asked to participate in the Raytown Invitational.

Any upcoming shows/exhibits?  Upcoming shows include the Mid-Winter Art Association show which will be held in Kansas this February.  I also have the Mix and Mingle American Women Business Association.  Kansas City Breast Cancer Awareness show, and the Holly, Holly, Holly Show.  All of these are in the Kansas City Missouri and Overland Park area in Kansas.

Are you in any galleries/shops? Yes, I have had my work at St. Luke’s Hospital, Images Art Gallery (Fall/Christmas Holiday Show) and Summit Art – Got Art Gallery.

What is your favorite thing to create? I am drawn towards turquoise and wire.  I like to create pieces with these materials.  I love to use my imagination and creativity.

If you could give a piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?  Be patient, get involved in an artists group of some kind for encouragement and resources.  Participation is important.  Take workshops and always be willing to learn and grow.

What groups are you a member of? Best of Missouri Hands and Summit Art

Hobbies?  Baking

Dream Vacation? Would really like to travel to Italy because of all the beautiful colors and Nigeria.  The colors, the food, the pictures, all these are nice, but nothing compares to going there and experiencing it firsthand.