Mignon Faget: A Life in Art and Design

Wednesday, I had the pleasure of visiting The Historic New Orleans Collection for the “Mignon Faget: A Life in Art and Design” Exhibit. This is truly a fascinating exhibit that everyone needs to check out on their own.  Housed in the beautiful Royal Street Complex, this exhibit celebrates the life and work of New Orleans’ own Mignon Faget, famous for her wonderful jewelry designs. 

You definitely do not want to miss out on this exceptional exhibition, which is on display September 22, 2010 through January 2, 2011. You will see her creative artistry and craftsmanship displayed through jewelry, clothing and furnishings. There is no shortage of beauty and intelligence to be found in each collection.  With hundreds of pieces on display there is something for all tastes to admire.

Mignon Faget has a career lasting four decades, rooted in her love for New Orleans and fashion. Mignon Faget started her road to creativity by designing clothes. She designed the dresses for her graduating class of 1951 at the Academy of Sacred Heart.  She then went on to focus on metalwork, sculpting and drawing. Later in 1963, she began to design jewelry; a famous example is when she re-designed a gold ring she owned, which began her adventures in jewelry design. Many of her works of art utilize engraved patterns to reflect the inspiration found in Sea and Earth, Coral, Iron and more.

“With this exhibition, we wanted not only to celebrate the finished piece, but also to explore the broader aspects of jewelry design and craftsmanship,” said Judith H. Bonner, senior curator at The Collection. “We have included drawings and prints that show the evolution of Mignon Faget’s creative process, and several materials that have inspired her, such as shells, stones, and bones.”

It was amazing to see such works of art as an Aegean Reef Necklace, made of white coral and sterling silver, and the Voussoir Collar, made of 14-karat gold plate. I was fascinated by a Waisted Ellipse Yellow Agate Talisman necklace made of silver, jasper, copper and wire. Mignon Faget’s designs demonstrate true creativity.

“Mignon Faget: A Life in Art and Design” is free and open to the public Tuesday–Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The exhibition is presented with support from the following sponsors: Carrigee, Moore & Levy LLP, Certified Public Accountants; Adams and Reese LLP; First Bank and Trust; Glade Bilby II; and Lakeside Shopping Center.

 

Exhibition Programming

In addition to the display in the Williams Gallery, The Collection will host the following events and programs in conjunction with the exhibition “Mignon Faget: A Life in Art and Design”

 

Opening Reception

Thursday, September 30

5:30–8 p.m.

The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal Street

Join The Historic New Orleans Collection for the opening reception of the new exhibition “Mignon Faget: A Life in Art and Design.” Curator Judith H. Bonner will join the designer to meet guests and discuss the exhibition. This event is free and open to the public.

 

Wednesday, October 6

6:30–8 p.m.

The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal Street

Noted New Orleans jewelry designer Mignon Faget will be the featured speaker in this free presentation. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. Reservations may be made by calling (504) 523-4662 or emailing wrc@hnoc.org.

 

Saturday, December 11, 2010

2–4 p.m.

The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal Street

Mignon Faget returns to The Collection for a Saturday program. Details will be announced as determined. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. Reservations may be made by calling (504) 523-4662 or emailing wrc@hnoc.org.