The first Jewelry Artist In Residence Program to run in a museum worldwide is now open to national and international artists all year round. Artist Residents may choose to work in the Metalsmithing Studio (ZEM) or the Jewelry Crafts Studio (ZEDET) both located on the Museum premises.
About the JaIR Program
The Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum (ILJM), inaugurates the first Jewelry Artist in Residence Program in a museum, worldwide. The Residency applies to artists that wish to engage in cultivating their art and developing in public activities with visitors and other artists.
The Jewelry Artist Residence program (JaIR) invites artists and public to a dialogue of creation and development exclusively on artistic studio jewelry. It provides a time of reflection, research, production, and immersion into a new culture of contemporary studio jewelry. Residents are encouraged to explore their practice within a public space; meeting new people, using new materials, experimenting in a new location and potentially integrating elements into their art. Art residencies emphasize the importance of meaningful and multi-layered cultural exchange and immersion into a unique environment, with live feedback and immediate enhancing of knowledge.
Where the JaIR Program takes place?
The Jewelry Artist in Residence Program is located within the Museum premises, in the ZEM workshop “Jewelry Metalsmithing Studio” and ZEDET workshop “Jewelry Crafts Studio”. The Residents may work during museum operating hours, use all available tools and machinery on site and have access to the Museum’s research facilities.
To whom the JaIR Program is addressed?
The ILJM invites applications from local and international mid-career artists working on studio jewelry or traditional crafts, architects and engineers. Applicants must have considerable experience in professional practice and be able to demonstrate ongoing development in their field. Available seats commence every month and run throughout the year. The duration of Residencies varies from two to six months.
Decorative & Fine Arts residencies
Aims & Goals
JaIR is an integral part of the ILJM’s innovative programs to engage both artists and public for further understanding and learning the art of studio jewelry. The benefit of hands-on programs establishes new educational material for promoting the art of jewelry and enhancing both the museum artifacts and the understanding for contemporary artistic jewelry.
The JaIR program aims to create interactive relationships and bonds with artists and creators of jewelry and decorative arts,
not only during their residency in the ILJMuseum’s workshops, but also after its completion.
INFO
In order to receive the Application Form for the Internship and the Jair Program, please express your interest by sending us an email at the following email adresses and we will response soon.
For more information and application brochures.
Eleni Mastoras: administration@lalaounis-jewelrymuseum.gr
Byron G. Vafeiadis: educational@lalaounis-jewelrymuseum.gr
MEET FERNANDA
ZEM Resident, Summer 2026
My name is Fernanda Grizzo. I am Brazilian and work as a goldsmith specializing in talismanic jewelry.
I am currently a Resident at ZEM, Metalsmithing studio at the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum.
I would like to share some of my creative process with you! My practice explores jewelry as adornment. During my days here I have investigated jewelry as a practice but also its symbolic, cultural, and spiritual functions across societies. Jewelry has long played a central role in marking social transitions, such as weddings and baptisms, as well as in expressing beliefs through protective amulets, prosperity talismans, and other ritual objects. Through my work, I examine how these meanings are materialized in precious metals and continue to resonate in contemporary practice.
I would be delighted to welcome you to the ZEM studio, share my recent work, and discuss the fascinating ways jewelry embodies history, identity, and belief.
My open studio hours are Monday to Friday 10.00 am – 4.00 pm and I will be at the Museum until July 29th.
See you in my work space
Fernanda Grizzo
