There's a lot to love here: The teachers and students of the Clear Creek Academy of Jewelry and Metal Arts will be showing and selling handcrafted pieces as part of the Navajo Street Art District's First Friday gathering. Through classes at the school, beginning to advanced jewelry-makers have had a chance to hone their skills, while preparing for this "It's All About the Love" show and sale.

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With pieces ranging from $20 to upwards of $250, the jewelry show is a chance for the artists to focus on their chosen craft, while thinking about the broader market of potential buyers. Plus, the Arts District's involvement in First Friday activities gives the school an opportunity to connect with potential students, as well as customers.

"We started opening on First Friday for jewelry shows and are working on small projects events," says apprentice Louisa Berky. The Clear Creek Academy's location along the strip of bustling art galleries made the idea of opening up the school for shows an no-brainer.

Berky, a silversmith who sells pieces through her own company, Louisa B Designs, began taking classes at Clear Creek three years ago. These classes, along with small business classes, helped her take her hobby to a more professional level. "My family has been given various jewelry projects over the years," jokes Berky. The show "was incentive to produce and create special pieces."

From beginner to advanced silversmithing to stone-setting and lost wax-casting, the Academy offers classes year-round and is open to all levels of jewelry-makers. Drawing classes are also taught on site by Elayne Moseley -- who also teaches at the Art Students League of Denver -- for those looking to get a handle on the preliminary design work for metal art.

This Friday's show will feature work from students and instructors including Cynthia Hildner, Sammie Kinder, Jennifer Knollenberg, Sandy Grotewohl, Mary Dyk, Krista Lavonas, Teresa Krage and Berky. Paintings by Moseley will also be on display.

The "It's All About the Love" jewelry and art show runs this Friday, February 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Clear Creek Academy Jewelry and Metal Arts, 3648 Navajo Street. For more information on the show or classes, visit Clear Creek's website.

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