Artistry on Main is home to several West Virginia artists and their work. Through this column, receive a behind-the-curtain view of the background and inspirations of each local artist. See their work — and sometimes the artists themselves — at Artistry on Main, 27 E. Main Street in Buckhannon.
BUCKHANNON – Christine Keller – under the artist moniker, Chrizart – is a life-long creative mind who has designed handmade, statement jewelry pieces since 2008.
“I have been creative all my life and still do many art forms, from wood carving to needle felting, but I concentrate on the creation of one-of-a-kind jewelry,” Keller said. “I work in silver, copper, brass and aluminum with some gold.”
Keller’s jewelry features intricate designs with gemstones through techniques such as silver smithing, enameling, copper forging and wire wrapping. Oftentimes, Keller combines techniques to create unique pieces of jewelry.
Originally from upstate Pennsylvania, Keller said much of her work’s inspiration derives from the natural world around us in the hills of West Virginia.
“The colors found in nature, the feelings I experience when out in it, the peace and calm of a summer night, the mountains, the birds and other critters — they all inspire me,” Keller said. “Inspiration is everywhere to be found if you are open to it.”
Jewelry enthusiasts can find Chrizart pieces in galleries across the Mountain State: Artistry on Main in Buckhannon, Tamarack in Beckley, WV Highlands Artisans Gallery in Davis, the Delmonte in Elkins, Appalachian Gallery in Morgantown, Young at Art in Lewisburg and the Infamous Art Collective in Buckhannon, among other locations. Through hard work and an unending passion for the arts, Keller was also able to launch a jewelry line in China in 2016.
Keller’s pieces are available for purchase at Artistry on Main in a variety of products: statement necklaces, rings, bracelets and more. Check out her work for yourself at the galleries listed above or on Facebook, or purchase Chrizart items online.
“I believe that jewelry made by an artist should look like an artist made it,” Keller said. “My first goal is that when people look at a piece they know it is hand-created; my second goal is that they recognize it as a piece of Chrizart.”
“The world of art means that I can make a living doing what I love,” Keller expressed. “To have people appreciate my work enough to purchase it and make it their own always touches my soul… Every piece is made with love and thankfulness, and I want people to know I could not do this without them. Thank you.”
Celebrate local artists like Christine Keller at Artistry on Main at 27 E. Main Street in Buckhannon. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The gallery is closed on Mondays.
Follow Artistry on Main on Facebook for frequent updates about new products, artist spotlights and more. Bookmark the gallery’s website for more information.
