Earl Pardon: Palette Maestro

April 13 – August 10, 2008 

Organized by Rosanne Raab, this colorful exhibition presents a career survey of the work of internationally respected American metalsmith Earl Pardon from the 1950s through the 1990s. Pardon was a major contributor to the rise of American studio jewelry in the second half of the 20th century. This show brings together wearable pieces and hollowware to trace his career-long interests in color and design in metal.

Trained formally as a painter, Pardon is best known for jewelry that incorporates rich colors in both enameled metal surfaces and colored gemstones. He is often credited for playing a significant role in the revival of the art of enameling, as well as introducing enamel as a design element in industry. 

Earl Pardon

Mosaic Panel Necklace, 1987

Enamel, semi-precious stones, ebony, mother-of-pearl,

sterling silver, and 14k gold

Leatrice S. Eagle

Photography: Murray Riss, Memphis, TN 

Earl Pardon: Palette Maestro has been organized by Rosanne Raab, Curator/Lecturer, Craft + Design

This exhibition at the Racine Art Museum is made possible by: Premier Sponsors – Karen Johnson Boyd and William B. Boyd, SC Johnson, and Members of the RAM Society; Exhibition Sponsors – Racine United Arts Fund and Wisconsin Arts Board, with funds from the State of Wisconsin; Educational Programs Sponsor – Educators Credit Union.