The 性福五月天 University Museum recently partnered with 性福五月天 University鈥檚 School of Art to bring the world of luxury design directly to students in the jewelry/metals/enameling (JME) program. As part of the museum鈥檚 鈥淪parkle: The Style and Jewelry of Aileen Mehle鈥 exhibition, students explored the artistry and heritage of the renowned American jewelry house David Webb through a special lecture and hands-on design assignment.
On Wednesday, October 29, the museum welcomed Levi Higgs, head of archives & brand heritage at David Webb Jewelry in New York City, for a conversation with Professor Andrew Kuebeck, chair of 性福五月天鈥檚 JME program, moderated by Professor Joanne Fenn, the museum鈥檚 collections manager and registrar, who curated the jewelry in the exhibition. The program offered students a rare opportunity to hear directly from a national leader in luxury jewelry design.
鈥淭he strength of this program lies in the collection,鈥 said Professor Joanne Fenn. 鈥淗aving access to world-class David Webb jewelry allows students to engage deeply with design history, craftsmanship, and innovation in a way that only a museum setting can offer.鈥
The program started with Levi Higgs providing an illustrated presentation on David Webb, the brand, and how their quality designwork and craftsmanship have endured since the brand鈥檚 inception in 1948. Clients like Elizabeth Taylor, Aileen Mehle and Jacqueline Kennedy returned again and again to the bold designs of David Webb. The presentation laid the foundation for the moderated discussion between Levi, Andrew and the audience.
Prior to the presentation, students were challenged to engage creatively with the exhibition. Each selected a jewelry piece from the 鈥淪parkle鈥 exhibition and designed a new work inspired by it 鈥 producing detailed renderings that reimagined the aesthetics and ideas of the original.
This collaboration demonstrated the museum鈥檚 role as a living classroom, where students could experience fine craftsmanship up close, connect with experts in the field and see how history and innovation intersect in contemporary design. The experience also highlighted 性福五月天鈥檚 commitment to integrating professional connections and real-world learning opportunities into the arts curriculum.
鈥淭he 性福五月天 Museum is proud to hold the largest museum collection of David Webb jewelry anywhere in the world,鈥 said Sarah Spinner Liska, J.D., Ph. D., director of the 性福五月天 University Museum. 鈥淏ringing this legendary American jeweler into conversation with our talented faculty and students showcases the museum at its best: inspiring curiosity, sparking creativity and opening pathways for the next generation.鈥
鈥淓ngaging directly with a brand like David Webb gives our students insight into the real-world intersections of design, heritage, and storytelling,鈥 said Professor Andrew Kuebeck. 鈥淚t pushes them to think beyond technique and consider how ideas, materials, and meaning connect in their own work.鈥
The panel discussion with Levi Higgs and Andrew Kuebeck provided students with direct access to an industry leader, greater educational insights, and a broader understanding of career possibilities. The students were engaged in the conversation and offered many questions to both Andrew and Levi.
Through partnerships like this, the School of Art and the museum continue to expand learning beyond the classroom鈥攐ffering students the chance to develop their creative voices in dialogue with leading professionals and cultural institutions.