Claire Hasemeier, of Elsberry, MO, will exhibit her colorful, organic jewelry as the guest artist for July at the Alliance Art Gallery. Hasemeier, a member of Best of Missouri Hands, is widely recognized for her use of micro-macramé and cavandoli techniques that incorporates unique glass and ceramic beads, stones and handcrafted copper pendants in creating her one of a kind jewelry pieces.

A Texas native, raised in St. Louis, Hasemeier says she grew up with art, creating and crafting. She began her studies in art with Bob Allen at Meramec Community College and later, after moving to California, majored in art at San Jose State University with an emphasis in ceramics. Eventually returning to St. Louis, Hasemeier found time to explore basketry, off-loom weaving, and jewelry while raising a family and teaching middle school English and social studies. Always intrigued with the mixture of glass and ceramics with fiber, Hasemeier finds making jewelry with such combinations the perfect outlet for expressing her creativity.

From her country home overlooking the Mississippi River Valley, Hasemeier finds great inspiration in the natural world that surrounds her. Drawn to natural materials of stone, metal, cotton threads, glass and especially copper she strives to maintain an organic feel to her work. Bringing the colors of the seasons to her pieces usually begins with beautiful, unique beads that are combined with colorful, contrasting threads knotted and woven together resulting in her popular, sought after jewelry.

An exhibit of her work will open Saturday, July 11, with a reception beginning at 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will continue through August 7.