A Finding Aid to the Society of North American Goldsmiths Records, 1949-2008, bulk 1965-2008, in the Archives of American Art

Scope and Contents

The records of the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) measures 15.3 linear feet and date from 1949-2008, with the bulk of the records dating between 1965-2008. The records document the history of this organization through administrative files, printed materials, photographic material, and audiovisual recordings. Administrative files include materials from SNAG conferences, meeting minutes, administrative and general correspondence, financial records, and papers pertaining to the soceity's various endeavors. Printed materials consist of SNAG newsletters, its Metalsmith magazine, as well as event ephemera. Other materials include exhibition materials from group and solo shows; materials published by other professional organizations, museums, and galleries; artist cards and biographical summaries; and more. Photographic material depicts SNAG members and events, competition submissions, wearable art and other forms of jewelery and sculpture. Audiovisual material consists mostly of presentations made at SNAG's 1993 conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, and also includes presentations made by other creators, audio recordings from a goldsmith forum, and exhibition recordings.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged as 4 series.

Biographical / Historical

The Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) was founded in 1969 to provide a meeting-place for contemporary jewelers and metalsmiths, to encourage the free exchange of information inside the field, to promote the field to a wider audience, and to recognize outstanding creative achievement. The organization held its first conference in 1970, and that same year held its first exhibition in conjunction with the Minnesota Museum of Art. Between 1970 and 1980, the size of membership grew from around 50 members to over one thousand. In 1980, SNAG published the first edition of its quarterly magazine, Metalsmith. The organization also published brochures and newsletters; sponsored workshops, competitions, and lectures; supported an audiovisual library composed of technical sets, films, and exhibitions for its members and educational institutions; and distrbuted books by metalismiths, jewelery makers, and other creators.