Jo Ann Graham: From Dance to Silversmithing

Jo Ann Graham, a former dancer who transitioned into a dance consultant and now works as a silversmith, showcases her creations in metal and mixed media. After obtaining an MFA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, she served for two decades as the inaugural dance consultant for the South Carolina State Department of Education, enhancing dance programs in local schools. Subsequently, she pursued silversmithing at the Franconia Institute of Art in New Hampshire and established her studio in Beaufort, South Carolina. Graham has trained under notable artisans like Michael Good, Betty Hellen Longi, and Fabriscio Aquafresca, employing techniques such as forging, casting, chasing, and repousse. Her award-winning jewelry and functional art have gained national and international recognition, though she now experiments with alternative metals and woods due to increasing silver prices.