Society of North American Goldsmiths


The Society of North American Goldsmiths was founded in 1969. It is an international nonprofit organization that serves as the primary organization of jewelers and metal artists in North America. Anyone interested in the related fields may become a member. Members include independent studio artists, teachers, students, gallerists, collectors, curators, and writers.
SNAG is responsible for several major projects which contribute to the field: the publication of
Metalsmith and Metalsmith Tech magazines and an annual Jewelry and Metals Survey, an annual
conference, exhibitions, lectures, professional development, and a website. All of these resources
and events combine to document the work in the fields of jewelry, design, and metal arts;
advancing jewelry and metalsmithing by inspiring creativity, encouraging education, and
fostering community.

Brief History of SNAG

Founded in 1969, following a first meeting 1968. The original nine gold and silversmiths, called together by Philip Morton, were: Robert Ebendorf, Phillip Fike, Hero Keilman, Brent Kington, Stanley Lechtzin, Kurt Matzdorf, Ron Pearson, Olaf Skoogfors, and of course Morton.
In 1969, eighteen metalsmiths chose the name, planned the first conference and exhibition for 1970 in St. Paul, MN, and determined the long-range goals. There were criteria for membership :
The first conference was held in 1970.
The first exhibition was also held in 1970. Exhibitions held over the years include: “The Art of
Gold” curated by Michael Monroe, which traveled for three years, and "Framing the Art of
Jewelry," curated by Ellen Lupton at SOFA Chicago in 2007. In 2012, SNAG hosted “The Body
Adorned,” the first of many online exhibitions on their website.
Have produced 41 conferences, with the first one in 1970.
Have produced an estimated 30 exhibitions, with the first one in 1970. The most recent were “The Art of Gold” curated by Michael Monroe, which traveled for three years, and "Framing the Art of Jewelry," curated by Ellen Lupton at SOFA Chicago in 2007. In October 2012, SNAG will host their first online exhibition "The Body Adorned" on their website.

Annual Conferences

Previous conferences were held in the following cities: