ARTIST: DONNA WELHOEFER

My passion for stones began in childhood, combing the shores of Lake Superior with my family in search of agates. We’d return home to tumble our finds, eagerly awaiting the polished results. Those early experiences instilled a deep appreciation for natural beauty, which continues to inspire my work today. Growing up immersed in nature—hiking, camping, and skiing—I developed an eye for organic forms and flowing designs, recognizing that nature rarely adheres to sharp edges.

In 2012, I took my first sterling silver jewelry class at the Peninsula School of Art in Door County, Wisconsin. I was immediately captivated. When I asked the instructor about the minimal equipment needed to begin silversmithing, she estimated around $150—a generous understatement, perhaps, to nurture my enthusiasm! Since then, I’ve expanded my skills through classes, workshops, and countless hours of experimentation, which remains my most valuable teacher.
 

Studio: 40th & Plum Sterling Jewelry Studio 

Medium: Sterling Silver Jewelry 

Website: https://www.donnawelhoeferjewelry.com/

Email: dwelhoef at gmail.com 

Home Base: Eagle River, WI

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/40thandplum/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/40thandPlum