"BEADS ARE THE ONE ADORNMENT THAT LINKS ALL CULTURES." Carmen Mares-Kelly was born in the historic district of Taos, New Mexico where her father built their adobe home. Her art reflects the best of Southwest Traditions and she captures the beauty, vibrant colors and mystical light of Taos in her creations. The inspiration for her necklaces comes from the beauty of the Taos environment, Mother Natu
re and Frida Kahlo, a famous Mexican artist. Carmen’s unique, handcrafted creations are made of precious and semi precious stones. The gems used to make her beautiful necklaces and earrings include; turquoise, coral, black onyx, pearl, quartz, Peruvian opal, Swarovski crystal, pearls and exquisite stones. Pieces range from earthy to elegant and are one of a kind and cutting edge in jewelry design. Her jewelry has been exhibited in several art shows. She has twice won first prize at the “Taos Fall Arts Festival”. Carmen’s works are currently being featured at the Lumina Fine Arts Gallery and Inger Jirby Gallery in Taos, New Mexico. The proceeds of Carmen’s sales go to the Shay Kelly Memorial Fund. Shay, Carmen’s son, majored in Environmental Studies in Santiago, Chile. He tutored Chilean children and worked with orphans while there where he tragically died at the age of twenty. His Memorial Fund awards scholarships to high school students and non-profits that are involved in environmental studies or community building. Shay believed that teaching the next generation of earth stewards was the way to honor Mother Earth. Understanding and protecting Mother Earth is necessary for the health of all people.
