Jess Tolbert is an artist, curator, and educator based in El Paso, Texas. They received both their MFA and BFA with a focus in jewelry and metalsmithing.
Jess’ work is recognized and exhibited nationally and internationally, and has received numerous awards including the Preziosa Young 2020 award in Florence, Italy, and was a Finalist for the Loewe Craft Prize 2020.
Jess’ creative practice builds upon the legacy of utilizing found, or non-precious materials in jewelry and innovates by re-framing what material can do, and importantly, what it can say.
Originally Broadcast on July 19, 2025