Deirdre Jones

Biography

My journey at Western began in the fall of 2002, when I arrived with a lifelong passion for jewelry design and creation with a clear vision of becoming a professional jeweler. I quickly fell in love with Western and the strong sense of community that makes Gunnison such a special place.

I am honored to be back at Western as an instructor, sharing my knowledge of jewelry design, metalsmithing, and the business of being a working artist. I bring 25 years of experience in the jewelry industry, along with nearly 20 years of teaching art in schools and at the Gunnison Arts Center.

The art of adornment tells stories, celebrates individuality, and creates meaningful connections between the maker, the wearer, and the world around us. Teaching has become a natural extension of my artistic practice, bringing a new sense of purpose and fulfillment to my work. I find great joy in helping students discover their own creative voices while developing the skills and confidence to bring their ideas to life.