Meet the artist:
Sherry Serafini

Sherry was raised in a military family, moving every few years. She credits that nomadic lifestyle with giving her an adventurous and uninhibited approach to her work. Always the artist, even in childhood Sherry found herself preferring more artistic activities than most. Sherry studied and earned a degree in Graphic Design at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh - to which she states to this day is where she encountered some of her greatest inspirations and mentors. After college, Sherry worked as an Ad Director for the local newspaper - it wasn’t until the birth of her daughters which inspired her to pick up beads. Sherry has dabbled with nearly every medium available - none of which compare to the emotions she evokes from her beadwork.

Unusual objects and shapes become part of a new story as Sherry stitches beads and gemstones, one at a time to her creations. Most pieces are born spontaneously as the beads and Sherry’s imagination dictate the design. She seldom works from sketches. Sherry finds this meditative form of art to be a rich counterpoint to a society full of instant gratification. Each piece designed by Sherry is entirely unique - no two pieces are the same. Even within the classroom, she encourages her students to work outside of the guidelines she provides, never fearing to take risk. Sherry believes that there is never enough beauty in the world and believes everyone should take time to create.

Sherry was voted one of the top 10 instructors in the United States by Bead & Button magazine. She lectures and teaches throughout the world. She has been published and has written articles for several well-known magazines. Her work has been featured on the covers of trade magazines and catalogs and is the co-author of the Art of Bead Embroidery with artist & friend Heidi Kummli and Sensational Bead Embroidery by Sherry Serafini. Sherry’s beaded art is known internationally and has been worn by Grammy winner Melissa Etheridge, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Lenny Kravitz, pro golfer Michelle Wie and singer Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas.