Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Nestled in the heart of the Historic Spanish Village in Carefree, Grace Renee Gallery has for the past five years offered the community a refreshingly beautiful way to explore elegant, artfully designed jewelry as well as inspiring sculptures, spectacular wall art and stunning ceramics.

Owner Shelly Spence carefully selects each and every item in her sophisticated showroom, which is a reflection of the creativity and imagination of the talented artists and designers whose collections she affectionately carries.

This month, in honor of its fifth anniversary of bringing art and elegance to the community, Grace Renee Gallery will host a three-day celebration as it invites guests to immerse themselves in an ambiance of sophistication and refinement while engaging in enriching conversations with special guests and enjoying fine wines and delectable appetizers.

Time To Toast
Grace Renee Gallery’s celebration will start on Thursday, Jan. 25, as James D. Malcolmson entices guests into the awe-inspiring world of luxury watches. The exclusive event will offer a rare opportunity to not only behold a mesmerizing collection of horological marvels but also meet the master horologist and distinguished journalist.

“A true luminary of the timekeeping world, James possesses a profound understanding of the diverse techniques employed in the industry today,” Spence says. “Having traversed factories and workshops across the globe during his more than two decades of dedicated focus on timepieces, he has gleaned a wealth of insight into the luxury watch industry.”

Drawing upon his extensive horological knowledge, Malcolmson will present an exquisite, meticulously handpicked collection of both new and pre-owned luxury timepieces, including Corum, Bovet and Armin Strom, each of which exemplifies the pinnacle of craftsmanship and design and tells a unique story of precision, artistry and innovation.

As Malcolmson guides Grace Renee Gallery’s guests through the intricate world of luxury watches during the special event, they will gain insights into the intricate art of watchmaking, the history of renowned brands and the nuances that make each timepiece a coveted masterpiece.

From Electrifying To Elegant
The following day, on Friday, Jan. 26, London’s renowned contemporary fine jeweler, Stephen Webster, will make a rare guest appearance at Grace Renee Gallery. The British designer is renowned for his edgy, avant-garde creations that mix elegant diamonds, gold and pearls with unexpected materials — such as fossilized wood, dinosaur bone and brilliantly colored enamel.

“Stephen’s jewelry creations defy convention, embodying intelligence, thought-provocation and visionary aesthetics,” says Spence, whose gallery is the only showroom in Arizona graced with the honor of carrying Webster’s highly coveted jewelry.

Drawing inspiration from art, fashion, music, literature and the natural world, Webster’s pieces pay homage to both cutting-edge techniques and the timeless artistry of British craftsmanship and goldsmithing. Moreover, his designs have graced the fingers, necks and ears of just about every A-list celebrity, affording him the moniker, “Jeweler to the Stars.”

“Get ready for an exhilarating evening filled with exclusive designs, captivating stories shared by Stephen himself and the chance to immerse yourself in high-level glamour,” Spence adds. “This exceptional event promises an unforgettable experience that I hope will be as unique and captivating as Stephen’s creations themselves.”

A Proprietary Premiere
During the final day of its fifth-anniversary celebration, on Saturday, Jan. 27, Grace Renee Gallery will host an exclusive event showcasing the latest designs from New York fine jewelry house Alex Sepkus. Rooted in ancient traditions, Alex Sepkus jewelry is modern art that can be worn with ease.

“These jewelry pieces are known for their playful and quirky yet understated elegance and intricacy,” Spence notes. “Each one reflects Alex Sepkus’ interpretations of life and literature, and has been crafted using techniques that require tremendous skill, often under a microscope, to achieve a unique proprietary texture.”

As Alex Sepkus’ first trunk show, the event will offer guests an exclusive opportunity to explore new, one-of-a-kind and unusual jewelry pieces, ensuring a truly unique experience for everyone in attendance.

“I sincerely hope that every person who has walked through the doors of Grace Renee Gallery over the past five years knows just how grateful I am to be a part of their community and their lives,” Spence says. “I invite everyone to join us 4–7 p.m. each day during our three-day anniversary event and share in our celebration.”

Grace Renee Gallery’s Fifth-Anniversary Celebration
Jan. 25–27 // 4–7 p.m. // Grace Renee Gallery // 7212 E. Ho Road, Carefree // Free // 480-575-8080 // gracereneegallery.com