Cancelled: “Intense Adornment” exhibit “Closing” Reception: Friday, March 20, 6 – 9 p.m.

Due to the need to maintain social distancing throughout the growing COVID-19 pandemic, the March 20 event (referenced below) will not take place.


"Intense Adornment: The Jewelry of Sue Szabo." Having over 25 years of metalsmithing experience, Szabo creates dramatic, geometric fine art presentation works and timeless adornment pieces that exemplify her innate skill for imagery through forged metals and enamel.

A solo exhibit of the captivating fine art presentation work and timeless adornment pieces of Toledo artist L. Sue Szabo.

20 North Gallery and the exhibiting artist of Intense Adornment, L. Sue Szabo, will be welcoming friends and collectors at the free Public “Closing” Reception on Friday, March 20, 2020 from 6 – 9 p.m. At the open house style event, guests will have a last-chance opportunity to enjoy one-on-one conversation with the artist while viewing the artwork before the exhibition’s close the following week.

The Intense Adornment exhibit continues through March 28, 2020.

Click to view the Intense Adornment exhibition catalogue (2nd edition), containing art images of the full exhibit, with artist info and commentary.

"Reflections on Nature," sterling silver and bicycle reflectors, by L. Sue Szabo. Photo by L. Sue Szabo.
“Reflections on Nature,” sterling silver and bicycle reflectors, by L. Sue Szabo. Photo by L. Sue Szabo.

The Intense Adornment exhibit features the intricate fine art presentation works of Szabo, complemented by her timeless adornment pieces. Having over 25 years of metalsmithing experience, Szabo creates dramatic geometric pieces that exemplify her innate skill for imagery through forged metals and enamel.

Simultaneously bold and intricate, Szabo’s meticulously crafted fine art jewelry pieces are equally engaging as independent works of wall-mounted or table-top sculpture as they are as articles of adornment. Through the use of traditional techniques and non-conventional materials, precious metals and gemstones, her fine hand and acute attention to detail enhance the intensity of her visual and tactile messaging—whether playful, poignant or profound.

As we enter the final third of this bold exhibit, many ‘fan-favorite’ pieces have already been purchased, however a compelling selection of new and striking pieces in the exhibit remain available to collectors!

L. Sue Szabo (Toledo, Ohio) began practicing medicine in 1988, receiving an M.D. through the Medical College of Ohio (Toledo, Ohio) while studying art through national workshops, the Toledo Museum of Art (Toledo, Ohio) and the University of Toledo in Ohio.

"Leaf Brooches," sterling silver and enamel, by L. Sue Szabo. Photo by L. Sue Szabo.
“Leaf Brooches,” sterling silver and enamel, by L. Sue Szabo. Photo by L. Sue Szabo.

Now retired from medical practice, Szabo focuses on metalsmithing and other art endeavors. With over 25 years of metalsmithing experience, Szabo’s artworks have appeared in scores of national and international museum shows, invitational and juried, receiving numerous awards, including First awards in the annual Materials: Hard + Soft International Contemporary Craft Competition and Exhibition (Denton, Texas) and Best Of  Ohio Designer Craftsmen (Ohio Craft Museum, Columbus, Ohio).

Szabo has completed impressive commission work, including a major sculptural work for the JP Morgan headquarters in London and a 750-piece enamel sculpture for the British cruise ship the MV Brittania. Szabo’s metal works appear in over 20 books and publications including Art Jewelry Today 4Tales from the Toolbox and The Art of Fine Enameling 2nd Edition. Several of Szabo’s recent artworks have been selected to appear in Out of This World: Jewelry in the Space Age, an upcoming exhibit at the Tellus Science Museum in Atlanta, Georgia.

"Signature Enamel series," ring, sterling silver and sgraffito enamel, by L. Sue Szabo. Photo by L. Sue Szabo.
“Signature Enamel series,” ring, sterling silver and sgraffito enamel, by L. Sue Szabo. Photo by L. Sue Szabo.

20 North Gallery Hours:
Wednesday – Saturday, Noon  –  4 p.m.
Or by Appointment

Click to view the Intense Adornment exhibition catalogue (2nd edition), containing art images of the full exhibit, with artist info and commentary.

For purchase inquiries,
please contact 20 North Gallery:
419-241-2400  or  info@20northgallery.com