Carole Grisham creates elegant and contemporary works of art using traditionally hand-crafted and historical methods and modern materials in new and unlikely ways. In a world of mass production, Carole believes that detailed, beautiful and unique goods will survive fleeting fashions. Carole knows that when the creation of a much-loved treasure is the goal of your work, perfection is key.
Carole’s love for hand-made objects and textiles and her ability to use unlikely materials, comes from working with her mother, Alyce Hiyama, a talented tailor and costume designer. She has perfected her skills through coursework, teaching and continued practice. Carole has returned to this first love after successful executive careers with leading Pacific Northwest companies and non-profit organizations.
Craftsmanship
Every item from Hiyama Studios embraces the art of the hand fabricated luxury item. Using an historical wooden braiding stand of Japanese origin and hand needle work, Carole creates vibrantly colored textile and beaded jewelry from fine silk, cotton and monofilament threads and small glass beads, stones and found objects. Materials are carefully selected to enhance design details and unusual embellishments make each work a visually appealing treasure. All work is done meticulously by hand, bead by bead and thread to thread.
Philanthropy
Hiyama Studios contributes the proceeds from the sale of its wearable art and home accessories to existing organizations that support education and the most vulnerable members of the community – children and seniors. In addition, the Studios offer goods to auctions and benefits of many of these same organizations.
Hiyama Studios is proud to have been a founding member of the Oba Project, a program developed to provide charitable gifts to community organizations.
Selected Exhibitions & Awards
American Craft Council Shows, Baltimore, Maryland and St. Paul, Minnesota; 2017 t0 2023
Art in the Pearl, Portland Oregon, 2019
Bellevue Arts Museum ArtsFair, Bellevue, Washington; 2017 to 2024
Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Denver Colorado, 2023
One of a Kind Spring and Holiday Shows, Chicago, Illinois; 2018, 2019
Philadelphia Art Museum, Philadelphia Pennsylvania, 2021
Bellevue Arts Museum ArtsFair Award of Excellence – Bellevue Washington, 2023, 2024
Carol Duke Artist Award — Jewelry, Bellevue Arts Museum, Bellevue, Washington; 2013
Showcase 500 Art Necklaces, Chunghi Choo Juror, Lark Jewlery and Beading, (pages 54, 362), New York, New York; 2013