Artist Alley in downtown Southern Pines will hold a First Friday opening featuring the mixed metal jewelry of gallery owner Jean Skipper.

The event will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5. Skipper will be present throughout the evening to meet with visitors and discuss their work. The event is open to the public, and refreshments will be provided.

Jean Skipper is a self-taught jewelry artist. She works in mixed metals, copper, brass, found objects and vintage treasures.

"My work has an industrial feel to it," she says. "It's been influenced significantly by my family and upbringing. I often gather my inspiration from found objects and discarded items that many would consider to be mundane ordinary."

Much of her work includes hand-stamped sentiments such as, "Not All Who Wander Are Lost," and the Southern standard "Bless Your Heart." She enjoys creating custom jewelry with words provided by her clients too.

Skipper is sentimental about these pieces, saying, "My custom creations help collectors to honor the people and memories that mean the most to them. >This is the aspect of my work that means the most to me. > I love to imagine the lives that it's touched, where it's now physically located and what it means to those who love it."

Skipper has been the owner of Artist Alley since January 2007.

"Jean is invested in the success of each of the artists at the Alley," says artist Amy Smith. "She also works very hard to keep the gallery an interesting place to visit for the customers. Artist Alley is a positive place to be for everyone who visits there, thanks to Jean."

Artist Alley was voted the best gallery in Moore County for 2009.

Artist Alley features the work of more than 50 North Carolina artists and craftspeople.

Regular gallery hours are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The gallery is located in downtown Southern Pines, one block east of the train station, at 167 E. New Hampshire Ave.

For more information about the First Friday opening or the gallery, call Skipper at (910) 692-6077. >