Nov 2, 2026 – Dec 15, 2026
Artist Bio
Mana Hewitt is an artist based in Columbia, South Carolina. She recently retired from the
University of South Carolina School of Visual Art and Design where she was the Senior
Instructor of Jewelry making. Mana is a nationally recognized artist with over forty-five years of experience in the fields of painting, ceramics, enameling and metalsmithing. Her work is included in numerous collections including the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, the Arkansas Arts Center, Racine Museum of Art, the Dominion Corporation, First Citizens Bank Headquarters, the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina State Museum, and the Federal Reserve. Her work has been featured in numerous periodicals, newspapers, and books over the years and her solo exhibitions include the First Light Gallery, Palm Beach, FL, TRAX Gallery, SC, 701 Center for
Contemporary Art, SC, St. Josephs University, Philadelphia, PA, Leu Art Gallery, Nashville, TN, Golding-Yang Gallery, Morehead, KY and the Burroughs-Chapin Museum of Art, Myrtle Beach.
Artist Statement
I have always been interested in new processes and investigating themes inspired by the natural world. This has guided me to an ever-expanding number of media that I
employ. My work in metal led to an interest in all forms of enamel most especially
cloisonne. My goal is to create jewelry items that are aesthetically pleasing and
conceptually interesting.
My studio has always served as a place of possibilities, inspiration and well being.
Within its walls I am able to research ideas, techniques as well as create work. My
recent works explore themes most often inspired by the natural world. Inspiration has
come from observation of nature. These works are first sketched, then the enamel elements are created in fine silver cloisonné. The enamel powder is applied to a fine silver base which is then fired in a kiln up to 1450° F. degrees. Each enamel piece is developed in multiple layers and firings using a wide variety of enamel techniques. I will fire a piece approximately 5 to 20 times depending on the complexity. Once the enameled element is complete I construct the setting in sterling silver. My goal is to create jewelry items that are aesthetically pleasing and conceptually interesting.
