About Caroline Fitch
Hi there! My name is Caroline. And I am so happy you are here! I am a metal smith that recently graduated from Pennsylvania Western University. I am in the process of setting up my own studio and starting my small business!
When I am not in my temporary metals studio, I have found my self painting murals for the local community, working on my travel van, and working on my shed I am turning into my own workshop!
About The Lavender Hare.co
Brooches for ALL occasions
Brooches are for everybody, for all occasions. No matter what event, how you wear it, who is wearing it, the brooch is the perfect compliment to any outfit. On your hat, your shirt, or bag, a brooch is my favorite way to add some personal style to any outfit. I created Lavender Hare to be a hub for creative animal lovers, whimsy inspired magical folk, and jewelry enthusiasts to get their hands on a one-of-a-kind handmade pin.
To me, jewelry is a relationship to the body. It is really important to me that the work I create, whether it be conceptual or production work, is seen on the body. The way that jewelry is worn can deeply impact the way it is viewed. How do others view it when someone is wearing it casually vs in a museum. I really like taking photos of my work. I think many people think of a white background or a simple blank canvas for modeling a piece of jewelry. And for some, that is what is needed. But for me, the work I create cannot exist without the wearer. When we explore the relationship between the art and the person, of what it means to wear something, we learn that jewelry goes beyond self expression. When I separate jewelry from the wearer, the meaning gets lost for me. Jewelry cannot exist without the wearer.
Education
2024 Duel BFA and BS, Art Education (BS) and Jewelry/Metalsmithing (BFA)Pennwest Univeristy Edinboro Campus (December 2024)
Work Experience
2021-present (seasonal) ECCOTA Elk County Council on the Arts Gallery
2023 Art Department Tour Guide
2023 Metals Studio Monitor
2017-present Gigs at wineries, festivals, weddings
Exhibitions (group or solo, invited or juried, online or IRL)
2023 Touchstone Crafts Exhibition
2023 Always Connected Student Exhibition
2023 ECU Metals Symposium Student Exhibition
2024 15th Annual Gmitter Family Memorial Exhibtion
Professional Development
2023 Visiting Artist Adam Atkinsin
2023 Visiting Artist Everett Hoffman
2023 Visiting Artist Ashley Beavington
2023 PAEA Conference attendance
2023 Touchstone Crafts School Workshop attendance
2023 ECU Metals Symposium attendance
2023 Visiting Artist Mallory Weston Demo
2022 Visiting Artist Logan Woodle Demo
Extracurricular Activities
2023 Art Education Club President
2021 Metals Club Member
Volunteer Experience
2021-2022 Erie Art Museum Volunteer
2016-present Face Painting Volunteer
2022-present Performance Volunteer at Elk County Senior Center
Awards/Achievements
3.9 College GPA
President’s Excellence Scholarship
Henry Katzwinkle Prize Scholarship
Ready to Succeed Scholarship
Judges Choice Award at Gmitter Exhibition