/kwir/-fôrēə/

queer + euphoria =[queerphoria]

queer - umbrella term that describes sexual and gender identities other than straight and cisgender

euphoria - a state of intense happiness and self-confidence

[queerphoria] is an exhibition that invites queer individuals into a meaningful conversation about their identity. Through these written and visual exhibitions, we encourage dialogue around the difficult topics that surround the relationship between the queer and non-queer community.

As we see the rise of fascism, ongoing dehumanization and cruelty, crumbling infrastructure, the loss of healthcare and reproductive rights, and severe climate disasters, [queerphoria] returns to NYC Jewelry Week 2025 to create a space where 2SLGBTQIA+ artists feel seen, heard and free to share their stories through jewelry and adornment.

Jewelry making and craft, historically gendered and deeply cultural, are now more than ever a powerful medium for queer truth-telling. [queerphoria] volume 5: flourish builds on the previous four volumes and explores what it means to grow, evolve, and thrive as a queer artist in today’s world. This exhibition is a defiant and joyful reclamation of space- uplifting artists, planting seeds of resistance, and flourishing.

Volume 5: flourish continues our history of creating dialogue by bringing together individual artists' works and stories, we create a collective narrative. that creates an experience of belonging and community that reflects the complex beauty of queer voices and practices not just surviving, but thriving.

[queerphoria] is not only an exhibition- it is an educational platform, a cultural archive, and a radical act of visibility for 2SLGBTQIA+ makers. This year, [queerphoria] vol 5: flourish is curated by Queer Metalsmiths’ co-founder Tracey Carswell along with co-founder Sol Diaz and Naomi Johnson as guest jurors.

[queerphoria] is to be seen. [queerphoria] is to be felt. [queerphoria] is to be heard.

Meet the Jurors

This year we are excited to welcome Sol Diaz (they/them) and Naomi Johnson (they/she) as the jurors for [queerphoria] vol. 5: flourish. Get to know the artists below!

[queerphoria] vol. 5 Juror + QM co-founder
“My work opens a space to confront generational chains and unprocessed emotions. Jewelry and metalsmithing are my tools, my pen, my way of forging the untold stories of my ancestors. Each piece becomes a vessel where memory, lineage, and presence meet. Where ancestral knowledge guides my hands, and the past speaks through metal and fire. I push forward a vision of Indigenous futurism to break free from colonial ideologies in order to create space for liberation, healing, and expression.”
Click here to learn more!

[queerphoria] vol. 5 Juror
Naomi Johnson (they/she) (@metalpetaljewelry) is an artist and researcher based in Chicago, IL. They began metalsmithing in 2021, developing their skills in a local studio. Naomi started their handmade, small-batch jewelry business, Metal Petal Jewelry, in February 2023. Through it, they design and sell ready-to-wear and custom pieces. Naomi’s work has been exhibited nationally, and their practice includes both wearable pieces and sculptural objects. In addition to their creative practice, they co-lead Chicago Appleseed Center for Fair Courts and are deeply invested in reducing the harms of the legal system.
Click here to learn more!

Juror’s Choice

Our jurors for [queerphoria] vol. 5: flourish each chose an artist’s work that they wanted to highlight from the exhibition.
Learn more about them below!

Sol’s Choice
Sol’s choice is Grant Turner’s trio: but if you shut the fuck up i’d miss you :(, Idht2tutbiturcute (i didn’t have time to tell you this but i think your cute), if only the knight sky saw that :(
Click here to read more and experience Grant’s work!

Naomi’s Choice
“Imagine 2,000 years from now, in a time when the people have returned to living with the land, S Sanchez’s Double €aguar Rattle is unearthed by our queer progeny after undergoing a process of chemical transformation for millennia. As they carefully brush away the soil and eye the piece with curiosity, as they look into €aguar’s eyes and a deep sense of safety washes over them.”
Click here to read more and experience S’s work!

[queerphoria] vol.5: flourish
NYCJW25

[queerphoria] volume 5: flourish is an in-person and virtual exhibition showcasing international 2SLGBTQIA+ artists exploring themes of flourishing in adornment and sculpture. This year, [queerphoria] vol 5: flourish is being curated by Queer Metalsmiths’ co-founder Tracey Carswell along with co-founder Sol Diaz and Naomi Johnson as guest jurors. The in person exhibition took place from November 18th-22nd, 2025 at UrbanGlass.