Silver Studio Jewelry Artists

Rick and Maryann Frietsche

Silver Studio Jewelry Artists began when Maryann started the business as Coconut Gal in 2009. Necklaces, bracelets and earrings made with semi-precious stones and crystals were sold in a small storefront in the Winona Mall. Rick played a minor role in the business while working as a biologist until he retired in 2011. They then began to work with sterling and fine silver and incorporating it into their jewelry designs. With Rick now a full time partner, the business transitioned to its current name and Maryann began referring to Rick as Senior Designer because of their age difference.

Silver Studio Jewelry Artists closed this storefront and began selling their jewelry at art shows in southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Always hopeful of sustaining a retail storefront and supporting local artists, they decided to experiment with a new business model and opened Island City Gallery in downtown Winona. This short-lived experiment helped them to determine that participating in art shows was the model that would sustain their business.