The Kent State University Museum recently partnered with Kent State University’s School of Art to bring the world of luxury design directly to students in the jewelry/metals/enameling (JME) program. As part of the museum’s “Sparkle: The Style and Jewelry of Aileen Mehle” exhibition, students explored the artistry and heritage of the renowned American jewelry house David Webb through a special lecture and hands-on design assignment.
On Wednesday, October 29, the museum welcomed Levi Higgs, head of archives & brand heritage at David Webb Jewelry in New York City, for a conversation with Professor Andrew Kuebeck, chair of Kent State’s JME program, moderated by Professor Joanne Fenn, the museum’s collections manager and registrar, who curated the jewelry in the exhibition. The program offered students a rare opportunity to hear directly from a national leader in luxury jewelry design.
“The strength of this program lies in the collection,” said Professor Joanne Fenn. “Having access to world-class David Webb jewelry allows students to engage deeply with design history, craftsmanship, and innovation in a way that only a museum setting can offer.”
The program started with Levi Higgs providing an illustrated presentation on David Webb, the brand, and how their quality designwork and craftsmanship have endured since the brand’s inception in 1948. Clients like Elizabeth Taylor, Aileen Mehle and Jacqueline Kennedy returned again and again to the bold designs of David Webb. The presentation laid the foundation for the moderated discussion between Levi, Andrew and the audience.
Prior to the presentation, students were challenged to engage creatively with the exhibition. Each selected a jewelry piece from the “Sparkle” exhibition and designed a new work inspired by it — producing detailed renderings that reimagined the aesthetics and ideas of the original.
This collaboration demonstrated the museum’s role as a living classroom, where students could experience fine craftsmanship up close, connect with experts in the field and see how history and innovation intersect in contemporary design. The experience also highlighted Kent State’s commitment to integrating professional connections and real-world learning opportunities into the arts curriculum.
“The Kent State Museum is proud to hold the largest museum collection of David Webb jewelry anywhere in the world,” said Sarah Spinner Liska, J.D., Ph. D., director of the Kent State University Museum. “Bringing this legendary American jeweler into conversation with our talented faculty and students showcases the museum at its best: inspiring curiosity, sparking creativity and opening pathways for the next generation.”
“Engaging directly with a brand like David Webb gives our students insight into the real-world intersections of design, heritage, and storytelling,” said Professor Andrew Kuebeck. “It pushes them to think beyond technique and consider how ideas, materials, and meaning connect in their own work.”
The panel discussion with Levi Higgs and Andrew Kuebeck provided students with direct access to an industry leader, greater educational insights, and a broader understanding of career possibilities. The students were engaged in the conversation and offered many questions to both Andrew and Levi.
Through partnerships like this, the School of Art and the museum continue to expand learning beyond the classroom—offering students the chance to develop their creative voices in dialogue with leading professionals and cultural institutions.
