Nicole’s studio is the envy of nearly all of her art-producing friends. It’s always great to be invited to her home because there’s the hope that you’ll be invited out to the studio. It’s a treat–the atmosphere is so fun, so funky, so Nicole. She always apologizes for its state of perpetual disarray but no one ever seems to mind. With the colorful bottles, the disco ball and those amazing north-facing windows, this is a place where the imagination can soar. It shows in the work Nicole produces. It’s great fun to browse the Giant Table of Art–it’s usually strewn with bits and pieces of wire, colored resin, beads and unidentifiable bits of arty-type stuff that Nicole turns into fun, unusual, beautiful jewelry. But the best part of the tour is Nicole herself. When she talks about the work, her enthusiasm is boundless and contagious–it’s always an energizing experience. It’s Nicole’s passion and talent that make this a fabulous studio. -PD