I was in Atlanta last weekend teaching a workshop at Creative Journey Studios and had the opportunity to see this show yesterday. It is still traveling- if you can see the show or read the book. Great food for thought on the power of jewelry to communicate.
“Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection”
Saturday, September 3, 2011 through Sunday, November 27, 2011
Carter Presidential Library & Museum
“Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection” features more than 200 pins, many of which Secretary of State Madeleine Albright wore to communicate messages during her diplomatic tenure. The exhibit examines the collection for its historical significance and the expressive power of jewelry and its ability to communicate through a style and language of its own.
When she was named the first female Secretary of State in 1997, Albright became, at that time, the highest ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government. While serving under President Bill Clinton, first as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and then as Secretary of State, she became known for wearing pins that conveyed her views about the situation at hand.
“I found that jewelry had become part of my personal diplomatic arsenal,” Secretary Albright said. “While President George H.W. Bush had been known for saying ‘Read my lips,’ I began urging colleagues and reporters to ‘Read my pins.'”
There is an interesting interview by Marianne Schnall of Madeleine Albright here.