BY HILLARY VIDERS
SPECIAL TO NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—An award-winning jewelry designer with an appreciation for arts education recently supported a local institution having an impact on young performers in Englewood by hosting a holiday sale there.
Customers purchasing earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets at Norma Wellington’s sale knew they looked good—but perhaps they did not realize how much good they were doing?
The sale, held at the Drapkin Cabaret and Lounge at the bergenPAC Theater on Van Brunt Street on Dec. 7, contributed 25 percent of its sales to help fund scholarships for children to attend bergenPAC’s School of Performing Arts.
“We are so thankful to Ms. Wellington for her generosity in donating a portion of her sales to The Performing Arts School,” said Becky Serico, managing director of The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC. “Our scholarship fund is important because it enables students who would otherwise not have the opportunity to study the performing arts a chance to develop their craft and passion with us.”
For Wellington, who designed 13 years of signature collections for Saks Fifth Avenue before founding her own business, knows firsthand how important the arts are for young people.
“When I was a teenager, I was extremely shy,” she says. “But, in middle school I joined The Daniel P. Hayes Little Theatre group in New York City. I played a role in ‘You Can’t Take It With You,’ and starred in ‘The Night of January 16th.’ That exposure to theater made a huge difference in my life. It helped me develop confidence, self-esteem and a lifelong love of the arts.” It was a passion that continued into her time at New York University, where she played the lead in ‘Medea,’ and starred in the senior musical singing two original songs.
“I majored in TV and film and minored in fine art and painting. I remember how excited I was when I got the plum job of directing the TV show that resulted in the department getting a large grant,” said Wellington.
By supporting the Performing Arts School at bergenPAC’s rising stars, Wellington’s donations help make the Performing Arts School a cornerstone of the arts community in Bergen County. With cuts in government funding to the arts, programs everywhere are in need of private sponsorship, and the bergenPAC greatly appreciates Wellington’s support.
“Thanks to Ms. Wellington’s support, we can provide tuition assistance to the most deserving of students in our local community,” said Serico.
Known for being ahead of fashion trends, Wellington’s designs have been worn by Hillary Clinton, renowned undersea explorers in the Women Divers Hall of Fame, the President of the Philippines, Hollywood stars and captains of industry. One of her pieces resides in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institute.
Wellington was pleased at the turnout at her Dec. 7 show, which brought many longtime friends as well as new customers. She displayed pieces fashioned with white and yellow gold, sterling silver and platinum, many adorned with diamonds, precious and semiprecious stones and pearls. Looking over the hundreds of dazzling items in the display cases, Sharon Colchamiro remarked, “What I love about Norma’s jewelry is its uniqueness and craftsmanship. Her sense of artistry creates very special pieces. You can go to any store in town and find ordinary jewelry, but you’ll see every other woman in the street wearing it.”
Although there were several sales assistants on hand, throughout the show Wellington herself gave every customer a warm welcome and personally guided each of them through selecting “their special piece.”
“I love to share in the excitement of my customers when they purchase something unique and beautiful while helping a child’s future at the same time,” she said.
—Photos by Hillary Viders