From February 15 to 20, Norman Vieira will be holding a special exhibition at the National Museum to display his “exotic jewellery” made from animal skins. The theme of the exhibition is “Antique Fashionable Leather Jewellery”.
With the Culture Ministry’s support, Vieira plans to display the bracelets, rings, anklets, armlets and neck pieces that he has made from the skins of cows, sheep, snakes and goats. All of his products, which number about 500 at present, have been produced locally.
Vieira has been in the business for 35 years and has moved away from producing leather bags and sandals and has decided to focus extensively on his unique pieces of jewellery. During his lifetime, he has travelled to various countries in the region exhibiting his work, which he says is appreciated in several quarters.
Among the high points of his career would have been the Carifesta X activities in 2008, where his displays were at the National Gymnasium as well as exhibitions he held in the 80s at the National Library and the JFK Auditorium. These days he can be seen selling jewellery outside of the Hotel Tower on Main Street.
The upcoming exhibition will kick off with a simple opening ceremony at 4 pm on February 15 at the museum. For the rest of the week, the exhibition will run from 8 am to 5 pm, coinciding with the opening hours of the museum, he said.
Interested persons can contact Vieira on telephone number 649-1457.