As the saying goes, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” Kate Reboli, daughter of the renowned late artist Joseph Reboli, and retired art teacher and founder of the Reboli Center for Art & History, Lois Reboli, is the featured artisan at the Reboli Center for December. “I am so proud that she has been chosen as the artisan for December,” said Lois Reboli.” In November, the Reboli Center began to feature one craftsperson as its artisan of the month and we will continue to do so,” added Reboli.
According to Kate Reboli, “I grew up in a very creative environment and I have been making art since I was a child, and I have been creating jewelry in some capacity for over 12 years.” Having been raised in Setauket, she was surrounded by art, artists, and craftspeople, and frequently attended galleries and museums.
While living in New York, Kate attended school as a fine arts major with a focus in drawing and painting. In 2013, she relocated to California to study metals at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco. From there, she went to work with and study under her academy instructors, Yas and Roberta Tanaka. She has now worked with both Yas and Roberta at Pave Fine Jewelry in Oakland, California for more than seven years. Kate says they have been patient teachers and her greatest influences. Several years ago, Kate was asked to return to the Revere Academy as an instructor. She says she was truly honored by this invitation and that it was exciting to have come full circle as a former student to now as a teacher.
Kate primarily works in gold and diamonds, and is inspired by clean lines and staples in her personal jewelry wardrobe. In her designs, she likes to integrate elegance and simplicity with the occasional bit of edge.
Reboli explains, “Each piece is unique and presents its own challenges. I prefer working in precious metals and gemstones. I love the fact that I create in materials that will last the test of time. My pieces are made to be loved for a lifetime, then passed on. Depending on the item, it can take anywhere from three to 20 hours to fabricate. I find myself leaning toward unique diamonds that you wouldn’t find in just any high end jewelry collection. I really enjoy the contrast of yellow gold and black diamonds.”
In addition to the Tanakas, Kate says she has been lucky to have many great influences in her life. “Among them are my Mother, whom I seem to be turning into more and more each day. Past mentors have helped me to grow my arsenal of technical skills, and my close friends are an immense support in pushing me to create what I feel called to,” added Reboli.
Visitors can see Kate Reboli’s work at the Reboli Center, where her jewelry is for sale in the Design Shop. The Center is free, and open Tuesday – Saturday from 11am – 5pm and Sunday from 1pm - 5pm. During the month of December, the Center is open until 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Masks must be worn, and social distancing is required. For more information on the Artisan of the Month, please call the Reboli Center at 631-751-7707.