Warren jewelry designer LeeAnn Herreid of Individual Icons is winner of the DANGRR: A Design Competition, a collaboration between R.I. artist Boris Bally and The Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence.

RICAGV endorses Governor Gina Raimondo in 2018
RICAGV endorses Governor Gina Raimondo in 2018

Ms. Herreid’s iconic designs embodied both wit and skill to transform weapon imagery, in this case also an abstraction gleaned from the cross-section of an actual gun barrel (acquired from a buy-back program) beyond its deadly intent.

As the winning designs, Herreid’s entries “Gun Barrel Necklace #1” offering three finishes and the sterling silver “Gun Barrel Necklace #2” will be produced by the artist to be promoted at RICAGV events, fundraisers and on their website. Proceeds from sales will support a planned gun amnesty/buy-back organized by artist Scott Lapham of “One Gun Gone,” RICAGV’s ongoing work advocating for responsible gun laws, and contribute to Herreid’s jewelry making practice.

The goal was to launch a competition with national scope that would promote conversations that spark debate while providing needed resources. Designers were charged with creating bold, affordable works of wearable, useable or decorative art to further an awareness of the gun violence epidemic in America. Entries were received from as far as Seattle and Colorado.