Museum Store Sunday Blog Series: Partnering With Purpose
This innovative series in celebration of Museum Store Sunday spotlights thoughtful partnerships between museum store buyers and artisan vendors. Read on to learn more about how to shop with purpose, from both wholesale and nonprofit retail perspectives.
 Episode Three – Cummer Museum Shop x Silver Garden Designs
How did you find Silver Garden Designs, and what spoke to you about their work?
Cummer Museum Oak Pendant
Cummer Museum Fern Necklace
Susan: Chris Messina, a valued member of the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, is in the process of building a new home in Jacksonville while transitioning from Massachusetts. Chris’s artistic contributions reflect the Cummer Museum’s dedication to supporting local talent, a mission central to the museum’s vision. We are proud to feature Chris’s exceptional work as part of that commitment.
Some time ago, Chris met with me to share her impressive jewelry collections. Recognizing her talent, I invited her to participate in our annual Champagne and Shopping event, where we had the opportunity to test several of her designs. Following this, Chris spent time exploring our gardens and collaborating with our head horticulturist. Inspired by the natural beauty of our iconic live oak tree and resurrection ferns, she developed a prototype for a custom collection. The result was the Cummer Museum Garden Collection, which made its debut at Museum Store Sunday 2023 to an enthusiastic reception. Since then, it has become a top seller, further cementing Chris’s impact on our museum’s offerings.
Why is their work a good fit for the Cummer Museum Shop?
Susan: For the Cummer Museum, Silver Garden Designs is an ideal fit because of the deeply personalized approach used to interpret natural elements in sterling silver. The exclusive live oak and resurrection fern collection beautifully captures the essence of the museum’s gardens, turning living botanical features into wearable art. The attention to detail and commitment to reflecting the unique environment of our historic gardens make Silver Garden Designs a perfect partner for cultural institutions like ours that value high quality design rooted in nature and legacy.
Chris Messina workshop image
Describe you/your brand’s mission.
Chris: At the heart of my jewelry lies a story of heritage and artistry, sparked by a Viking-embossed sterling silver cuff passed from my grandmother to me—a piece worn for over 80 years between us. This heirloom ignited my passion for silversmithing, connecting art, family, and craftsmanship. With skills honed through journeys across 49 countries, I blend traditional techniques and innovative methods to handcraft each piece, celebrating the beauty of handmade silver-work. Every design carries a story, shaped by generations and global artistry—nothing cast, everything hand-cut and fabricated with care.
How has working with museum stores changed your practice?
Chris: Working with museums and botanical gardens has expanded my business in exciting ways. Creating custom collections celebrating these institutions’ unique history and natural beauty has pushed my creativity and skill to new heights. Each collaboration brings the challenge of designing pieces that not only reflect the essence of a museum or garden but also resonate with its visitors. These partnerships have introduced my work to diverse audiences, provided new growth opportunities, and allowed me to tell stories through my designs that connect art, nature, and heritage in meaningful ways.
What advice would you give to other artists looking to begin production for wholesale?
Custom bracelet by Silver Garden Designs
Chris: For artists looking to begin wholesale production, I advise building strong partnerships and nurturing relationships. Wholesale is more than just scaling production—it’s about finding the right collaborators who understand and appreciate your work. Take the time to connect with galleries, shops, and institutions that align with your values and artistic vision. It’s this collaboration and connection that can truly help your art flourish on a larger scale.
Is there a current project or product idea you’d like to share?
Chris: I’m excited to share that I’m currently prototyping a few new flower designs, including dahlia, bird of paradise, and hibiscus. These pieces will be featured at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens on Museum Store Sunday, where I hope to gather valuable feedback from customers. Each design captures the intricate beauty of these flowers in sterling silver, and I’m looking forward to seeing how they resonate with visitors.