image of Cynthia Toops

Cynthia has been working with polymer clay since the 1980s. While she is known for her figurative micromosaic pieces, in the last few years she has been concentrating on thin sheet work, creating the cone and claw necklaces and the rolodex series. Most of her work is inspired by ethnic jewelry and ancient beads which she and her husband collect. Cynthia has a BFA in printmaking from the University of Washington and a BA in Biology from Drake University. She spends long hours researching and planning work with Dan Adams, her husband and collaborator. Besides her jewelry work and teaching, she enjoys sushi.

  • BA. Biology, Drake University, Des Moines, IA.,
    Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, 1979
  • The Factory of Visual Arts, Seattle WA., 1980-1981
  • BFA. Printmaking, University of Washington, Seattle, WA., 1983
  • Pratt Fine Arts, Seattle WA., 1989-1990
  • 2007 Artist Trust fellowship award