What began as a hobby using recycled rubber has landed an Atmore woman a spot at the Smithsonian Craft Show beginning Thursday in Washington, D.C.

Kathleen Nowak Tucci’s artistic jewelry was chosen to be a part of the show that features 120 artists from around the world spotlighting a wide array of artistry.

Tucci, who participated in the October 2010 Art Walk in downtown Atmore, was also featured last year in “Vogue Italia” gaining her international attention for her work.

Tucci said her work in recycled-rubber allows her to create one-of-a-kind pieces in a variety of shapes and styles.

“I have always made my work in components – smaller parts of a whole work,” Tucci said. “With my rubber jewelry, it may be long triangular pieces, that I call shreds, that eventually are assembled to create a necklace. Strips of inner tubes wait to be connected together along with other shapes, circles triangles or flowers. I like to have many parts pre-cut out ready for whatever combination strikes my fancy. I have always liked C and S curves juxtaposed against geometric shapes such as squares, circles and triangles. I feel a strongly influenced by art-deco furniture, architecture and fashion.”

The Smithsonian Craft Show, which begins with a preview tonight at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., will continue through April 17. The event is produced by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee, which through its grant process supports education, outreach and research at the Smithsonian Institute. The group also supports the Institution’s 19 museums and galleries, numerous research centers, 20 libraries and the National Zoo. Organizers of the Show are holding the 29th annual event with the theme of “Telling America’s Story through the Art of Craft.”

As part of the SWC’s fund raising efforts an on-line auction is also being held with three of Tucci’s pieces being submitted for the event.

For more detailed information concerning the Show or to participate in the on-line auction event, visit the organization’s Web site at www.smithsoniancraftshow.org.