In September, the Illinois Artisan Gallery contacted me to submit a design to create a brooch that would serve as an award to honor a woman in Illinois that exemplifies Dawn Clark Netsch. I was extremely honored and excited to win the commission. Not only is Mrs. Netsch a role model for many, it was extra special because my mother worked with her and I had always heard so many wonderful things about Mrs. Netsch growing up.
Mrs. Netsch is a pioneer in education, law, and politics. In addition to being a professor at Northwestern University, she was a state senator for 18 years. In 1990, she became the state comptroller, making her the highest-ranked woman in Illinois government history. She is known for being the first woman to be nominated to run for Governor of Illinois in 1994. 
Her commitment to racial and sexual equality continues to maintain her status as trailblazer. She was inducted as a "friend of the community" to the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 1995 and every year she marches in Chicago's Gay Pride parade.
Dawn Clark Netsch's brooch made out of sterling silver with oxidization[/caption] The brooch was inspired by Mrs. Netsch's love for billiards and the modern aesthetic. The entire brooch is made out of sterling silver, and the "ball" and "cue" has been oxidized to create this two-tone effect.