Jim Dowd received his MFA in Metalsmithing from SUNY at New Paltz in 1996. He worked for two years building custom lighting fixtures and architectural hardware. During that time he and his wife, Sandra Bonazoli, also a metalsmith, combined their talents to start Beehive Kitchenware Co. Their product line of handmade metal kitchen utensils can now be found nationwide in giftshops and galleries. Their work has been featured in Country Living, Victoria and Gourmet magazines, and is currently on display at the American Craft Museum. Jim has also done sculpture commissions for local restaurants.

He and Sandy Bonazoli runs the Beehive Kitchenware Company which can be found at their website Beehivekitchenware