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randy christensen, silversmith & owner of the villa grove mine, colorado

“Villa Grove Turquoise” Randy Christensen, Silversmith

Randy Christensen grew up in the small Southern Colorado town of Manassa, home to several turquoise mines in Colorado. So it’s no wonder as to why at such an early age he took an interest in turquoise. While still in High School Randy decided to try his hand at cutting turquoise. He would buy rough Morenci Turquoise in Gallup, NM and then hone his skills at cutting the turquoise, after which he’d sell the pieces he had cut to various jewelers. However, it was not until the 90’s that Randy decided to become a silversmith. This began as a hobby while he maintained full-time employment with United Power. But eventually the orders began pouring in and what began as a “hobby” soon became a full-time job in itself just to keep with the orders.

The Villa Grove Turquoise Mine that Randy acquires most of his turquoise from is located in the North end of the San Luis Valley. Randy contacted the then owner George Musick in the early 80’sand they quickly became friends working the mind in the summer. They were only able to gather small nuggets, because they lacked the costly machinery needed to mine the high-grade vein.

Randy purchased the Mine in 2000 from Mr. Musick, whom passed away several years ago. Randy retired from work at United Power, and is focusing on his true passion in life jewelry. There has been no Villa Grove Turquoise on the market for 25 over years. The past two summers Randy has began mining the turquoise for his jewelry, and will be venturing to the mine this summer with the necessary equipment to mine the high- grade vein

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Paul Lockwood demonstration- the process of creating a Vase

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David Caricato- Earth Dancers

Very early in his career the artist was a wood block printmaker. Caricato’s work went through many phases since then and now has come back to wood. This time he carves wood as sculpture. With the carving, the artist introduces his painting skills into the sculpture. Visitors to the gallery often mistake his carved and painted objects as being assemblages of real objects and dismiss the work as installation art. When the sculptures are explained as trompe l’oeil, the viewer tends to become fascinated and spends much time closely examining each work of art. They are worth examining and have many thought provoking features.

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Lance Timco Demonstrates How-to Throw a Large Plate

Artist, Lance Timco Demonstrates how he Throws a Shallow Bowl

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Art Fused Poppy Glass Bowl by Heidi Riha

Fused Glass Art by artist, Heidi Riha

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The Color Red Show

June 5th-30th

tree warrior acrylic painting joanne bird — Tree Warrior

Cassandra Sharon – Hand Built Sculpture

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Don Dernovich oil paintings video

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Gary Sohrweid Colorado Oil Landscape Artwork

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