In the Southwest, Native American art forms are as common and expansive as open spaces and big-skies, but this Mom’s Weekend, handcrafted sterling silver and stone jewelry travels east to Ohio University grounds.
“Turquoise, they call it the sky stone,” said Beth Toomey, an admirer and vendor of authentic Native American crafted jewelry.
Good Girl Jewelry, at White’s Mill, and the Friends of Kennedy Museum join forces to sponsor this semiannual jewelry show and sale for the 11th year. The show and sale take place at the Kennedy Museum of Art, located at the Ridges.
The proceeds of the show will raise funding for the philanthropic works of those who are members of the museum. The Friends of Kennedy Museum often use funding to bring children to the museum, helping to keep art alive for Ohio students.
The jewelry originates from crafters primarily in New Mexico, Utah, Colorado and Arizona, said Toomey, and is crafted by tribes such as the Navajo, Hope and Pueblo.
Toomey, a former teacher, said she began purchasing and vending jewelry after she retired by using the bonus money she received each year by rarely taking a sick day — money she referred to as “my good-girl money.”
Jewelry prices start at $11 dollars for a pair of finely crafted earrings, she said.
“There’s a wide range of price and style — some very contemporary or traditional,” she said describing the spread of earrings, bracelets, necklaces
and more.
Toomey owns Good Girl Jewelry and works with either wholesale vendors of Native American art or directly with crafters themselves, which allows her to make new acquaintances.
She most often works with the Indian Arts and Crafts Association, a wholesale vendor, guaranteeing the jewelry is not only gorgeous but also good quality.
“Their goal is to promote, preserve and protect Indian art — so it is authentic,” Toomey said.
The permanent Native American exhibits in the museum will operate during the show, allowing buyers a glimpse at traditional prints, sculptures and even a Navajo rug.
Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and tomorrow, and the museum exhibits also will function under those hours. Free parking is offered.
sd476308@ohiou.com
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