![Valerie St. John design jewelry with silver and gold as well as gemstones. Here she is wearing one of her "shoulder necklaces" designed to wear over the shoulder, not around the neck; thus eliminating the heavy drag on the neck. Beside her are other necklaces and jewelry, including those on the mannequin. An interest in learning about jewelry as art could be instilled. For older children, a written report could be made. For all children, creating their own jewelry with beads or inexpensive gemstones attached to leather or silver chains is possible. Children learn that art is a living process.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/hash/86/32/8632a0e4f68ec609fc5c8c481d7cabcc.jpg?itok=5qn_HhZu "Valerie St. John design jewelry with silver and gold as well as gemstones. Here she is wearing one of her "shoulder necklaces" designed to wear over the shoulder, not around the neck; thus eliminating the heavy drag on the neck. Beside her are other necklaces and jewelry, including those on the mannequin. An interest in learning about jewelry as art could be instilled. For older children, a written report could be made. For all children, creating their own jewelry with beads or inexpensive gemstones attached to leather or silver chains is possible. Children learn that art is a living process."){kind=small}
The Community Foundation of Greater Green Valley held an Open House art exhibit which featured the works of 6 artists: Mary Petrie - a nature photographer, Judy Daniels - a sculptural clay artist, Ellen Kelley - creator and designer of functional textile creations, Valerie St. John - designer and creator of handmade jewelry, Carol Heller - creator of handmade polymer jewelry, and Linda Strader - a watercolor artist. Also on hand was Richard Johnson with his illustrations of the award winning book, “ Hip, Hip, Hooray, It‘s Monsoon Day!”. The exhibit will be on display until the end of March.
The Open House was a success, with an average of about 50 observers moving in and out during the hour and a half. It was pleasant to see two well behaved children, about the age of 9 - 12, moving among the adults to check out the art exhibits. Small openings such as this art exhibit are an excellent way to introduce your children into the world of art. Having snacks available may have been an added incentive.
The variety of art available makes an excellent learning event. It illustrates that art is more than old ladies in old pictures. Appreciation can be felt for at least one form of art. On one shelf was a comic clay pig - already decorated with a “Sold” sign. Included in Judy Daniel’s display was a range from abstract heads to unique clay jewelry. Thus a student learns that “perfect copies of nature” are not always what is correct.
In contrast was Mary Petrie’s (mjpetrie@msn.com) excellent photos of flowers and cactus blooms: beautiful, colorful, and definitely an exact copy of nature. However, she used close-ups and angles to give unique sights into the cactus world.
Ellen Kelley’s (ellen.kelley@cox.net) creations included purses, totes, and other containers made from designer cloth and assembled with antique buttons. The most remarkable were microwave potato bags. Using the correct material is important in making these bags. Insert a potato or corn on the cob, place in the microwave, and Voila! A well cooked, soft, moist potato. Thus a lesson for students that art can be functional.
Valerie St. John discussed her over-the-shoulder jewelry with several patrons. Her silver and gold creations, with or without gemstones, are made to be worn over the shoulder, thus eliminating the heavy weight around one’s neck. Necklaces and other jewelry was also on display.
Linda Strader, a watercolor artist exhibited several pictures from among the Santa Rita and Santa Catalina mountains, where she formerly worked as a forest fire fighter. Her pictures of the trails gave a haunting invitation to journey down each one.
Richard Johnson's illustrations were another form of watercolor, with pen drawn outlines for the people and objects.
A small art show, such as the one in Green Valley, 270 W. Continental Road, introduces children to many facets of art. The small size allows for time enough to see them all, without causing boredom in a child. Art appreciation is a developed skill that brings enjoyment for life.
![Valerie St. John design jewelry with silver and gold as well as gemstones. Here she is wearing one of her "shoulder necklaces" designed to wear over the shoulder, not around the neck; thus eliminating the heavy drag on the neck. Beside her are other necklaces and jewelry, including those on the mannequin. An interest in learning about jewelry as art could be instilled. For older children, a written report could be made. For all children, creating their own jewelry with beads or inexpensive gemstones attached to leather or silver chains is possible. Children learn that art is a living process.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile_large/hash/ba/f1/baf1024187a932ce17fcd7af6b0a8355.jpg?itok=XpKF-C8e "Valerie St. John design jewelry with silver and gold as well as gemstones. Here she is wearing one of her "shoulder necklaces" designed to wear over the shoulder, not around the neck; thus eliminating the heavy drag on the neck. Beside her are other necklaces and jewelry, including those on the mannequin. An interest in learning about jewelry as art could be instilled. For older children, a written report could be made. For all children, creating their own jewelry with beads or inexpensive gemstones attached to leather or silver chains is possible. Children learn that art is a living process.")
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