Wired Up and Hanging Pretty

Yes, it’s Boom Days weekend, and no doubt there will be plenty of vendors to choose from when it comes to food, drink and a variety of goods for sale. But if you’re in the market for some new jewelry then be sure to make a stop into Harperrose Studios this Friday evening, August 2 and discover some beautiful creations from two Leadville jewelers before hitting up the booths on the Avenue! Here’s the lowdown on what you can expect:

Leadville Jewelers Create Wearable Art

By Sue Jewell, Leadville Arts Coalition

On Friday, August 2, two jewelry artists will demonstrate their unique methods of turning copper wire into beautiful earrings, bracelets, and rings during the 321 Fridays: Summer Artist series event at Harperrose Studios. From 4-8 p.m. Jenna Geldreich and Mary Palumbo, both self-taught artists, have plans to show their craft, as well as make custom jewelry during the event. Come join the fun at the Gallery, 601 Harrison Avenue, Leadville.

Both Geldreich and Palumbo started working with jewelry about ten years ago.  Geldreich made chain mail jewelry and started a business with her sister Billie when they lived in the Bay Area. They traveled to local art and music festivals to sell their creations. Originally she used brass wire but now uses American copper, as its pliability makes it easier to work.  Her work is completely handmade in the USA.

Leadville jeweler Mary Palumbo creates a new piece of art – and jewelry!

Palumbo began her jewelry journey when she was a college student in Flagstaff, AZ.  After taking apart old jewelry, and putting it back together in new ways, she discovered her creativity and the satisfaction of working with her hands.  She now hammers copper wire and uses gemstones to make “fun dangly earrings.” An avid hiker, Mary wears her earrings everywhere. She says, “Even when you’re out there adventuring, it feels good to still have that feminine touch.”

Both Geldreich and Palumbo came to Leadville a couple of years ago, quickly fell in love with the Leadville community, and decided to stay.  They expressed the friendliness of the Leadville community, and the opportunities to share their craft at Harperrose Studios, working with Ann Stanek as other reasons to make Leadville their home.

When she is not crafting her chain mail jewelry, Geldreich works for the Ark Valley Humane Society as a behavior lead/dog trainer.  She works with dogs and their humans teaching non-credit community classes at CMC-Timberline.

In addition to being an artist, Palumbo’s true passion is teaching people in the outdoors, and she has ten years of experience doing just that in Denver. She is thrilled to be in beautiful Lake County and looks forward to finding her niche here as an outdoor educator.

Palumbo and Geldreich both have their business on Etsy.com. Find Mary’s work HERE. Jenna and her sister’s business can be found on CRAFTIonistas. The website features all kinds of crafts, not just jewelry.

Jenna Geldreich’s chain mail jewelry will be on display at 321 Fridays. Photo: Leadville Arts Coalition.

Both artists plan on demonstrating their techniques by making custom jewelry during the 321 Fridays event.  Geldreich plans on offering custom rings.  Palumbo will create custom earrings from pre-hammered frames and a variety of natural stones. Watch these skilled artists craft their pieces to your specifications.  They also plan to offer a metal sculpture station where kids/adults can use tools and wire to create small metal sculptures to take home.

Join Mary Palumbo and Jenna Geldreich for an evening of jewelry making.  Harperrose Studios and the Leadville Arts Coalition are proud to present these two talented Leadville artists during the last 321 Fridays: Summer Artist Series event for 2019.  It’s Boom Days Friday, so come out to 601 Harrison Avenue for fascinating demonstrations, great conversation, and light refreshments.

Writer Sue Jewell is a member of the Leadville Arts Coalition; the group may be reached via email: lac.arts.info@gmail.com.

Mining Museum Highlights Rescues

If you’re looking for an interactive and educational wind down afternoon after the parade and kid games this weekend, then head over to the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum (NMHFM). On Saturday, August 3 from 3 – 5 p.m. the Colorado Front Range Mine Rescue (CFRMR) is returning for this year’s Boom Days at the Museum.  The team was popular with children and adults alike last year and they will be returning to demonstrate the equipment they use and answer questions about mine rescue techniques.

Colorado Front Range Mine Rescue will be at the Mining Museum on Saturday.

CFRMR is a mine rescue team providing rescue services for small mines and mine-related projects in the western United States. The team is composed of volunteers who meet at least once per month to train and maintain a full “mine rescue station” and at least one team of “mine rescue team members” that meets the rigorous standards specified in the Code of Federal Regulations (30CFR§49) administered by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”).  Team members have participated in over 1,000+ hours of training, multiple mine emergency rescue drills, and regularly compete in regional competitions to stay first responder ready to meet the unique challenges of mine rescue.

Competitions focus on the myriad aspects of mine rescue. There is a written proficiency test, technician tests on BG4 rebreather apparatus, MX6 air quality testers and First Aid.  In addition, the main exercise is a field test problem that is scored on time and success in solving a mine rescue problem which usually involves locating and rescuing lost or trapped miners, fighting fires, and returning a mine to safe operating conditions.

First in – Last Out and other activities revolving around rock formation, rock hounding, rock art, and the periodic table will be available with adults paid admission. Members are free.   Free gold panning lessons will be offered outside the museum.  Activities run from 3 – 5 p.m. The Mining Museum is located on 120 W. 9th Street in Leadville.

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