he Spokane Jewelers Guild is a little known but longstanding establishment in the Inland Northwest . Consisting of 17 current members , this cooperative group of artists exemplifies so much about why we create , and how we can support each other doing so . Membership ranges from the just joined , to seasoned veterans who have spent decades keeping the group running . They come from all walks of life and experience levels , and gather once a month to share experiences , knowledge , food , and camaraderie .
“ The guild is an amazing group of people who come together to share their knowledge and experience while challenging every member to learn and expand their skills . What I appreciate about the guild , in addition to the friendships , is being around other jewelers who possess incredible talent and knowledge and produce beautiful work in a wide variety of styles ,” says Bunny Webster , a new member who has been bringing a renewed positive and exciting energy to the group .
Kris Howell , a longtime veteran of the guild and the second most recent guild president , sat down to discuss the guild ’ s history , and what makes it a unique resource for its members . She asserted that , “ It ’ s a very supportive group . We do workshops and learn a lot of new techniques we wouldn ’ t otherwise know about .”
“ We originally started as an adjunct to the lapidary guys . Their wives decided they wanted to start using up some of those rocks they had , so it grew out of the lapidary group . In those days it was a group travelling to rock sites together ; the guys would be cutting and polishing them , you know . I believe that was in the 1950s . We originally always met at the Spokane Art School across from the Veteran ’ s Arena and when we were there that gave us an opportunity to have equipment to work with .”
“ The guild is an amazing group of people who come together to share their knowledge and experience while challenging every member to learn and expand their skills .”
The Spokane Jewelers Guild maintains a friendly relationship with the aforementioned lapidary group , the Spokane Rock Rollers , though both have grown and changed greatly over the years since the Jeweler ’ s Guild split off . Once a year , as per the guild bylaws , each member creates a challenge piece with a unique annual theme , for display at the Rock Rollers show every March .
Members benefit from inclusion in this show , as well as an annual local show at Pottery Place Plus and regular space at Spokane Gallery , but the primary benefit to members is the ability to utilize each other as resources .
Helga Hirsch
January | February 2023 65