Evening Star

Jim Bradley Named Honoree for Art Leadership

2010-08-04T06:12:00.012-06:00

Bradley Named 2010 Honoree
for Art Leadership

Salt Lake County Councilman Jim Bradley has been presented with the 2010 National Award for County Arts Leadership. Bradley received the award at National Association of Counties (NACo) annual meeting today in Reno, NV. The award is presented in the name of the Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading non profit organization for advancing the arts in the United States.

The award honors and elected official or leader who has significantly advanced the arts in their communities. Bradley’s leadership in Salt Lake’s cultural arts dates back to his four year term as county commission chair, 1991-1994.

As commissioner, Councilman Bradley oversaw the Salt Lake County Center for the Arts, including the planning and construction of the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center. He was also the driving force behind in the successful campaign to name what was then Symphony Hall, “Maurice Abravanel Hall” recognizing the enormous contributions of the late long-time Utah Symphony conductor.

Bradley was also a driving force behind the initial creation of the Zoo, Arts, and Parks (ZAP) program. In 2009, ZAP funding was provided to 156 arts and cultural organizations in Salt Lake County.

“I’m not sure anyone should get an award for doing what they love,” says Bradley. “I am fortunate to live in a community that places a premium on the arts and much of what we have accomplished reflects the cultural values in Salt Lake County.”

Bradley also thanked the Americans For the Arts Governing Board for recognizing those who advance the arts, noting that support of local arts organizations is, “good policy, good politics, and good business.”

Brought to you by:

Raindrop Turquoise Earrings
Gentle curves of channel inlay cut and polished turquoise hallmark this striking pair of earrings.

Southwest Symbols

2010-04-13T15:06:00.007-06:00

Southwest Symbols and Their Meanings

Butterfly -- Everlasting life
Sun -- Happiness
Arrowhead -- Alertness
Bird -- Carefree and lighthearted qualities
Bear Claw -- Good luck, good omen, protection of the Gods
Thunderbird -- The sacred bearer of unlimited happiness

Turquoise Folklore

2010-04-13T14:55:00.012-06:00

Turquoise, Coral and Silver

Turquoise has its roots deep in Southwestern mythology and folklore. It has long been not only an ornamental stone, but also a ceremonial stone, worn during ceremonies by virtually all Southwestern tribes.

According to Southwest traditions: "The eye is strengthened by looking at a turquoise." "One who sees a turquoise early in the morning will pass a fortunate day." "The turquoise helps its owner to victory over his enemies, protects him against injury, and makes him well liked by all men."

Most of the turquoise used by the Southwest artists comes from Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Colorado. It can be blue, green, or combinations of the two, often in the same stone.

American Southwest jewelry - made of the earth, wind, sea, and the spirits of the Gods. Turquoise represents the clear blue skies of the Southwest desert. Silver, introduced by the Spaniards, represents the white clouds of the Southwest skies. Coral signifies the red sands of the desert. Coral, especially red coral, offers an electrifying contrast to both silver and turquoise.

Copyright 1978-2010 Milne Jewelry
Image Copyright 2010 Milne Jewelry

Utah Museum of Fine Arts Exhibition

2010-04-13T13:42:00.010-06:00

The Continuing Allure:
Painters of Utah'sRed Rock
On view through June 27, 2010

To love the western landscape is to embrace the subtlety of a vast and mysterious desert terrain. Among the artists who conquered the obstacles of painting Utah's red rock country were Maynard Dixon, Edgar Payne, and Conrad Buff, just a few of the notable painters represented in this exhibition.

Utah Museum of Fine Arts
University of Utah Campus
Marcia & John Price Museum
Building 410 Campus Center Drive
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
(801) 581-7332

Museum Hours
Tuesday – Friday: 10 am – 5 pm
Wednesday: 10 am – 8 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm
Closed Mondays and Holidays

An exquisite collection of American Southwest turquoise and silver jewelry from Evening Star is being offered for sale at a generous discount in the Museum of Fine Arts Gift Shop. Creations of art you will cherish a lifetime.

Logo Copyright © Utah Museum of Fine Arts. Used with permission.
Photograph provided for use by Utah Museum of Fine Arts.

Proper Care of Southwest Jewelry

2010-04-02T07:03:00.016-06:00

Silver and Turquoise Jewelry

- Sterling silver is used in your fine Southwestern jewelry. Silver will tarnish and may be maintained with a jeweler's polishing cloth. Do not use chemical or abrasive cleaners.

- Turquoise is a fairly hard stone, but is brittle and can be broken. Avoid crushing or striking your jewelry. Dealers will not warranty stones from breakage. Be cautious and you will have no problems.

- Turquoise will in time absorb skin oils, dirt, soap, and chemicals. Please avoid contact with these.

- Immersing inlaid stones and shells into any liquid will weaken or dissolve the adhesive behind them and loosen the stones.

- You can avoid problems with bracelets by sliding on the side of your wrist. Avoid bending it back and forth as this may break the bracelet and dislodge the stones.

- Exercise a certain amount of care and your jewelry will give you years of enjoyment and pleasure.