Judy Moskal at the silversmith bench
Sarah Marks
The respected journal Frontiers in Public Health recently published a new study indicating that “participating in art making as you age is good for your mental well-being.” This is based on a year-long study of 2,843 adults born between 1946 and 1964 and the links between art and mental well-being. This year-long study found significantly better mental and physical health among those individuals participating in art making than those who didn’t do any art.
With this in mind, the Sun Lakes Rock, Gem & Silver Club is ramping up for another great year. We welcome all Sun Lakes, IronOaks, and Cottonwood Palo Verde residents and lot owners to join us for some imaginative and educational enhancement. You don’t need previous experience or artistic background, just a desire to explore your left brain with enthusiasm.
Our all-volunteer team of instructors are former art teachers, professional artisans, and hobbyists anxious to share their experience with you. Imagine exploring silversmithing; lapidary (rock polishing and creating with rocks, i.e., stone handles/chess sets); dichroic and stained glass making; gourds; beading; metal clay design; copper and silver spoon jewelry; lost wax casting in silver, gold, or bronze; faceting (cutting gemstones); and inlay jewelry. All the classes are intimate, hands-on events with the best coaches you could want to guide you through your development. Classes are offered six days a week in a wide variety of disciplines. Each class is three hours long, with sessions going through the season, October through May. Summer classes are offered on a request basis, as many instructors leave for the June through September season.
Open Shop sessions allow club members to use the facilities to work on their projects. Skilled, safety-trained, and skill-specific club monitors oversee the Open Shop activities. A complete schedule of classes and Open Shop times can be found on the club website at www.slrgs.com. You will also find detailed class and instructor information, archives of articles, membership application, and much more.
The club studios are filled with equipment and tools, so there is minimal cost to get started. The four club facilities can be found on the grounds of the three country clubs: IronOaks Oakwood Arts and Crafts Center, Cottonwood Country Club Glass Studio, and the separate Lapidary Shop located in the Activities Center. You will find the Lapidary and Faceting Shop to the left of the Sun Lakes Country Club clubhouse.
Membership is a nominal $35 a year, with class fees ranging from $25 to $60 per semester. Club meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. in the Cottonwood Country Club Lecture Hall. We hope to see you there.