ROCK AND GEM SHOW
NOV 1 -2 IN STUART
Whether you want beautifully crafted jewelry or the components to make it yourself, you can find it at the Martin County Fair Grounds at the annual St. Lucie County Rock and Gem Show Nov. 1 and 2 from 10 am to 5pm.
Members and vendors will offer jewelry, minerals and rocks that can be cut into stones for rings, bracelets, earrings and decorative pieces, as well as findings, beads and other supplies. Members of the Rock and Gem Club will demonstrate seed beading, wire wrapping, stained glass, cabbing, polymer clay and rock identification.
The proceeds from the annual show are the main source of income to maintain the "not for profit" club and fund a scholarship for an Indian River Community College student. Vendors and non-members pay for space to show their wares. Club members offer information about lapidary arts.
Founded in 1978 by a group of rock hounds that needed a place to work, share ideas and skills. Their first meeting was in the backroom of a gas station in Ft. Pierce. Bennie Miller led the search for a place and organized the group. Indian River Community College offered them space if they would teach lapidary skills to students. The yearly dues were $7, but the members saved their money, fixed donated equipment, and invented tools to get the job done. In 1988 many of the instructors did not have the university degrees that a new law required, so they had to find a new home. Their frugal ways and extra donations from some members allowed them to buy a 1,000 square foot condominium on U.S, 1 in Ft. Pierce, debt free.
Today the dues have increased to only $15, the lowest in the area and the workshop is touted as one of the best workshops on the east coast, even though it is not fancy, according to Norman Holbart, president. Four times a year, a series of 10 classes are offered. Each class lasts three hours. You can choose beading, silversmithing, cabbing, wire wrapping, chain making, stained glass, glass fusion, polymer clay, faceting and casting. Course cost is $35 for the 10 weeks, with a second class only $20. Working folks and retirees are learning new skills since there are classes from 9 -12 am, 1-4 and 7-10 pm Monday through Saturday. Not all classes are taught each session.
Contact Marcia Robart at 772-340-3841 or fmeal@bellsouth.net for more information or attend the Rock and Gem Show. Admission is $4. One dollar off coupons are available in shops and in news ads.