Artisan Festival

The GVR Lapidary Club's Artisan Festival is an annual community event that showcases a variety of handmade crafts, including glasswork, gourd art, weavings, ceramics, wood, photography, jewelry, and more, created by club members and other GVR member artisans. The festival offers visitors the opportunity to browse and purchase unique items, with the opportunity to meet the artisans behind the works. It also serves as a significant fundraising event for the club, supporting its activities, classes, and community outreach programs. The festival is held at the GVR West Center on the second weekend in November. There are many volunteer opportunities available for club members. Look for more information in the GEMS newsletter in late summer and early fall.  

Annual Fundraiser aka Garage Sale

Since many members also work in their own studio, there is an abundance of equipment, tools, and other gadgets and gizmos to recycle among members. This Garage Sale focuses on lapidary and jewelry making-related items and raises a significant amount of money for the club. It’s a fun annual spring event and social gathering. The date for the Garage Sale will be advertised in the GEMS newsletter, along with the volunteer opportunities available. 

Club Meetings and Parties

A Lapidary Club General Membership Meeting occurs three or four times a year. It’s a potluck and includes a raffle. Members are allowed to sell jewelry-making supplies and cabochons to other members (no finished jewelry please). In the November General meeting, the newly elected Board Officers are introduced. Meeting dates are announced in the GEMS newsletter. The Social Committee welcomes volunteers to help with set-up and clean-up. 

Annual Open House

One Saturday in the fall or winter, we welcome the community into our West Center shop to showcase the jewelry that can be made in our classes and workshops. Visitors can watch live demonstrations, browse and purchase unique pieces crafted by our members, and enjoy a selection of tasty snacks. It's our way of introducing the public and fellow GVR members to the creativity, learning and camaraderie our club has to offer! There are many volunteer opportunities available in support of this event. Look for more information in the GEMS newsletter.