If you’re the kind of person who can spend hours admiring a beautiful gemstone, searching for the perfect bead or getting lost in a collection of handcrafted treasures, Tucson has an event for you this fall.
Colors of the Stone returns September 3-6 at Casino Del Sol Resort, bringing more than 300 exhibits for four days dedicated to gemstones, jewelry, beads, minerals, artisan handcraft, textiles, tools and creative supplies. The event welcomes designers, makers, collectors, retailers and curious shoppers, creating a marketplace where inspiration can be found around every corner.
The marketplace brings together independent artisans, jewelry designers, lapidaries, bead makers, miners, gem cutters, textile artists and specialty suppliers, giving visitors the chance to shop directly from the people who create, source and work with their materials.
For collectors, that means an opportunity to discover unusual gemstones and minerals. For jewelry lovers, there are handcrafted pieces and distinctive designs. And for makers, the show is practically a playground, with creative supplies and one-of-a-kind materials that could inspire the next project.
Visitors can browse at their own pace, moving from colorful stones and sparkling jewelry to textiles, beads, tools and artisan handcrafts while discovering the creative traditions represented by exhibitors from Tucson, across the country and around the world. Daily workshops and demonstrations offer visitors the opportunity to learn from experienced artists and instructors while exploring new creative techniques.
Classes and demonstrations cover a range of disciplines, including jewelry making, beadwork, metalsmithing, wirework, fiber arts and mixed media.
Whether you’re already an experienced maker or curious about trying something new, the hands-on offerings add another dimension to the Colors of the Stone experience. It’s also a chance to see the craftsmanship behind some of the beautiful work on display and perhaps pick up a new skill to take home.
Colors of the Stone takes place September 3-6 at Casino Del Sol Resort, 5655 W. Valencia Road in Tucson. The show is free and open to the public, with free parking. Hours are 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit colorsofthestone.com.
