Name: Don Cunningham
Address: 1710 Knoll Drive
Prescott, AZ. 86301
A lifetime of gem and mineral collecting began with an early
interest in the treasures of the earth. This interest and collecting
expanded during twenty years of travel with the U.S. Navy. A second
career in the field of construction inspection provided many
additional opportunities to visit and collect at newly excavated
sites throughout the Southwest.
This worldwide collection sparked an interest in enhancing their
beauty, which led to learning the art of cutting and polishing of the
materials available. A desire to find a way to better display the
finished pieces led to the study of jewelry-making and
silver-smithing at Yavapai College in Prescott AZ. Working with a
range of materials and techniques, the goal then became to merge
stone and setting, producing jewelry that is unique and
one-of-a-kind, as well as appealing to the eye.
Recipient of several First Place awards and plaques for his
displays at the Yavapai County Fair, his entry in the Bolo jewelry
competition won a first place award in 2001 at the Arizona State
Fair. He has won awards in the Visions Southwest juried show at the
Prescott Fine Arts. Most recently he has been named =93Craftsman of th=
e
Month=94 by the nationally distributed magazine =93Rocks and Gems=94 f=
or
his bolo tie depicting Prescott=92s Thumb Butte.
Don is a member of the Prescott Fine Arts Association, and a member
of the Visual Arts Committee, which is responsible for an art gallery
that serves the Southwest. He has also served as Assistant
Superintendent and Superintendent for the Gem and Mineral display at
the Yavapai County Fair.
A display of finished jewelry is currently at the Phippen Museum
gift store, Prescott Fine Arts gift shop, Prescott Museum & Trading
Company and other shops in the Prescott area.