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63rd Annual KC Gem & Mineral Show |
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Special Exhibit: Artistic Bronze/Metal Casting, Dr. Elden Tefft, Sculpture, who in WWII developed an art therapy program in the South Pacific for wounded soldiers, returned to KU where he built the first “lost wax” foundry on a university campus and spent the next 40 years teaching the art of bronze sculpting and casting. Examples of his work may be seen nationwide. Numerous examples on the KU campus. Special Exhibit: Timeless Expressions: Native American Arts of the Southwest. Presented by the Haskell Cultural Center and Museum, Haskell Indian Nations University, Lawrence, Kansas. This Exhibit showcases an impressive collection of southwestern Native American Pottery as well as jewelry, crafted by the talented students of Haskell Indian Junior College. Vibrant with cultural significance, the pottery pieces feature intricate designs inspired by traditional methods, each telling a story of heritage and craftsmanship. The jewelry, adorned with stunning gemstones and metals, reflects a harmonious blend of artistry and nature, highlighting the unique techniques passed down through generations. Together, these creations not only celebrate the rich traditions of the Native American community but also demonstrate the students’ creativity and connection to their ancestral roots. Special Exhibit: John (Jack) Bertels Mystery Estate. An exhibit of Mr. Bertels’ here-to-for unknown lifetime mineral specimen collection. A quiet lifelong Kansas City bachelor, Mr. Bertels, a retired structural engineer, spent of 60 years collecting and assembling a legacy of mineral specimens from around the world. This hobby, unbeknownst to his neighbors, only surfaced upon his passing in 2022. The importance of the extensive collection lies in the very detailed notebook entries he maintained on each specimen, identifying his efforts in self -collecting, purchasing, or trading, etc., as well as dates, values and comments regarding the significance of each item when of interest. In that Mr. Bertels left no heirs (except one Eastern U.S. distant relative who expressed no interest in the estate), the labeling and notes related to his collection make the assemblage relevant and important. KANSAS GEOLOGICAL SURVEY (KSG) — The KGS will once again feature the natural resources of the state, exciting geological features that can be found in Kansas, and even samples of meteorites identified nearby. Activities will be provided for the entire family, as well as some raffle prizes each day. Alloy Demonstrations: A Metalsmithing Community will have a typical professional jewelers bench to demonstrate. Displayed will be the tools necessary to design and fabricate unique jewelry items. Procedures and processes of developing individualized creations from precious metals, gemstones and materials will be shown. Alloy provides the hands on instruction, venue and opportunity for the beginner as well as advanced individuals to gain experience and capability in their chosen and specialized interests. FRIENDS OF MINERALOGY: Missouri Minerals - Presented by Mississippi Valley Chapter of the Friends of Mineralogy. A display featuring minerals from Missouri. FLUORESCENT MINERAL DISPLAY – Presented by Dan & Connie Snow of the Show-Me Rockhounds of Kansas City, MO: a spectacular display of fluorescent minerals that demonstrate the amazing colors that are revealed when exposed to shortwave and long wave ultraviolet light. Featuring minerals from the famous deposits at Franklin, NJ as well as from other U.S. and International locations. The presentation will be in Salon D shown at posted presentation times each day. MR. BONES — Tim Seeber; Louisville, CO is back by popular request. Tim and his friendly life sized dinosaur puppets will be stalking amazed children (and several adults) around the show arena. LUCA’S PET ROCKS — Luca, The Community Helper, Inc. from Oak Grove, MO is a 10 year old boy who with his friends and grandma, paints rocks to raise money for worthy causes. His recent work has benefitted the Sci Valley Fire Protection District and Oak Grove Police Department for the purchase of needed equipment. UNION STATION SCIENCE CITY/DINO LAB — Science City, exhibits North America Sea Creatures as an example of the various topics of interest made available to their guests. Previous presentations included “The Dinosaur Road Trip” and the Grain Valley Mammoth. WALK THROUGH STORY BOOK – Judy Oetting built, Levasy, MO. A geological experience, don’t miss Judy’s Giant Storybook, It is a hands on exhibit geared to the younger set but everyone can learn about rocks and minerals that formed the beautiful planet we call home. Also there are many interesting exhibits on Fossils, the inland sea, and our glacial history.
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2025 SPECIAL EXHIBITS |
