Squash Blossom is a pillar of the Colorado Springs artwork and small enterprise group. The long-standing storefront has a protracted and attention-grabbing historical past, borne from the curiosity, spirit and tastes of householders Patrice and John Cogswell.

Fifty years in the past, the Cogswells puzzled learn how to remodel their ardour for artwork, jewellery, and Native American tradition right into a enterprise. Geared up with a primary marketing strategy and $1,500, they took step one in making their dream a actuality, touring Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni reservations within the Southwest, buying one-of-a-kind handmade jewellery. They then arrange store in a kiosk in downtown Colorado Springs, circa 1973, and Squash Blossom was established.

The Native American jewellery assortment at Squash Blossom remains to be specifically curated and hand-picked to characterize the very best in high quality and authenticity. Every bit, whether or not classic or up to date, should meet the best of requirements.

Loads has modified in shut to 5 a long time, however the Cogswells’ dedication to exhausting work and dedication to constructing relationships stays the identical. These admirable traits are what enabled Squash Blossom to develop – to a 2,000-square-foot showroom with one thing for everybody – and thrive, changing into a beloved fixture in Outdated Colorado Metropolis.

Ethics and principles lead at Squash Blossom

Each product at Squash Blossom – from Southwest-rooted up to date and designer jewellery and fantastic artwork to residence items, furnishings, and décor – are ethically sourced and produced with the very best supplies and artistry.

Persons are at all times prioritized above income, from the artists represented to the customers-turned-friends. The Cogswells have made it their enterprise to maintain a finger on the heart beat of the native artwork scene, offering a platform for up-and-coming artists and rising stars, and introducing regional and world-renowned jewellery designers.

“Whenever you give, you get,” mentioned John Cogswell. “We’ve got been lucky to have the ability to curate collections you’ll not see anyplace else in Colorado and have been rewarded with a loyal following that lets us reside our dream. We all know we’re the place we’re due to our clients, to whom we’re eternally grateful.”

All the things outdated is new once more in Outdated Colorado Metropolis!

The historic district the place Squash Blossom resides has undergone a renaissance, drawing crowds of locals and vacationers to its artwork galleries, boutiques, and eating places. The brick constructing’s West-facing wall encompasses a mural by Colorado Springs artist Phil Lear that depicts its provenance in colourful paint, displaying:

• A local Ute woman sporting a symbolic squash blossom necklace.
• A Prohibition-era younger man elevating his glass to commemorate the constructing’s incarnation as speakeasy, saloon, and soda store.
• A lady scandalously flaunting her knee as a reminder of the construction’s onetime use as bordello.
• A local American bust in homage to sculptures on show contained in the gallery.
• A Navajo rug design sample.
• A clock, to tie all of the imagery collectively.

Squash Blossom is proud to have Lear as considered one of its long-standing native artists.

“We love representing Phil Lear’s work,” mentioned Assistant Gallery Director Ravan Clark. “He’s a pure storyteller and the right selection for our mural.”

Lear stands in good firm with. . .

Greater than 20 artists native to Colorado

The designers and artists whose work featured at Squash Blossom typically have a long-standing relationship with the Cogswells. Two examples of decades-long gallery illustration embody the works of Peyote Chook Designs, Gurhan and Sarah Graham. Others have a brand new relationship, cast inside the previous two years, because of the admirable eye of Gallery Director Kenny Idleman, whose ardour for jewellery design and craftsmanship led to the introductions of Ryan Gardner, Alex Boyd and Baleigh Acebo. Nevertheless lengthy the gallery-artist relationships, all have helped deliver a big selection of kinds to the general public.

“The innovation, high quality and craftsmanship of hand-fabricated jewellery is one thing that can’t be rivaled by massive brand-name designers and manufacturing jewellery,” mentioned Idleman. “There are such a lot of recent, new artists and designers who’re investing the time, effort and intention to create one-of-a-kind work; and I really feel you will need to join these artists who’re native to the group, and the market by way of which they’ll share their artwork. Squash Blossom offers the platform on which these connections are constructed.”

Gardner, a two-time Saul Bell Design Awards Finalist (within the Silver and Jewellery Assortment classes in 2020), works in steel and stone. He favors much less useful, imperfect stones, most notably quartz with pure inclusions, fashioning them into items of fantastic jewellery, along with his work with valuable stones like diamonds and emeralds. His work, out of Ryan Gardner Designs, is displayed in galleries throughout the U.S.

Boyd knew from boyhood that he could be an artist. He creates highly effective talismans in oxidized sterling with hinges and swivels in sudden locations. His work shows craftsmanship that’s at-once technical, inventive and creative. His elegant, lovely, and typically whimsical work is obtainable by way of the Alex Boyd Studio.

Swish geometry, clear strains and industrial parts discover their means into Acebo’s customized, bespoke jewellery and different fantastic items made with ethically recycled valuable metals, diamonds, and conflict-free coloured gems, out there from Acebo Jewellery.

“The entire artists represented within the Squash Blossom gallery are great in their very own methods,” mentioned Clark. “We’re blessed to have the chance to showcase a lot expertise!”

Squash Blossom can be proud to hold the works of sculptors who work in carved stone, bronze and turned wooden, bringing an exquisite assortment of the 3D visible artwork to the group.

Uncompromising high quality and repair

The actual fact is jewellery and artwork are an funding – prior to now, current, and future! These things enable homeowners to share a narrative and go away a legacy for generations to come back.

The standard of merchandise at Squash Blossom is uncompromising. To this finish, the handmade Native American jewellery is ethically sourced, with items going by way of vigorous high quality management. Designer jewellery collections additionally concentrate on moral, sustainable manufacturing. You’ll be able to rely on the identical accountability whether or not on the lookout for a customized bracelet from a global icon, customized wedding ceremony band or anniversary necklace, or classic Squash Blossom necklace, sculptures or work.

Mark your calendar!

Squash Blossom will likely be taking part in Black Friday on November 25 and Small Enterprise Saturday on November 26.

Moreover, we invite you to take part in a First Friday Artwork Stroll on November 4 and December 2, the place you will see reside demonstrations from artists and jewelers, free snacks and refreshments and reside music!

PLUS:

Take a look at the Mason-Kay Jade Trunk Present on November 19, and produce your necklaces, pendants, earrings, rings, bracelets and cuffs, classic bolo, belts and buckles, pins, keychains, cash clips, hair equipment or fetish carvings to the December 3 Native American Jewellery Analysis Day (the place you might have the chance to promote or consign your assortment)!

Go to Squash Blossom in-person at 2531 W. Colorado Avenue from 10 a.m. to six p.m. Sunday by way of Thursday, and 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with prolonged weekend hours after Thanksgiving till 8 p.m., or on-line. Your vacation items, and extra, await! Inform the crew – who’re at all times glad to information! – what you might be on the lookout for, and they’re going to enable you to discover it. . .or craft it for you – fortunately, skillfully, and responsibly. Telephone Squash Blossom at 719-632-1899 or ship us an e mail).