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Squash Blossom storefront. Photograph courtesy of Squash Blossom
Squash Blossom is a pillar of the Colorado Springs artwork and small enterprise neighborhood. The long-standing storefront has an extended 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 the best way to rework their ardour for artwork, jewellery, and Native American tradition right into a enterprise. Outfitted 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.
Photograph of John and Patti Cogswell courtesy of Squash Blossom
The Native American jewellery assortment at Squash Blossom continues to be specifically curated and hand-picked to symbolize the very best in high quality and authenticity. Each piece, whether or not classic or modern, should meet the very best of requirements.
Mannequin in Native American Jewellery. Photograph courtesy of Squash Blossom
Rather a lot has modified in shut to 5 a long time, however the Cogswells’ dedication to laborious 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, turning into a beloved fixture in Previous Colorado Metropolis.
Ethics and principles lead at Squash Blossom
Each product at Squash Blossom – from Southwest-rooted, modern and designer jewellery to tremendous artwork, dwelling items, furnishings and décor – are ethically sourced and produced with the very best supplies and artistry.
Persons are at all times prioritized above earnings, from the artists represented to the customers-turned-friends. The Cogswells have made it their enterprise to maintain a finger on the heartbeat 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. “Now we have been lucky to have the ability to curate collections you’ll not see wherever else in Colorado and have been rewarded with a loyal following that lets us stay our dream. We all know we’re the place we’re due to our prospects, to whom we’re eternally grateful.”
Every part outdated is new once more in Previous 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 lady carrying 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.
Mural by Colorado Springs Artist Phil Lear. Photograph courtesy of Squash Blossom
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 proper 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. Three examples of decades-long gallery illustration embrace the works of Peyote Chicken Designs, Gurhan and Sarah Graham. Others have a brand new relationship, cast throughout the previous two years, due to 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. Nonetheless lengthy the gallery-artist relationships, all have helped convey a wide selection of types to the general public.
Photograph courtesy of Squash Blossom
“The innovation, high quality and craftsmanship of hand-fabricated jewellery is one thing that can not be rivaled by massive brand-name designers and manufacturing jewellery,” mentioned Idleman. “There are such a lot of contemporary, new artists and designers who’re investing the time, effort and intention to create one-of-a-kind work; and I really feel it is very important join these artists who’re native to the neighborhood, 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 metallic and stone. He favors much less helpful, imperfect stones, most notably quartz with pure inclusions, fashioning them into items of tremendous 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.
Necklaces by Jewellery Designer Ryan Gardner. Photograph courtesy of Squash Blossom
Boyd knew from boyhood that he could be an artist. He creates highly effective talismans in oxidized sterling with hinges and swivels in surprising locations. His work shows craftsmanship that’s at-once technical, artistic and creative. His chic, lovely, and generally whimsical work is on the market by way of the Alex Boyd Studio.
Turquoise jewellery designed by Alex Boyd. Photograph courtesy of Squash Blossom
Sleek geometry, clear strains and industrial parts discover their manner into Acebo’s customized, bespoke jewellery and different tremendous items made with ethically recycled valuable metals, diamonds, and conflict-free coloured gems, out there from Acebo Jewellery.
Rings by Jewellery Designer Baleigh Acebo. Photograph courtesy of Squash Blossom
“All the artists represented within the Squash Blossom gallery are fantastic in their very own methods,” mentioned Clark. “We’re blessed to have the chance to showcase a lot expertise!”
Squash Blossom can also 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 neighborhood.
Photograph of “Cayuse Prairie” courtesy of Squash Blossom
Uncompromising high quality and repair
The very fact is jewellery and artwork are an funding – previously, current, and future! These things enable homeowners to share a narrative and depart a legacy for generations to return.
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 give attention to moral, sustainable manufacturing. You may depend on the identical accountability whether or not on the lookout for a customized bracelet from a global icon, customized marriage ceremony band or anniversary necklace, or classic Squash Blossom necklace, sculptures or work.
Designer jewellery. Photograph courtesy of Squash Blossom
Squash Blossom will likely be collaborating 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 that stay demonstrations from artists and jewelers, free snacks and refreshments and stay music!
PLUS:
Take a look at the Mason-Kay Jade Trunk Present on November 19, and convey 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’ll have the chance to promote or consign your assortment)!
New in-store: Native American necklace and earrings. Photograph courtesy of Squash Blossom
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 presents, and extra, await! Inform the crew – who’re at all times glad to information! – what you might be on the lookout for, and they’ll enable you discover it. . .or craft it for you – fortunately, skillfully, and responsibly. Cellphone Squash Blossom at 719-632-1899 or ship us an e mail).
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