The Lithia Artisans Market is full of amazing and diverse jewelry artisan booths. On any given weekend you will find ten or more jewelry artists along Calle Guanajuato selling all kinds of wearable art. This season we are pleased to have added a number of new jewelry artisans to our ranks. In this post I will concentrate on two new members — Juan Garcia and Elesha Snocker Rodine. Next week I will highlight two more jewelry artisans.
Juan Garcia, silver artist, in his booth at Lithia Artisans Market.
Juan Garcia is a silversmith who originates from Mexico City. He also spent a lot of years living in Patzcuaro, Michoacan. Patzcuaro is a beautiful city on a very picturesque lake. The area is high in the mountains and reminds me of Oregon because of the abundance of pine trees instead of palms. He tells me the area is now pretty sketchy because of the drug lords who have essentially taken the area over. Juan, his wife Michele, and their two children Geronimo and Esperanza are new to the Ashland area and trying to become established here by selling Juan’s fine jewelry at the artisans market. Juan specializes in free-form silver fabrication and lost wax technique. His pieces range from simple to highly elaborate filigree style work. He is a true master of his craft and has been making jewelry for 20 years. They are a very sweet family and the artisans market is happy to call your family part of ours.
Elesha Snocker Rodine in her booth at Lithia Artisans Market.
Another new jewelry artist is Elesha Snocker Rodine. Actually, she is an old member who left the market a few years back. During her hiatus she got married to another glass artist Josh Rodine. These two make a very complementary pair. Another reason Elesha was out of the loop was she was having a baby. Our family of artisans is full of new babies and kids running around. I love it. Elesha has really come into her own with her art-form. Her handmade lamp-work glass beads are top notch and her newest earring designs are really cool. So glad Elesha and her family are back at the market.
Sterling silver and turquoise ring by Juan Garcia. His work can be seen at Lithia Artisans Market, Ashland, Oregon.
Lamp work glass beads by Elesha Snocker Rodine. See her at Lithia Artisans Market in Ashland, Oregon.
Music Lineup for this weekend.
Marcella Ruikis, photographed at the recent MidSummer's Dream Art & Music Festival, will be playing this Saturday from 3 'til 5 at Lithia Artisans Market.
Saturday, July 30
11:30-1:30 Craig & Beth Martin
3:00-5:00 Jim & Marcella “Smoky Red Duo”
Sunday, July 31
11:30-1:30 Dave & Gabe Young
3:00-5:00 Shaloma