Let’s Go to the Show – the CFMS "Golden Bear" Gem Show... - A Fly On The Wall’s Views and Reviews

A Special Thanks to Anthony Ferraria of the CCRMC for the photos
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June ended with a bang!!!! The CFMS “Golden Bear” Gem Show was held the last weekend June at the Ventura Fair Grounds.

For those of you who may not be familiar with this group…the California Federation of Mineral Societies (CFMS) was organized in 1936 to bring about a closer association of Clubs and Societies devoted to the study of Earth Sciences and the practice of Lapidary Arts and Crafts in the Western part of the United States.The CFMS includes approximately 137 clubs and societies mostly in California. There are a few clubs outside this area in Arizona and Nevada due to historical affiliation. The CFMS is a member of the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS).

I live just an hour south of Ventura and in California that can mean the difference between a tee shirt & shorts and a sweatshirt & jeans kinda day!

We left the house around 10am and it was already 96 degrees out but within a half hour on the road the temperature change was dramatic!!! The Ventura Fair Grounds sits right on the coast overlooking the water, making for a temperate and enjoyable weekend.

The show was held in the first two giant Exhibition Halls on the Fairgrounds with an area outside for the Food Court and some great outdoor exhibits.

Michele Chapin of Stoneworks Studio was one of vendors in the Courtyard. She was on hand with a display of her exquisite sculpture. Although her work is truly spectacular you will notice from the photos that all of her signs ask you to “Please Touch” the pieces. Space was set up for people to learn some sculpting basics! Looks like she had a couple of eager students! Michele also gave several

CFMS members a personalized tour of her studio.

As is tradition in these shows one pavilion is about the BUYING and one pavilion is about the LEARNING – although sometimes I learn just as much from the vendors.

The variety of Vendors at the Federation Shows never disappoints – there are Minerals (Micro, Thumbnail, and larger);

Rocks (rough, slabs & polished); Jewelers (Wire Wrappers, Silversmiths, Lampworkers); Books, Gifts Items…the list goes on!

There were some really great demonstrations this year…

Thalia Goldsworthy demonstrated wire wrapping – she got some interesting requests

Jim Hutchings, amazing collection of minerals for educational purposes

Robert Sankovich, and hands on demonstration of angle grinder – polishing set.

Stuart Chalfant (see photo – above) and his maplewood gem polishing wheels.

Mike Woodward (see photo – above right) and his amazing Photographic Art

There were demonstrations on Lampworking, Chainmaille, Soldering, Stone/Gem Identification, Lapidary, and much more.

The CFMS Cases were as impressive as always…these cases range from Past Presidents cases to Collections that have been left to the CFMS from the Estates of members.

The Exhibition Hall that held the display cases held a new wonder at each turn – there were cases from all of the California Federation Clubs. One of my favorites is always the great display of Flourescent Minerals.

In case you didn’t make it to the show I am including a photo of our club case (that is my series of gypsy set diamond jewelry in the left corner). Thalia did an excellent job getting this put together, Thanks Thalia!

There were cases by jewelers and personal collections here are a couple of my favorites…

The Royal Flush Society’s display of POOP!

…and Kathryn Davis’s fabulous Rhodocrosite!

Then of course there is the Business Meeting portion of the event.

The new Federation Directors are:
Robert Sankovich (Conejo G&M Club) Laura Red, Bural La Rue, President (Valley Prospectors), Jim Brace-Thompson, junior activities (Ventura G&M Soc), Dick Pankey former President (Contra Costa M&C Soc). Edwin Hale President Santa Barbara R&M Club, Field Trip North Dave Munster (Stockton) , (Field trip South VACANT…Individual Clubs are asked to help out until this position is filled).