Tucson Mineral Show: A Gem of an Event

As a mineral enthusiast and avid collector, I eagerly anticipate my annual pilgrimage to The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. The world-renowned event, held in Tucson, Arizona, is a feast for the eyes and senses as over 5,000 unique vendors and exhibitors from around the globe offer the finest selection of natural history wonders ever assembled.This year was my fifteenth year attending. Truth be told, my spouse has been going to the show since its inception over 40 years ago (and collecting since he was 8), so while I’m a veteran, he is the gem authority.

Immediately, I found myself among a splendor of great exhibits. Consistently extraordinary exhibitors include GeoDécor, Ron Coleman Mining, Inc. and Crystal Springs Mining Company.

Not to be missed is The Westward Look Show (always during the middle weekend) which is comprised of well vetted high-end dealers.

But the unexpected find this year was the exquisite Aquamarine crystals in matrix with Muscovite Mica and Red Apatite crystals. Mined from the northern Pakistan tribal area, these gemstones are gathered at great risk. The payoff is worth it though, as these stones are some of the most remarkable pieces I’ve ever seen.

When I attend the show, I’m always looking for rare finds for clients. This year, I purchased a couple of 80 million-year-old petrified logs for inlaying into a conference table for a corporate client.

Of course, I’m also on the lookout to add to my personal collection, so I picked up a few for myself as well. I have a couple displays, one in Belvedere and another in Mill Valley. My passion for collecting grounds me in the present, but is reminiscent of the past.

Needless to say, it has been another successful trip that has me inspires until the next Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.

My collection in Mill Valley

This specimen lives in my Belvedere home, where we are currently building a new cabinet for our collection.

Paul’s FOG Favorites

Earlier this month, I had the honor of attending the 4th annual FOG DESIGN + ART fair at Fort Mason in San Francisco. It was a true delight to be in attendance alongside the work of some of the 20th and 21st Century's most influential artists and designers.

Paul Wiseman admires artwork from Holster Burrows Gallery

One of the highlights was the textured wall art featured at London’s Carpenter Workshop Gallery. This patterned gouged wood wall art is at once dramatic and understated.

 Paul Wiseman posing next to the gouged wood wall art

Another favorite was Gagosian Gallery’s outstanding collection of works on paper by American Abstract Expressionist Helen Frankenthaler, who pioneered the Color Field movement. These vibrant pieces demonstrate her true mastery of color and form.

TWG Design Principal James Hunter admires Gagosian Gallery’s collection of works by Helen Frakenthaler

I can’t go without mentioning Joel Shapiro's minimalist steel figure sculpture that appeared as if it were jumping off of its pedestal. Presented by Pace Gallery, this artist is particularly dear to me as we recently included his work in a client’s Northern California residence designed by architect William Wurster.

Joel Shapiro at Pace Gallery

Finally, the pièce de resistance was without a doubt the glorious 21POP installation that greeted me as I entered and exited the pavilion. Designed by FOG committee member Stanlee R. Gatti, the installation consisted of a vibrant rug-like patterns made out of 200,000 real roses. The result is a graphic, ephemeral art piece that perfectly marries art, nature, and design.

A look at Stanlee R. Gatti’s 21POP installation

There were far too many inspired exhibits to name them all, but when I left Fort Mason last week, I not only felt revived by the visual splendor, but also a sense of pride. San Francisco, once a refuge to emerging artists looking to escape New York City, has since risen to the forefront of art and design. And for that, I couldn’t be more grateful.