Quality is paramount
8A - Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Robert Dean Collection Gallery 180 W. Broadway 733-9290 RobertDeanCollection.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
ob Gonzales connects with quality. He knows it when he sees it, as do the collectors who visit his Robert Dean Collection Gallery. Since 1983, Gonzales has showcased exquisite jewelry by the top Native American jewelry artists, all of whom hail from the Southwest. Gonzales represents artists like Marco Begaye and Jennifer and Thomas Curtis. Every artist in the collection has been celebrated with awards and in publications. Gonzales is in awe of handmade art. “The idea that people can create these pieces with their hands” continues to fuel his business and his desire to find new artists, he said. The collection, named after Gonzales’ full name, Robert Dean Gonzales, features a full array of Native American artistry from necklaces to rings, bracelets to belts and buckles, bola ties and earrings. Gonzales began his professional life as a steward with United, work that exposed him to cities the world over. New York City continues to enchant him most. He thrives at discerning high culture: theater, cuisine, architecture and art.
Navajo silversmith Jennifer Curtis learned her art from her father, world-famous artist Thomas Curtis.
Aviation finally landed him in Arizona, a relaxed, pleasing counterpoint to the fast pace he maintained for so long. Ever attuned to culture, Gonzales grew close to Native American jewelry artists in and around Arizona. He continues to work directly with the artists themselves. In 1974, he opened his first gallery in Scottsdale. Then, a friend called him with space
available in Jackson Hole. He opened his second site in 1983. Ever since, he has spent summers in Jackson and winters in Phoenix. Five years ago, he moved his Jackson gallery to 180 W. Broadway. Robert Dean Collection attracts collectors who seek out quality in all aspects of their lives, from fine restaurants to fine art. High-quality pieces are versatile and can
travel with you wherever you go, from Manhattan to Jackson, Gonzales said. They never wear out. Gonzales takes pride in treating his customers with the upmost respect and builds relationships based on honesty, integrity and trust. Collectors can commission pieces as well by communicating their aesthetic to Gonzales who then works with the art-
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By Katy Niner
ists. Gonzales owns a collection of rare stones — all waiting for artistic settings. A 144karat piece of Lander blue spiderweb turquoise is extremely rare, considering the Lander County, Nev., mine closed in the 1930s. Each piece of jewelry in the gallery tells the story of its maker, like Allison Snowhawk Lee, a Navajo artist who started studying silversmithing at age 12 and now makes his own mellon beads. Strongly influenced by his artist father and brothers, Marco Begaye grew up on the Navajo reservation in Arizona and studied under master jeweler Lee Yazzie. Fusing a modern aesthetic with traditional craftsmanship, he uses silver and only the finest coral and turquoise. Jennifer Curtis continues in the footsteps of her father, famous silversmith Thomas Curtis. They both work in heavy-gauge silver, a difficult metal that requires time-intensive techniques. Norbert Peshlakai, a Navajo master goldsmith who also works in silver and set stones, began his career as a painter, an aesthetic that informs his wearable art. Similarly, Larry Golsh’s creativity spans multiple genres, from art to jewelry, sculpture to architectural design. He makes his jewelry entirely by hand using gold, silver and rare stones.