'And the People's Choice Award Goes To …'

By Gary Roskin, G.G., FGA, Senior Editor -- JCK Online, 12/1/2002 2:00:00 AM

The second annual People's Choice Awards will take place Feb. 6-10 at the Gem Galleria Gem Art Show in Tucson, held at the Manning House, Tucson's original mayor's residence.

Lightning Ridge Opal and GemCast Productions co-sponsor this novel competition. According to Elena Gutierrez, director of GemCast Productions, this is not only the first competition in Tucson to award prize money and working materials to the winners but also the first to seek input from the buyers.

Last year's award in the Gem-Art division went to Michael Christie, an artist known for his exquisite perfume bottles. Christie's entry was entitled "Love at First Sight." In the Gem-Art Jewelry category, Peggy Croft won for her dramatic "Braving the Wave" necklace. John Ternus of Lighting Ridge Opal donated not only cash prizes but also large pieces of his prized rough opal to the winners in these two categories. Both Christie and Croft received checks for $500 as well as beautiful pieces of Lightning Ridge black opal.

This year, the categories will be expanded to include faceting and large sculpture. The top five finalists chosen by a jury in each category will be submitted to the scrutiny and vote of the public (registrants) during the show.

For more information on the People's Choice Awards, contact GemCast Productions at (303) 526-4412 or (262) 279-2905, or visit www.gemgalleria.com.