Shaw D. Kinsley Lecture Series Presents: Carved Gems - Inspiration and Expertise

Carved Gems – Inspiration & Expertise

Lecture presentation and book signing by Helen Serras-Herman

Gem sculptor, sculptor MFA, gemologist FGA

In this lecture presentation and book signing event, Rio Rico resident Helen Serras-Herman, an award-winning gem and jewelry artist and National Lapidary Hall of Fame Inductee, will share her passion for carved gems, the interconnection between fine art and the spell-bounding natural mineral world, and her personal journey. While showing examples of her 40-year artwork, Helen reflects on her sources of inspiration from her world-travels to mines and archaeological sites, the ancient Greek mythology, and her southwest environment. She will share her Copper Trails and Arizona Gems Collections that focus on rare and unusual Arizona gemstones.

Helen will bring copies of her newly-published book Carved Gems – Inspiration & Expertise. Reviews of her book say that, “readers will be captivated by Helen’s autobiographical story that is so closely intertwined with her art, inspired by her descriptions, educated about her methods, mesmerized by her images, and compelled to create, embrace, collect, wear, study, and fall in love with gem artwork.”

Helen Serras-Herman’s award-winning, one-of-a-kind, distinctive gem sculpture and jewelry art has been exhibited world-wide and published in over 300 trade magazines and books.

Born in New York City, Helen lived in Athens, Greece, and studied sculpture (MFA) in Berlin, Germany. She is also a graduate gemologist (FGA) and apprentice to the last master of the English school of Glyptic Arts. In 2003, she was inducted into the National Lapidary Hall of Fame. In 2005, after 18 years in Maryland, Helen and her husband moved to Rio Rico.

Helen is a frequent article contributor to several gem trade publications. She is also President of the Rio Rico Historical Society since 2019.

Please visit her website at https://www.gemartcenter.com and her business Facebook page Gem Art Center/Helen Serras-Herman.

Snacks will be served. $15 per lecture.  Inside the 1885 Old Schoolhouse.  A portion of the proceeds supports our education and preservation programs.  Please email, or call, for reservations <info@tubacpresidio.org> 520-398-2252.