“Artist“s Adventure“ series on at Chateau
From our weekly issue dated June 09, 2010
The Chateau at Oregon Caves National Monument. (I.V. News file photo)
Art, music and storytelling are featured in a series of programs offered at the Chateau at Oregon Caves National Monument, 20 miles east of Cave Junction at the east end of state Hwy. 46.
During the next “Artist“s Adventure“ program, well-known Illinois Valley businessman Michael Yanase will discuss his artistic jewelry. Additionally, he will display some of his latest pieces and describe the various techniques which contribute to the final effect.
Chateau Artist-in-Residence Jennie May Donnell will interview Yanase, who operates Yanase Jewelers in Kerby with his wife, Karen, in the Chateau lobby Monday, June 14 beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Creating custom jewelry from gold and silver involves two basic processes. One is the lost-wax casting method, in which a mold for the piece is carved from a chunk of wax. The wax mold is then coated with a high temperature plaster, which is heated.
As the wax melts, it leaves the plaster mold. Hot metal is then injected inside using a centrifugal casting machine creating a metal duplicate of the wax model.
The second process is fabrication. Similar to the way a blacksmith molds metal, a goldsmith shapes, solders and polishes precious metal to form the desired piece. Precious and semi-precious stones can then be set in. Both techniques can be used to create unique pieces or future family heirlooms.
The Yanase Family started in Southern California and moved to Illinois Valley in 1980. Yanase, who has been creating jewelry since 1974, performed trade work for large companies including Neiman-Marcus and Slavick“s Jewelers. He“s created jewelry for “Pageant of the Masters“ and the “Sawdust Festival,“ famous annual events in Laguna Beach, Calif.
When the DeLorean automobile was introduced, he designed the signet line of rings and pendants for the DeLorean Motor Car Co.
Other Offerings Noted
On Tuesday, June 15, Lindsey Brown will play classics on the Chateau“s new grand piano beginning at 7 p.m. as part of the series, “Around the Piano.“
An Illinois Valley resident for the past year, Brown grew up in southern Minnesota. She studied piano at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota and at Luther College in Iowa while majoring and earning her degree in geology.
She enjoys the unique marble caverns of the Oregon Caves and is interested in sharing an appreciation and understanding for Earth.
Her favorite composers are Beethoven, Grieg and Debussy, and she will play pieces by each.
“It“s great to sit and relax in front of the fireplace in the lobby, but being able to listen to live classical music makes it even more special,“ said Brown. She“ll also play on Tuesday, June 29.
Other current programs at the Chateau include National Park Service staff members Dave Hodges and Dave Thompson. Hodges is reciting “Tall Tales and Poetry“ on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., and Thompson guides the activities “At the Campfire“ at 8 p.m. on Thursdays.
Jennie May Donnell rounds out the week with dramatic readings most Friday evenings at 7:30, and Sunday afternoons at 4:30. Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. she“ll be sharing “Rutabaga Stories“ and others during “Family Hour.“
Also, Bob Clark will play Celtic harp Sundays at 1 p.m. in the Chateau lobby through the end of June.
Illinois Valley Community Development Organization operates the Chateau as National Park Service authorized concessionaire. Visit www.OregonCavesChateau.com for more information, or phone 541-592-3400 for dining or lodging reservations.
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