The San Luis Obispo Gem and Mineral Club loves anything rocks and shiny, and their annual Gems by the Sea show is one of the club’s biggest events of the year. It showcases the Central Coast’s love for all things earthly.
Show Chairwoman Mary Rafferty said, “The club has had a show for years and years…then came COVID…so for the next two years we didn’t have anything…and finally…we started again, and we had our place…you know…things grew…a little by little.”Â
Rafferty added, “We figured it out…but this year we moved to the Alex Madonna Expo Center…it’s better set up for a show…so this is really going to be different for us…we’ve got plans, and we try to imagine it…I’ll believe it when I see it.”
The show is for anyone interested in the club or the various items sold.
“Now that we have the space at the Madonna Inn…we’re going to have quite a few…local artisans and some from elsewhere that are making jewelry with gems and other natural materials,” Rafferty said.
There will be stuff there primarily of interest for kids or people buying stuff for kids. Along with more for consumers looking for a decorative item for their home. The money collected supports the club in a variety of ways, from activities to donations.
Rafferty said, “And if the next show leaves a bucket of money to get started and then hopefully have enough in reserve that we can donate some to good educational causes in the community,” adding, “We’ve given a couple grants out to teachers that…you know…like since Heimer(?) school has a couple years going now…has gotten money for their gold rush days.”
You may be wondering what the SLO Gem and Mineral Club is. A typical meeting usually has business items cut short, with more time for upcoming field trips and even a brag table where people knowledgeable about geology-related things with their GI credentials teach members how to identify minerals and use different tools.
Rafferty says that her favorite part of being show chairwoman is the community, “I think meeting the people…the deal… getting to know the dealers…that part is good…it has been rewarding that part…I’m hoping I can get someone else to pick up the mantle for the next year…it’s time for some fresh blood and new thoughts.”
The Gems by the Sea show lasted from September 26th to the 27th.