Expert jeweler sparkles at U. Museum

At the University Museum, about 40 people were treated to one of the treasures of the American Southwest, Jesse Lee Monongye. Monongye, a Native American, is one of the most famous jewelers in the world. He crafts earrings, necklaces, pendants and all other types of Native American jewelry, and has many famous customers who collect his works including John D. Rockefeller, Senator Barry Goldwater, Goldie Hawn and Burt Reynolds. Monongye has won numerous awards for his jewelry. His museum collections are featured throughout the country including an exhibit in the Department of the Interior museum in Washington D.C. His utilizes everything from silver, turquoise and coral, to more rare rocks such as lapis, jade, malachite and diamonds. Bear motifs appear throughout most of the artists works. He said bears are his inspiration because he has had many experiences with them in his life. Monongye gets some of his rare materials from far off such as Australia, Afghanistan and Africa. "You have to have a lot of talent, patience and money," said Monongye. "Especially when your materials might cost $12,000." Monongye, part Hopi and Navajo Indian, says that no one particular tribe influences his work. He claims Native American life in general inspires his creations. The artist, who went to college for a few years, said his "college education taught him nothing." He said he became inspired to make jewelry through a dream he had, in which he envisioned himself being the best jewelry maker in the world. Other inspiration came from his father Preston Monongye, also a famous jeweler, he said. American civilization Professor Melvyn Hammarberg invited Monongye to come to the University, lecture and demonstrate his craft to his class. Hammarberg had much praise for the famous craftsman. "It was a privilege, truly spectacular, and wonderful to have a world class artist come to the University," he said. "He was really open with the students, willing to answers any of their questions." Many students were also very impressed with the work of the Native American. "He brought [his jewelry] from a craft to an art," said College senior Hadley Freeman. "And he is very proud of his artistry." "It's really beautiful," said College sophomore Heather Jameson.