It is located in Vernal, UT and functions out of the Studio Valhalla Pottery. Both Bruce and Pat enrolled in classes through Utah State University in 1970. The University had an extension program and classes were taught in the evenings. This schooling spanned from 1970 - 1977 and was concentrated in the fields of arts and education. All principles and areas of art, such as painting, ceramics, carv
ing, sculpting, sliver smithing, etc. were explored. Pat's studies had been focused on ceramics with seven years of classroom and workshop experience. In 1997 the studio of Valhalla Pottery was established and Pat worked 31 years in the shop as a professional potter. Most works were functional ware, but also included limited edition jack o' lanterns and bird houses. When Bruce retired in 1995 they started traveling to southern California and Arizona to get out of Utah's snow and cold. It was here where they were first exposed to rock hounding and rock shows. In 1998 - 2000 Pat took classes in wire-wrapping from Jergen Greftegreff, a wire artist from Canada. His simple, strong, classic style and mastery of the wire still influences Pat's work today. Another teacher, Debbie Penrod, has been supportive and helpful in Pat's work. Gradually, the wire-wrapped jewelry was introduced into the pottery shop and now dominates the work being done in the studio. Bruce was also interested in doing the stone work for the jewelry and with the help and encouragement of other lapidary people, he now makes most of the cabochons for the shop. Most of the shapes they use are originals they created. Their similar art background has been a wonderful asset for this business. They work together well on designing shapes, styles, and quality for each piece. They search at shows for top grade for rough rock and also rock hound for local materials. Pat uses 14kt. gold-fill, rose gold-fill, white gold-fill, and argentium sterling silver. Every detail from the rough rock to the finished piece of jewelry is determined by their combined experience and education. Their goal it to make quality jewelry that can be enjoyed and worn for years. "We guarantee all of our work. If for any reason you have a problem or complaint with our product, we will correct it. We also welcome your comments, suggestions, and requests. Thank you for checking out our website."
~ Pat and Bruce Brown
