Open House - Bear Creek Gallery - Nov. 24, 2004 - 3 1/2 stars

Nov. 20-21, 2004. An American Indian-owned store specializing in American Indian art and jewelry, Western home furnishings and gifts, Bear Creek Gallery celebrated the onslaught of the holiday shopping season with guest artists, food and new artful merchandise last weekend. Navajo silversmith Gerald Begay was on hand offering up his elegant silver butterfly earrings and slide pendants delicately inlaid with semiprecious stones, raw chunky specimens of which he had on hand. The designs he imagined in his jewelry are uniquely new and modern while still being distinguishably Navajo. This point particularly hit home among the enormity of handmade American Indian jewelry available, the prices of which are bargains at best when compared to lesser quality, overpriced, replica or silver import jewelry sold ad nauseam at local boutiques. It can't be forgotten that metalsmithing jewelry is an art-form definitely not learned overnight. Sure, BC sells pottery, art, fetishes and jewelry all year long, but the girth and diversity of handmade stock at this holiday time is a particular delight for those that fancy anything American Indian. 317-580-0882. -Mary Lee Pappas