Hello My Friends,
You have some savings, have sold your house (within a month), found a home for Kitty, have packed your belongings and your workshop and put it all in storage. You put your bicycle, camping gear and a few belongings in your truck and drove outa town?
This is exactly what my friend Jess Bates, heretofore keeper of the Jim Hayes Silver and Goldsmithing flame, has done as of 31 July 2019. Parts unknown (except for an immediate river trip), when or if to return to the RFV or silversmithing unknown.
Bates has entrusted myself and Mia Valley of Valley Fine Art in Aspen with her remaining inventory.
Farewell, Bates. You did everything you needed and wanted to do here and left beauty in your wake. I will miss your generosity, your creativity and your loyalty. Wherever you go next, go in the same beautiful way and have others partake in the beauty you will inevitably create. I
support you fiercely and will miss you terribly.
