Art from the Earth: A Collection

“Our earth has produced the most beautiful, colorful and glittery creations beyond what we may have imagined as being possible. Earth is a master artist, and it is worth admiring what it has created over millions and billions of years!” – Jennifer Pagan

“Art from the Earth: A Collection,” is on loan from Jennifer Pagan, who has been fascinated by colorful rocks and minerals since she was a child. The exhibit includes a vast array of stones and crystals from the pink hues of rose quartz and the twinkling of rainbow amethyst to the swirls of agate and the marbles of jaspar.

Pagan’s collection fills the glass cases that line the library’s rotunda with detailed descriptions of the different minerals, the patterns specific to each stone as well as where they can be found. The display is as much a geography lesson as a science one, with a little history thrown in as well.

Pagan amassed her collection over many years, collecting here and there, keeping only enough to pack away each time she moved on to other hobbies or obligations as she became an adult. When Covid hit, she rediscovered her childhood passion, adding to her collection by connecting with an online community of collectors and vendors. She began by picking up all types of stones until she eventually became more cognizant of quality and specifics and honed her skills to create a more focused collection. Her favorites are sea jasper and ocean jasper, which feature many different colors, as well as inclusion quartz and the agates.

Pagan teaches preschool and art classes and also works as a behavior technician for children with special needs. She is thrilled to be able to share her collection with the Redding community.

“Art from the Earth: A Collection,” will be on display at the Library through the end of May. You can visit the exhibit during Library hours: Monday & Thursday: 10am-8pm; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10am-5pm; Sunday: 1-5pm.