businessspotlight Silver Eagle Gallery
Native American Jewelry, Arts and Crafts by Linda Sechrist
T
oday’s U.S.
economy
owes its great entrepreneurial spirit to Colo- nial-era fam- ily farmers and small, localized industries that recognized the value of fam- ily members working together. For the Nelson family, owners of Silver Eagle Gallery, in Naples, Florida and Highlands, North Carolina, working together in a family business provides the perfect venue for channeling their entrepreneurial spirit, as well as com- bining their talents, and interests. In 1974, Craig and Deborah Nel-
son, who have backgrounds in botany and art, decided to combine their love of nature and the Earth with their in- terests in Native American art, culture, spirituality and history to create a busi- ness. “Our small retail store in Wiscon- sin initially sold live plants, local art, handmade pottery and Native Ameri- can jewelry. It wasn’t long before we evolved into a Native American gallery simply because Craig and I loved the connection between the silver jewelry, spirituality and the customs of Native Americans, who use symbolism in their art to represent their beliefs, honor their families and bring beauty to the world,” says Deborah.
In 1996, the Nelsons opened
a Silver Eagle Gallery in Naples. Its success required the couple to travel more in order to keep the store filled with an impressive collection and rep- resent as many artists as possible. As a result of numerous trips to the Dako- tas for Plains art, travels along the Rio
26 Collier/Lee Counties
swfl.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com
Grande River for Pueblo pottery and visits to the reservations in New Mexico and Arizona for jewelry, the Nel- sons now repre- sent more than 200 talented artists from more than 20 tribes.
“Our son, Ben, who is a silver- smith, potter and glassblower, began managing our Silver Eagle gallery that opened in Highlands, North Caro- lina, in 2004,” recounts Deborah. “We sold the Wisconsin store, which is still operating, to its employees. A few years later, daughter Heather, a professional fashion photographer and producer, joined the family on buying trips to the West. In 2010, she moved her photography business to Naples and developed the company’s web- site. Today, she is not only the man- ager of the Naples gallery, but also its creative director. Daughter-in-law Mia assists with buying and display,” explains Deborah. “Our children have grown up in this business and their artistic talents and vision help to keep our business current and fresh,” adds Craig, noting that both galleries now have a gem and mineral department, which attracts cus- tomers interested in geology, science and metaphysics. “Treasures from the earth and metaphysical items work so well with indigenous art.”
Locations: 850 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (239-403-3033) and 370 Main St., Highlands, NC (828-526-5190). For more information, visit SilverEagle
Gallery.com. See ad, page 4.
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