Miniature Sculptures for You
On top of an isolated mountain in extreme western North Carolina, a very talented artist works to create miniature sculptures that you can wear. In fact, he is so isolated he was surprised by a bear visiting not long ago!
Over many years, he has carefully observed a variety of wildlife, drawn them, painted them, and attempted to capture the feeling each creature inspired in him.
Then, he carved many wood, clay, and wax figures until he arrived at a particular design that expressed his feeling for a particular animal. This design was then refined and recarved until a suitable wax sculpture was created. From that wax master, the final pieces were cast in sterling silver and fine pewter.
Over the years, Arch has developed over 100 different designs, including a few that were customized to the point of becoming a custom-made, one-of-a-kind item. Several of his designs have been discontinued, and since they're no longer available, they've become collectible. Arch works mostly in sterling silver and fine pewter now, but custom orders will be considered.
These small sculptures are designed as pendants. Because individual taste in chains varies so much, chains are no longer included with the pendants, but are available on special request. Contact Arch for pricing.
Some of the miniature sculptures are suitable for other presentations and are available as pins, tie tacs, paper weights, and in other forms. These custom orders require advance payment and delivery times vary. Again, contact Arch for pricing and delivery schedules. These are hand-made items and production is strictly limited since each piece is cast and finished by hand, one at a time. Please allow 60 to 90 days for delivery of a custom item, and up to 45 days for a standard item.
Whatever you call them, jewelry or sculpture, there is a design that will attract just about anybody. And, you can be sure, each piece gets the individual, careful, attention of Arch Avary to be sure it expresses his vision as well as possible.
What is available?
Everything in this site is handmade by Arch Avary and is available in limited supply.
Currently, Arch is offering several lines of miniatures and other designs. The Wearable Wildlife offerings established his credentials as a wildlife artist, and recently he has begun to offer a collection of River Sports jewelry to commemorate the excitement of white-water kayaking, canoeing, and rafting.
These River Sports originals are available at several fine outdoor sports companies such as Nantahala Outdoor Center, where he debutted this line several years ago.
If you're looking for a quality, rare collectible, you may be interested in the Limited Editions collection. At the moment, there is one design, the Silver Fox, with a Sterling Silver edition strictly limited to 100 world-wide. A former First Lady of the United States has one of the first in this edition, and the price has been rising. Get yours now, before the prices rise again! Look for more limited edition designs in the coming months.
If you're interested in Mermaids and Unicorns, you'll want to see his Mythological Beings selections.
By special request, Arch designed and now offers to you a selection of Ten Commandments in sizes suitable for tie tacs, pendants, and wall hangings.
Arch also has branched out into some other designs that you can find in the Christmas Ornaments and Other Items collections.
For a change of pace, check out the Mushroom Rebellion. Are you tired of being kept in the dark and being fed a constant diet of what would best be used in your compost heap to grow bigger strawberries? If so, join the Mushroom Rebellion and show your feelings. The tiny mushroom is available now as a tie tack, but look for a larger desk ornament/paper weight version in the near future. Tell the world how you feel, and pass the word along!
Arch is now semi-retired
In mid-2005, Arch decided it was time to semi-retire. He's looking for more time to go camping, take photos, and do some of the other fun things. He doesn't want to completely quit making his miniature sculptures, but he won't be spending as much time doing that or marketing his business. If you see something on this site you'd like to buy, feel free to write or call Arch at the address listed in the left column of this page.
If you miss him, he'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Copyright © 2001 - 2005 by Arch Avary
Last built on Friday, August 26, 2005 at 8:26:23 AM by JLD
Webmaster: John L. Dilbeck, jd@johndilbeck.com