by 
Susan Zalkind, an Alabaster Master, speaks at a recent Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition meeting.
The Board of Directors for the Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition recently heard a presentation from Susan Zalkind, an Alabaster Master. Zalkind has been carving sculptures, usable objects and candle holders from Alabaster for 36 years with her husband Paul Hawkins. Her sculptures include delicate roses, candle holders, jars with faces and other sculptures.
Carved alabaster of Susan Zalkind, an Alabaster Master.
Her workshop is her yard in and studio in the Verde Valley, where she uses Dremel tools and other carving knives to complete her sculptures. Her alabaster materials comes from all over the southwest, however one of her favorite places to hunt for Alabaster material is right here in the Copper Corridor.
Zalkind presented to the CCEDC board explaining the value and potential opportunity to strengthen the regional economy with alabaster. The rock which varies in shades from pinks and yellows to white is translucent when carved and polished. Often times Alabaster is confused with Marble. The stone itself is heavy but is easy to carve and shape with simple tools. It is something a novice carver can work with, the stone itself is abundant in the Copper Corridor especially surrounding the CAC Aravaipa Campus.
In Volterra, Italy, tourists and artists travel far and wide to tour the Alabaster mines, visit local artists and take courses on carving this fine stone. Alabaster is referenced in the Bible and the use of the stone dates back for centuries, but remains an overlooked stone in the Copper Corridor.
Zalkind would like to develop a partnership to offer classes to both youth and adults on carving alabaster. Her hopes is that eventually the alabaster in the Copper Corridor could help to grow the economy as artists make projects that they can sell, classes could be offered and more visitors would come to visit and experience all that alabaster has to offer.
No official plans were discussed at the meeting but CAC and CCEDC do plan to have some follow up activities to help encourage collaboration for alabaster projects.
You can learn more about Susan Zalkind at www.alabaster.net.
Mila Besich is a resident of Superior with two children. She volunteers for many local organizations. She is an experienced fundraiser and event planner for Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition. She covers some of the area town councils and schools.
by by