Title: 1) Artist, Jewelry Designer 2) Owner, Jewelry Designer
Company: 1) Cactus Wren Artisans 2) Designs By Gale Jewelry
Location:  Tuscon, AR United States

Drawing her inspiration from desert scenes, Gale Thomssen uses gemstones, minerals, fossils, glass beads, and a variety of other media, and mixes them with silver, copper and gold. Each and every piece is unique. Ms. Thomssen got her start in the jewelry world after her friend got in a bad car accident; that woman’s husband asked her to buy gemstones so that his wife could bead during her recovery, and Ms. Thomssen discovered she liked the craft herself. She believes that all artists have something unique to offer, as art is a very personal experience. Ms. Thomssen personally enjoys working with copper best, as she likes the warmth and richness of the metal. Additionally, she loves combining many of the gemstones from the southwest and the world, and weaving them from her experiences and dreams.

From her passion, Designs By Gale Jewelry was born, and it has taken off ever since. Ms. Thomssen is thrilled that the business she spent 30 years preparing for is a reality; she adores creating, seeing her jewelry on others and watching the joy it brings them. She now also has two store locations with her new company, Cactus Wren Artisans, which are co-op shops located in the Monterey Court. They showcase the work of 18 local artisans, which includes pieces made out of cholla, which is a type of cactus, fuse glass art, stone paintings, and gem stones. The store also features pastel, oil, pen and ink, and acrylic paintings.

The highlight of Ms. Thomssen’s career was being recognized for her design of ‘Sunrise in the Southwest’ and ‘Midnight in Arizona,’ as well as being named Worldwide Who’s Who Jewelry Artist of the Year. She attributes her success to God-given talents, as well as her tenacity, environment, and artistic abilities.

When Ms. Thomssen isn’t working, she is very active in her community. She is a volunteer cook and server for the homeless at Crossroads Ministries, and is the co-founder of Carson Advocates for Cancer Care. Ms. Thomssen is also a member of the Tucson Gem Mineral Society, the Old Pueblo Lapidary Club, and the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance.

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