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Show 7 60 Energy April Prazens creations depict mining In 1980, the Gary Prazen family decided to go into the busineaa of creating and sell-- . bronze sculptures. Prazens creations depicting the mining scene was a unique subject matter that had been captured in bronze. Many people believed that mining had no romantic or historic appeal, pointed out the Carbon County artist. But Prazen still opted to pursue the en- deavor. In 1982, mimiripnli-wpnra tinM ties to smaller artwork for private collec-in- g mmmiwiwifai fiw ton. In addition to one of the worlds largest collection of mining related bronze sculp-no- t ture, Prazen has created a substantial num-her of pieces depicting other subject matter in other art mediums and processes. The subjects include wildlife as well as western and historical depictions, The Prazen family business completes the artist creations from start to finish at one location. The foundry utilized by Original Creations Inc. is homemade, as are the jority of the companys processing equip-Th- e ment and machinery, Prazen is one of a few sculptors in the United States who operates a foundry and makes the bronze for his artwork, Bronze is an alloy metal high in copper, There are many different bronze alloys, but few are suitable for casting sculptures, ex- bronze plained the artist. The used by the Carbon County resident is called Praz alloy The local artists work cannot be found at galleries and only a few museums outlets are allowed to sell his pieces, Prazen and his wife, Janet, worked hard to build a successful enterprise. The couple plan to continue to play an active role in the family business, while the artist displayed several of his first sculptures in a by booth at the American Mining Congress in-exhibition at Las Vegas, Nev. show generated more than $80,000 worth of business and launched Prazens new career. Since then, the artist has become directly involved with the National Mining Associa- tion, formerly known as the American Min- ing Congress. He is also connected with most major mining interests around the world. In fact, people often refer to Prazen as the icon of mining art. Prazens larger projects include creat- ing a total underground coal mine scene and e statutes of underground workers. The pieces of artwork are displayed at the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum in Leadville, Colo. The artists bronze creations have been grooming Danny and Patricia Prazen sold around the world, ranging from large Blanton to manage Original Creations Inc. 10-fo- ot 10-fo-ot ma-ternatio-nal fine-grain- ed life-siz- 2002 Reviews 'treasure house': (Continued from page 4B) a thriving community. In 1869, John Kemple discovered silver ore in Washington County near Harrisburg. The discovery led to the establishment of Silver Beef district in 1874. A rush was on in 1876, when many producing mines were with an developed. Five reduction mills were built in 1877-7output of close to $4 million. In Millard County the first mining operations began in 1872 when Detroit district was organized. Rich surface ores added to the gold, silver and copper production in Utah at first, ores were shipped to sites like Chicago and Wales. But in 1888, a small blast furnace was constructed at Hot Springs. The plant burned down several years later after pro-during 130,000 pounds of copper. In 1885, a prospector named Sam Gilson discovered and named Gilsonite, a rare tar-lik-e material found only in Utah. Gilsonite not only makes lacquers, paints, varnishes and printing inks, but it was found to be an excellent sealing material for beer barrels. As early as 1876, Uintah County had producing copper, gold and silver mines. But today, Gilsonite and phosphate are the mqjor commodities in the Uintah Basin. In 1948, the federal government announced a $10,000 premium for significant discoveries of uranium to meet defense e needs and guaranteed $3.50 a pound for ore. Deposits had been found near Marysville in 1947. But in summer 1952, geologist Charles Steen discovered the first major producer, the Mi Vida Mine 40 miles southeast of Moab. He later sold his holdings to Atlas Corporation. Government support continued for uranium producers until 1971. During World War H, vanadic oxide mines operated in San Juan County with the support of the federal government to meet needs for vanadium, a mineral used to strengthen steel. With economic viability, mineral resources will add to the strength and wealth of the state for many years to come. came 8, high-grad- Creating the world's largest collection of mining related bronze sculptures by Utah sculptor Gary Prazen. Celebrating 22 years serving the Mining Industry. UJe specialize in: Bronze sculptures for Private Collectors Safety Awards engravings Monuments Metal Iron Sculpture Memorials Medallions Trophies Custom Wrought Iron Belt Buckles Wire Sculpture Retirement Gifts GflRV PRAZCN DfiNNV BLANTON JAN6T PRAZ6N PATRICIA BLANTON Visitounuebsiteummj.prazenart.com 1310 UJ. 2060 N.f Helper, Utah 84526 435-637-01- 59 |