Marion Jeweler Honors the Past, One Piece at a Time
Every day, Marion jeweler Avery Cornett looks out the window of his jewelry store on Main Street and sees the same thing; the wonderfully beautiful Lincoln Theatre. The Lincoln, originally built in 1929 is one of three remaining Art Deco Mayan Revival theaters in the Country. It’s recognized on the Virginia register of historic places for its beautiful murals depicting Virginia and United States history and its feature of Mayan inspired art.
Cornett, a celebrated jeweler in the area was inspired by the Mayan Revival art to create jewelry reminiscent of the art features evident in the Lincoln Theatre. Cornett’s main goal in creating these pieces was to honor the rich history of the Lincoln while at the same time allowing people a part of the history, something he hopes they will take and pass on for generations to come. Southwest Virginia inspired and handmade, the theatre will receive 20 percent of each sale of the jewelry. This money will go to support the continuing operation of The Lincoln.
I think that this is a wonderful thing Mr. Cornett is doing for the theatre and for the community. Growing up, I heard stories of The Lincoln Theatre-stories that were so steeped in mystique and wonder that when I finally got to visit as a child, I was left in awe. The restoration of the theatre itself-started some ten years ago-was so labor intensive that I am glad that we have the theatre today to help lift the community and celebrate the arts of Southwest Virginia. Mr. Cornett’s efforts will not only yield beautiful pieces of jewelry, but instill a sense of pride in their community to whoever buys a piece. The jewelry may have a price, but that is truly priceless.
-Shai Cullop