Page 20 - CMA PROfiles Spring 2019

FEATURED SHOP: CK VALENTI DESIGNS

"We were asked to design and create a plaque to commemorate
a visit that the Governor of Arizona made to the Department

of Revenue. We used native Arizona materials – copper and
mesquite – to craft the unique gift. The project gave us a
chance to combine our creative and engineering skills to meet a

challenge. While Kate focused on the layout and copper patina,
I engineered the design to allow the state to sit straight in the
wooden base, despite the state's irregular shape. We were very

happy with the final piece, as was the client who commissioned it.
In fact, he was so pleased that he invited us to come and present

it to Governor Ducey, which was a great honor.” — Chris Valenti

The Valentis wonder whether part of building something with their hands and for the Museum of the West, and the
the struggle can be traced to young entering their designs into a competition. company has also designed and created
people lacking the early exposure to The Valentis chose to aim their program interactive displays for the internationally
hard work that previous generations at kids not yet in high school in hopes acclaimed Heard Museum, the OdySea
had; Chris also speculates that their of planting seeds of interest early. Aquarium in North Scottsdale and the
expectation for instant gratification, (Read more about the Break of the Box River of Time Museum in Fountain Hills.
spurred by smartphones, is not helping. Challenge on pg. 20.)
These concerns played into the Valentis’ The company is also looking to put more
decision to create an event designed to LASTING IMPACT R&D time into a museum-related product
give middle-school students exposure to CK Valenti Designs continues to work that doesn’t require installation and can

18 PROFILES SPRING 2019