On August 12, Manitou Galleries will celebrate Native American jewelry with the group exhibition Celebration of Indian Arts. The show will bring attention to some of the most prominent Native American jewelry makers during a pivotal season that was interrupted by the cancellation of Santa Fe Indian Market and other August shows in New Mexico.
Jennifer Curtis (Diné), 14k/sterling silver Ethiopian opal bracelet
“[These shows] are so very important to Indigenous artists and their families,” says Tsali M. Hall (Diné), the director of Palace Jewelers at Manitou Galleries. “Since these events have been cancelled this year, we asked ourselves, what could we do to help the artists we represent that normally show at these events? After speaking with several of the artists, we decided a small, intimate trunk show environment allows them to take advantage of our gallery setting, while still being able to connect with established clients. The artists that we have selected are some of the top artists in the Native American jewelry industry. Clients will be able to see some of the best museum-quality work made with the highest quality materials.”
Emmett Navakuku (Hopi), sterling silver with Pilot Mountain turquoise Kokopelli bracelet
Artists in the show include Albert Lee (Diné), Arland Ben (Diné), Kenneth Johnson (Muscogee/Seminole), Philander Begay (Diné), Dee Nez (Diné), Curtis Pete (Hopi/Diné), Darryl Dean Begay (Diné), Jennifer Curtis (Diné) and Emmett Navakuku (Hopi).
Kenneth Johnson (Muscogee/Seminole), 18k and 22k gold spider pendant Ethiopian opal
One of the pieces Navakuku will be showing is a silver bracelet with a rectangular turquoise stone. “I call this bracelet the Fertility and Growth bracelet. The designs on the bracelet are two Kokopelli dancers that represent fertilization and aiding the growth of our crops so we can have a good harvest. A good harvest also means our families can eat and become stronger in our own growth as people,” he says of the work. “The turquoise used on it is Pilot Mountain turquoise. The techniques I used are stamping, chasing, engraving, along with the Hopi overlay technique.”
Darryl Dean Begay (Diné), sterling silver sugilite bracelet
Other works include Curtis’ silver bracelet with a magnificent opal, Johnson’s 18k and 22k gold spider pendant with Ethiopian opal and Darryl Dean Begay’s sterling silver cuff with sugilite. “The cuff is done with the Tufa stone casting,” Begay says. “There is a hidden inside design. The stone is sugilite from South Africa. My blood, sweat and tears go into my art, because it’s my passion.”
Hall adds that the gallery is taking extra health precautions, including requiring masks (a city ordinance), frequent cleanings and sanitation stations. It’s all in an effort to keep people safe, but also allow collectors to interact with the artists and gallery staff.
One tip he offers is this: “When specialty shows like this occur, get to the shows early. The best pieces are usually sold quickly,” Hall says. “Clients should be looking for anything that they like! What is one person’s cup of tea, is not necessarily another’s! What you will see is the absolute best work from these artists. This is the time of year museums and private collections acquire work from artists to build magnificent collections.”
Manitou Galleries
August 12-16, 2020
123 W. Palace Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 984-9859, www.manitougalleries.com
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