GENEVA APACHETO, Navajo
Born 1969 in Soccoro, New Mexico. She was raised in Alamo, NM. Taught to silversmith by her mother Genevieve Apacheto.

DARRYL BACENTI, Navajo
Darryl Becenti was born in 1957 in Gallup, NM. He was taught silverwork by his brothers-in-law, David and Leroy Reeves in 1980. Darryl is also a sand painter.

HAROLD BACENTI, Navajo
Harold Becenti is from the southeastern part of the Navajo reservation, near Crownpoint, New Mexico. He has been a silversmith for over ten years, He has three children and is married. Harold has worked alongside Emma Bighand, who is also a Navajo silversmith. He specializes in traditional antique styles using heavy gauges and stamping, and prefers to work with silver and turquoise. His favorite pieces of art to craft are bracelets,rings, pendants and pins. When not working he enjoys listening to music.

HARRY BEGAY, Navajo
Harry Begay lives in the Gallup, NM area and has been silversmithing for over 35 years. He is well-known and his work is collectible. He has always worked using old-style techniques such as tufa casting, creating his own stamps and buying scrap silver to melt and pound into ingots. Harry is known for heavy gauge jewelry with a soft, lovely patina. His work has always been in demand, but he has not been able to produce as much after a recent heart attack.

JIMISON BEN, Navajo
Jimison Ben smiths during the summer when he is on vacation from teaching welding at the University of New Mexico's Gallup branch.

JIMMY BENALLY, Navajo
Jimmy Benally is in his mid-40's to 50's and has been silversmithing for many years.

EMMA BIGHAND, Navajo
Emma Bighand is from the southeastern part of the Navajo reservation, near Crownpoint, New Mexico. Her older brothers and sisters, who are also silversmiths, influenced her decision to take up jewelry making at an early age. Emma learned her art primarily from her parents, who are accomplished silversmiths. She has been working at her art since 1984.
Working with the basic elements of silver and stone, Emma crafts exquisite pieces of jewelry that anyone would be pleased to wear and enjoy. Her favorite creations are pendants and brooches. Emma loves working with the one-of-a-kind stones, designing around their unique colors and shapes.
When she is not silver smithing, Emma enjoys horseback riding on the reservation, working with her sheep and collecting antiques.

ANDREW CADMAN, Navajo
Andy Cadman was born in 1966 in Gallup, New Mexico. He started silverworking in 1989 and is an accomplished jeweler with many awards to his credit. Andy is Gary and Sunshine Reeves’ half brother and was taught by them.

DARRELL CADMAN, Navajo
Darrell Cadman was born in Gallup, New Mexico in 1969. He began his career in silversmithing in 1992. He is a brother of Andy Cadman and half-brother to Gary, David, and Sunshine Reeves, well-known silversmiths. He signs his work D. Cadman.

DONOVAN CADMAN, Navajo
Donavan Cadman was born in 1968 in Gallup, New Mexico. Donavon started to work with silver in 1991 and learned by watching his brothers, Andy, Darrell and Sunshine.

JEREME DELGERITO, Navajo
Jereme Delgerito is in his early twenties and has been working in the silversmithing business since age 16 when he began as a janitor. By watching others in the shop, he gradually advanced in his skills to learn buffing and actual smithing. He is very flexible in his abilities, being able to master many techniques well, from stamp work to repousse to silver overlay. He lives life enthusiastically, has four children, and resides in Smith Lake on the Navajo Reservation.

ETTA AND RANDY ENDITO, Navajo
Etta Endito grew up in Crownpoint, New Mexico. She gradually learned how to work with silver by assisting her mother after school. By the time she was 15, she was smithing part-time on her own as well. At age 18, she inaugurated her career as a full-time silversmith. After graduating from the Technical and Vocational Institute in Albuquerque in 1986, she began creating her own designs. Now she and her husband, Randy, and her sons work as a tam to create elegant, contemporary, well-crafted designs. Randy helps her with heavy design stamping, shaping, and buffing. Her two older boys, although young, are contributing their artistic talents in design. Etta uses her total environment to stimulate design ideas for her jewelry. "I just go to town and look around. If I see something - a building, signs, or even things in my son's toy box - I get ideas from that. I look for things that will look good in a contemporary design. Then I work on paper to change things around." Eventually, her family team produces a finished piece of unique jewelry. "That's what I like about being a designer," says Etta, "how it comes out." In 1998 Etta's work was featured in the Indian Craft Shop, Department of Interior, in Washington, DC. She was one of eight Native American artists chosen from throughout the United States for this honor. Her work was also shown in the 1998 Spring Indian Market in Washington, DC. -->

LaROSE GANADONEGRO, Navajo
LaRose Ganadonegro was born in 1956 in Crown Point, New Mexico. She started to work with silver in 1984 and works along side her husband, Archie.

DELBERT GORDON, Navajo
Delbert Gordon was born in Fort Defiance, Arizona in 1955. He was raised in Tohatchi, New Mexico. Delbert is a self taught silversmith and goldsmith. He has been a good teacher for other silversmiths.

DERRICK GORDON, Navajo
Derrick Gordon was born in Gallup, New Mexico in 1971. He was taught by his uncle, Delbert Gordon, to silversmith in 1990.

ALBERT JAKE, Navajo
Albert Jake was born in 1959 in the Zuni Pueblo south of Gallup, New Mexico. He learned silversmithing from his parents. He has been smithing since 1987 and also creates sandpaintings and makes pottery. During the summers he works as a forest fire-fighter. He lives with his wife and two daughters today in Ramah, New Mexico, near the Zuni Pueblo.

VERDY JAKE, Navajo
Verdy Jake grew up in a family with thirteen children. Her oldest brother began silverwork and then taught the rest of his siblings, including Verdy. Her hallmark is a "V." She lives at Smith Lake on the Navajo reservation. She is in her thirties and has four children.

MARY JOHN, Navajo
Mary John lives and works in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A local Indian jewelry company hired her in 1993 and taught her everything she knows about silversmithing. Mary make earrings, pins, pendants, and bracelets. She excels at silver stamp work, stone setting, and cut silver designs. She signs her work with a single "M". "I'm always interested in learning more about my craft," she says. When she is not working, Mary enjoys cooking, going to movies, and playing Bingo.

NILA JOHNSON, Navajo
Nila (pronounced neela) Johnson is an experienced silversmith who specializes in old style cluster bracelets. She is known for the excellent quality of her work. She has three daughters, aged 8 to 20, and lives on the Navajo reservation.

ALVIN LEE, Navajo
Alvin Lee is a cousin of Albert Jake.

MARVIN & LILLIE LOVATO, Santo Domingo Pueblo
Marvin & Lillie Lovato, a husband and wife team, meticulously carve intricate heishe beads out of turquoise, coral, other semi-precious stones and shell. Attention to both beauty and quality has earned them prized at the New Mexico State Fair and the Santa Fe Indian Market. "We're trying to make something contemporary and still conform to the framework of our traditional ways," Marvin says. "There is an idea behind everything. For example, turquoise means life. In my necklaces with turquoise, that piece is like a life." Marvin and Lillie work out of their home on the Santo Domingo Pueblo in Northern New Mexico. Marvin is also very active on the Santo Domingo Tribal Council.

ALVIN MONTE, Navajo
Alvin Monte works in both gold and silver, often making his own stamping tools. Although his parents were silversmiths, he is self-taught. The inspiration for designs can come to him in dreams, he says, or from petroglyph or Pueblo designs.

Born in Socorro, New Mexico, Mr. Monte grew up in Canoncito, New Mexico. He graduated fromt eh high school there. He is married and is teaching his nine-year-old son, who shows silversmithing talent, the art. This sone is already making bracelets. A pastimes, Mr. Monte likes to draw, fish and camp.

BARBIE MONTE, Navajo
Barbie Monte was born in Soccoro, New Mexico in 1970. She was raised in Alamo, New Mexico. Barbie was taught to do silver work in 1992 by her sisters and mother, Margie Monte.

GIBSON NEZ, Navajo
Gibson Nez grew up on the Jicarilla Apache Reservation in Dulce, New Mexico. He is three-quarters Navajo and one-quarter Jicarilla Apache. Gibson Nez is a self taught silversmith, former rodeo bronc rider. He has won the prestigious Smithsonian Medal of Honor, more than 700 blue ribbons and has been featured in magazines and books. He has been a featured guest artist in many museums and galleries across the United States. Gibson is known for his fine-line chisel work and his skillful inlay of turquoise, coral, lapis and other gemstones. He uses no castings in his work. His jewelry is in the private collections of such celebrities as Elizabeth Taylor, Willie Nelson, Robert Redford, Goldie Hawn, Joan Lunden and many others.

LEONARD NEZ, Navajo
Leonard Nez, Navajo, is from Canoncito, New Mexico. Leonard is a master silversmith who works both in silver and gold and has won awards at some of the most prestigious competitions. Leonard Nez is a quiet and deeply spiritual man who finds his inspiration from the Lord, his daughter and from the people who appreciate his work.

LENA PLATERO, Navajo
Lena Platero, Navajo, 1954, is a self taught silversmith who makes remarkable feather jewelry. "Platero" means silversmith. C203-498

GARY REEVES, Navajo
Born 1962 in Gallup, New Mexico. Started silver work in 1972. Brother to David Reeves and half- brother to Sunshine Reeves. He shows at Heard Museum, Santa Fe Indian Market and has won many awards. He has exhibited all over the southwest. His work is sold typically only at upscale galleries and shops in the southwest and on display at only the best, old line trading posts.

DANIEL "SUNSHINE" REEVES, Navajo
Navajo artist Daniel Reeves, also known as "Sunshine Reeves" was born in 1966 in New Mexico. Sunshine Reeves' older brothers, Gray Reeves and David Reeves, taught him the craft of silversmithing. He is a world-renowned artist, taking several 'Best of Show' awards and 1st place ribbons at the Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial held in New Mexico each year. His jewelry is also showcased at the Peabody Museum, Harvard University, and the Heard Museum. He stamps his work D. Reeves or Sunshine Reeves.

Raynard J. Ta'itsohii Scott - Dine'

Ya'at'eeh,

My name is Raynard J. Ta'itsohii Scott. I'd like to take this opportunity to let you know a little about my creations and myself. Before I go any further, let me start by thanking you for your interest in the differetn facets of my life.

I was born on September 3rd, 1965, in Los Angeles, California. I am of the Kin yaa'aanii (Towering House people) clan, and born for the Dzil tl'ahnii (Mountain Recess people) clan. My parents are Louise Nelson of Wide Ruins, Arizona, and Raymond Scott of Teesto, Arizona. I am the eldest of 4 boys and 2 girls. Currently, I reside in Phoenix, Arizona. I am a single father of four children: 3 boys and one daughter. My sons' names are Orion, Marhley, and Rain. My daughter's name is Chelsea. They are my inspirations and the joys of my life.

Although raised primarily in urban areas, it was important for us to be taught traditional Dine' values and beliefs. One of the most important is that of reciprocity. In this sense I take great care and have the utmost respect for my creations, or my "children," as they also take care of my family and me. I talk to my "children" and pray as I work with them. Each of these has a part of myself in it, and as a result of breathing life into each one, it has a character and soul all it's own. It is my wish that each of my creations finds a good home: That the person who acquires it will appreciate and have as much happiness wearing it as I did creating it.

It's difficult to label a "style" of work that I do. I can only describe it as contemporary, layered sculptures. I like building up layers of contrasting textures and designs. The more intricate the design, or the further from the norm I get, the more enthusiastic I am about working.

I also enjoy researching and reading about ancient arts and civilizations. Among my favorites are those of Ancient Egypt, Greek, and classical periods, such as the Renaissance and Victorian eras. When you look at my works you may notice an Egyptian or Greek influence. Incidentally, when the Phoenix Art Museum presented the "Splendors of Ancient Egypt" exhibition in 1999, I was the artist commissioned to produce the jewelry and metal artifacts from that show.

I have exhibited and won awards at many shows, including the Santa Fe Indian Market; the Heard Museum Guild Fair; Red Earth; Eight Northern Pueblos Show; and the Gallup Ceremonial. My work is also included in museum collections, such as the Museum of Man; the Eiteljorg Museum; the Autry Museum of Western Art; the British Museum in London; and the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian.

Naturally, I haven't gone without personal influences in my life and art career. First and foremost would have to be my parents, who initiated my jewelry-making training at the age of seven. Other prominent figures would have to be: Raymond Yazzie, whose personal philosophy and beautiful execution are simply awe-inspiring. When I see his work, I can only shake my head in amazement and smile. Once you've been introduced to Raymond, his family, and his creations, you'll know there is indeed harmony in this world. Next would have to be Boyd Tsosie. Boyd also does masterful work with a keen eye for design. His work is never too much, nor too little. Like Indian love, it's always "just right." Very insightful, he has always been a good brother, a spiritual advisor, and most importantly, a good friend. Thirdly, there is Charles Supplee. He is a wonderful and affable person who has exhibited to me the power of imagination. A consumate "artist's artist," I could spend hours appreciating and being mesmerized by his creations. Lastly, but by no means least, there is my sixth-grade teacher, Mr. William Barnett. Mr. Barnett instilled in me that we are bound only by the limits we place on ourselves -- that by desire, perseverence, and dedication we can accomplish any goal we aim for in our lives. His influence continues as I impart his ideals to my family. To all these people I owe a great debt of gratitude.

If one were to ask me what my philosophy is after all this, I would have to say, "Keep it real." I can be just as symbolic and transcendental as the next artist, but I have a family to provide for, and to be there for. And, ultimately, since we are all responsible for where we are in our lives, in the end I would much rather be remembered as a great father and partner than a great artist. In this process of human growth we call life, someday I hope I may be considered "great" in all the facets of my life. Ahehee' (Thank you)

ANGLO JEWELERS:

CHARLIE FAVOUR, Anglo
Charlie Favour was born in 1950 in Prescott, Arizona. While growing up around ranches and rodeos, he began braiding when he was 11 years old. In 1970, Charlie started doing leatherwork professionally by opening a leather and Native American art store. Throughout his career, Charlie has been a serious student of all aspects of Native American crafts as well as leatherwork of the old time cowboys. He has achieved a high degree of expertise in many areas of work including Native American footwear, beadwork, hand-tanning hides, traditional western tooling and braiding.

KAI GALLAGHER, Anglo
Kai Gallagher, a fifth-generation New Mexican, has been interested in and involved with the creative arts since childhood. She studied and worked with the well known lapidary artist from Santa Fe, New Mexico, Bruce Eckhardt. She credits him with teaching her two valuable lessons: “The rock will teach you everything" and “The limit is your imagination."
Kai is best known for her unique sense of balance and color in her work as well as her clean design. Kai personally cuts and designs each piece of jewelry she makes, from the stones to the silver and gold work. She works closely with Navajo silversmiths in New Mexico to execute the silverwork and thus that artist’s name also appears with her trade name on each piece.
Kai's artistic philosophy is to be present with her art, to stay open to new possiblilities and to imbue her work with positive energy to be carried by those who wear it. Her trade name, Kaizen, in fact means ‘ongoing progress involving everyone.’

DENNIS HOGAN, Anglo
Born October 6, 1964, Dennis was raised in a small community in central Indiana.

In 1987, Dennis graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana where he received his BA in Economics and Studio Art. His continued interest in the American West his passion for fine art finally drove Dennis to leave behind a career in financial planning and move to Abiquiu, New Mexico in 1996. “My business career provided me valuable experience but my heart was always in the arts. I wanted to be different and free from the traditional business race.” “My life has been an accumulation of experiences, influences and hard work. I owe so much to my friend Charlie Favour, my wife Lydia and to my family for always supporting my artistic journey. I have found a life free of the pressures I once knew. I am lucky to be an artist.”

NOAH PFEFFER, Anglo
Noah has been making jewelry since 1984. He has been around the making of it....the hiss of the torch, the glow of molten metal ,the scattered drawings and tables covered with colored stones,all his life. His father is a jeweler. Noah was born and raised in arizona's Verde Valley,with a good part of his youth spent in Navajo and Hopi country by way of his mother's many friends there. The South West is in his blood. Noah ,with his wife Mary Kay and their two daughters,have lived in Santa Fe for 10 years now. This major art market's rich culture has been a welcoming home for them. Long hours and a love for the craft are reflected in his jewelry..