Artist Profiles

Ramon Dalangyawma:

This Hopi/Navajo artist specializes in a very clean style overlay, using a heavier gauge material than most of his contemporaries. His simple designs blend Hopi traditions with his innate talent and eye for shape. His work is very recognizable among Hopi pieces, and more often he finishes his jewelry in a high polish, as opposed to the more commonly used satin finish of overlay pieces. He currently resides on the Hopi reservation. He began silversmithing in the 1970s, and continues to do so today.

Andrew Dewa:

Zuni jeweler Andrew Dewa was born in 1974 and is the son of Anita and Leroy Dewa, from who he learned the craft in his teens. He is most well known for his exquisite mosaic raised and carved inlay work often depicting figures such as rainbow men, shalakos, antelope dancers, and most commonly, sunfaces. He is the brother of jeweler Don Dewa. Unfortunately, Andrew passed away around 2001.

Dennis & Nancy Edaakie:

Dennis & Nancy Edaakie are among the most well known Zuni artists. They are famous for their inlaid, lifelike depictions of Southwestern flora and fauna. Among their favorite subjects are birds, especially hummingbirds and cardinals. They began jewelry making together in the 1960s. Dennis began earlier, in 1954 and learned the art from his uncle Jake Haloo. The tradition continues with their sons Dale, Sanford and Derrick, who have all learned the art.

Beverly Etsate:

Daughter of famed Zuni artists Augustine & Rosalie Pinto, Beverly specialized in extremely intricate, mosaic, raised inlay work. Her work often depicts mudheads, bears and kachinas. Highly collectible work, as is her parents’.

Watson Honanie:

Watson Honanie, born into the Bear Clan in 1953 is a Hopi artist who specializes in gold overlay pieces, and is a wonderful artist to design a custom piece with. It is said that Watson is the artist who popularized gold overlay jewelry. He also sets gemstones in some of his pieces. Watson has won numerous awards and is well known for his extremely intricate designs with direct inspiration from his Hopi culture. He can create wedding bands with your choice of symbols. Watson visits us in the gallery for a show once a year, typically in May.

Al Joe:

Al is a Navajo jeweler from Arizona whose career has spanned decades, beginning in the boom of the 1970s. Since then, Al’s style had evolved and his reputation has grown tremendously. Al travels all over the country, has won many awards, and is one of the most sought after artists in the industry. His signature is his specialty: handmade beads. Al’s beads exude not only his perfectionism, but also his creativity. He is always coming up with new designs. They are simply unparalleled. He visits us at the gallery for a show twice a year, typically in April and December.

Silas & Berdie Ohmsatte:

Zuni husband and wife team Silas & Berdie (Bertie) Ohmsatte specialized in mosaic inlay jewelry, usually depicting animals and scenes in nature. They began work circa early 1970s. They worked in both gold and sterling silver.

Amy Quandelacy:

Amy learned silversmith/lapidarist skills from her former husband Dickie Quandelacy who learned it from his mother, Ellen Quandelacy. Dickie and Amy worked together on raised channel inlay. Their most recognizable for the hummingbird design. Amy now signs her pieces in script “Amy”. Most of her pieces are predominantly coral and turquoise.

David Rosales & The Supersmith Collection

Designer extraordinaire David Rosales is the face of the Supersmith Collection, a specialty shop creating hand inlaid pieces from an array of stones. Each piece is handcrafted and expertly finished by a group of Navajo artists. David visits the gallery to do a show twice a year, typically in the spring and again in December. Any of the Supersmith Collection pieces are available to order in a large selection of color combinations, and special orders are welcome.

Orville Tsinnie:

Orville Tsinnie’s name is synonymous with substantial pieces, amazing stones, and a signature style. For over 35 years, Orville has been a mainstay in the industry, winning many awards and becoming one of the most collectible artists in his field. Although many have tried to copy Orville’s exact style, all have failed. He work is of a caliber and so distinct that is almost impossible to emulate. We are fortunate enough to have worked closely with Orville for years, and have many pieces in the gallery reflecting the stages of his long career.

Artie & Gloria Yellowhorse:

Sisters Gloria & Artie Yellowhorse have been creating a distinct style in contemporary jewelry for years. They specialize in creative handmade designs, especially their family’s signature Rising Sun design, featuring clusters of handmade dots. A perfect blend of elegance, delicacy and femininity, their jewelry delights people from all walks of life. Their jewelry features stones from all over the world, and their pieces have a very wide range of color, texture and presence. The tradition continues with their children, as both Gloria’s son Richard, and Artie’s daughters, Desiree and Lei Lani are involved in the business.