Sedona, AZ: The Turquoise Tortoise Gallery in Sedona celebrates its Annual Navajo Show featuring a wide selection of the area’s top Navajo (Diné) painters, sculptors, silversmiths, potters and more, for October’s “1st Friday Gallery Tour” reception on October 2, from 5-8 p.m.
In the world of Navajo art both traditional and contemporary styles continue to evolve and surprise – as they have for eons. Among others, the gallery will showcase the work of Bertha Tom who meticulously recreates ancient Anasazi designs in her traditionally built pots, each hand coiled in original fashion, fired in temperatures up to 2,000 degrees, and painted intricately by hand. Tom is among a handful of skilled and devoted artists keeping alive the nearly lost traditions of these ancient people.
Multiple award-winning artist Larry Yazzie, who will be at the reception to meet visitors and discuss his work, creates figurative sculpture, in stone and bronze, that exhibits both fine detail and suggestive shapes; his works allow your sight to travel the curved line of concave and convex space, of subject and non-subject – a true favorite of collectors. The Listers, with Alice and David at the helm, are one of the most highly regarded families of Navajo jewelry makers working today. Their renowned pieces in turquoise and sterling silver represent meticulous traditional methods and the finest quality of hand-cut stones – in both traditional and contemporary designs.
With its 38-year history Turquoise Tortoise Gallery now has many Navajo artists who represent the second generation of their family to work with the gallery. This is true of the Yazzies: Larry’s son Lance Yazzie is already an award-winning artist whose work the gallery also features. The Lister Family has four daughters and a son-in-law who are acclaimed jewelry-makers, including Dee Nez whose frequently colorful stone jewelry can also be found at the gallery. The Navajos’ gift for singular skills and artistry continues to live on and Turquoise Tortoise Gallery is proud to bring this extraordinary wealth of work to more visitors each year.
This reception promises to be an exciting and informative opportunity to look at and discuss how Navajo traditions contribute to the materials, styles and influences represented in a variety of Navajo art today.
For further information, visit Turquoise Tortoise Gallery at Sedona’s Hozho Center, or call 928-282-2262, email mail@turqtortsedona.com or visit www.turqtortsedona.com. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Sundays.
Article courtesy of Patricia Knight.
Posted September 22, 2009.
