Southwest Indian Art Fair
Juried Competition

Southwest Indian Art Award of Excellence ($1000)
Courtesy of Jim Click Automotive Team
"Basket" by Terrol Dew Johnson, Tohono O'odham

Description: Bronze and woven beargrass vase.

Jurors' Comments: Delbridge: It's really different, uses different techniques. Each one had a different way of weaving, the way one side starts and the other side ends up. || Holly: It's unusual, never seen anything like it before. The combination of textures, intricacy of the basket work on the top of the piece and the combination of bronze with beargrass.

Best of Show ($1000)
Courtesy of Gallery West
"Butterfly Maiden Shadowbox Pendant" by Elmer Satala Jr., Hopi

Description: Sterling silver overlay pendant on a silver chain.

Jurors' Comments: Delbridge: It's talking to me because it comes out of the ceremonial dances. The way its done...the form underneath and the way its soldered, each of the links is individually soldered and they're perfectly done. In the pendant it's an overlay, then it was bent and another piece placed on top—altogether it's three components. All the others are more like gadgets—the difference is in the technique—some of the others seem to be done with a machine. The difference with this is that is more simple—but perfect. || Holly: The mastery of many techniques swayed my vote.

Award of Excellence in Pottery ($500)
Courtesy of Kaibab Shops
"Northwest Coast Visits Southwest" by Joe Baca, Santa Clara

Description: Etched (scarafitto) pottery vessel made of native clay and hand coiled, sanded and polished with agate stones. It was fired in the traditional way using horse manure.

Jurors' Comments: Terrell: Intricate detail of the pottery—how everything is repetitious, overall design. || Holly: The balance—the other piece I liked didn't have the symmetry that this one has—artist achieved 'different colors' with the use of technique only.

Award of Excellence in Katsina Doll Carving ($500)
Courtesy of Grey Dog Trading Co.
"Spirit of the Two Horned Germinator" by Samuel Neil Kayquoptewa, Hopi

Description: Katsina carving representing the germination of all plants and living beings made of hand carved wood with commercial paints.

Jurors' Comments: Holly: I picked the two-horned katsina because it is not depicted often and I enjoy the detail of the carving and the painting. || Delbridge: (In agreement with Holly)

The Marjorie Pierce Avery Award of Excellence in 2-D Art ($500)
Courtesy of Marjorie Pierce Avery
"Free from the Tethers of Motion" by Shonto Begay, Navajo

Description: Painting of an old car and trailer: acrylic on canvas.

Jurors' Comments: Holly: Very evocative—I feel I'm there and can feel what the artist was feeling as he painted it. || Terrell: I had a feeling of a sad lonely deserted place from the composition, the abandoned trailer... The color of the storm clouds looks like a typical northern winter night.

Award of Excellence in Painting or Drawing ($500)
Courtesy of Arch & Laura Brown
"Creator" by Michelle Tsosie Sisneros, Santa Clara

Description: Painting of clowns at a feast day celebration and hand motifs: acrylic on paper.

Jurors' Comments: Delbridge: I like the way the features are done, the "skinny" figures gives the painting action. They look like they are really there to do something—there is something very exciting here—like everyone is coming out of nowhere to do something. || Terrell: Piece reminds me of happiness—I remember, vividly, I did a similar piece in the 8th grade for a nationwide art competition. Makes me feel part of it (the activity in the painting). || Holly: "It is a party!" I enjoy the handprints in the background, it is very joyous with a sense of belonging.

Award of Excellence in Sculpture or Carving ($500)
Courtesy of Lee & Sally Shobe
"Romance" by Tim Washburn, Navajo

Description: Sculpture of a man and a woman made of white Italian marble.

Jurors' Comments: Delbridge: I liked the white stone and the figure gets me excited—the lady just accepted the flower and we're getting ready to find out what's happened—the hair, and there's a feeling of acceptance. || Terrell: This is an overall beautiful piece, everything is in proportion, the female is smaller than man and very few sculptors can do hands like that. I know how hard it is to work with marble. Two figures intertwined with each other and how she has the smile on her face. Eyes and hair at the head and shoulder part of the sculpture is not over- or under-expressed—it's a good balance. Emotion, and contour lines is very fluent. It's beautiful.

Award of Excellence in Clay ($400)
Courtesy of Casas Adobes Barber Shop
"Palhik Mana" by White Swann, Hopi

Description: Flat-topped yellow seed pot with a painted maiden design made of native clay with all natural pigments and traditionally fired.

Jurors' Comments: Delbridge: I chose this for how it's formed and done, the hole on the side, the dark side on the bottom, the stars, the ways it's fired and polished is very nice. || Holly: It's nice and symmetrical, the opening is slightly offset which is unexpected. || Terrell: I like the design on it, very symmetrical.

Award of Excellence in Jewelry ($300)
Courtesy of Morning Star Traders, Inc.
"Necklace - Corn Maiden" by Jack Tom, Navajo

Description: 14K gold and sterling silver pendant using overlay and inlay techniques. The necklace also features reversible lapis and sugilite beads.

Jurors' Comments: Terrell: I picked this when I first walked in, I liked the way the artist used the same designs over and over. How some parts of the jewelry are subdued and others are highly polished. Diverse, but still one piece. || Delbridge: I like it because it is very simple, lots of simple things. I think it's overlay.

Award of Excellence in Basketry ($300)
Courtesy of Silverbell Trading
"6-Pointed Star with Diamonds" by Esther Jaimes, Tohono O'odham

Description: Coiled basket made of yucca, beargrass and devil's claw.

Jurors' Comments: Holly: Selected this one because of the weaving technique that was used, nice and tight, more traditional, the other seemed a little busy. || Delbridge: I liked it because of the two colors, black and white, I like how its done—each individual coil. It appears to be done by an older (experienced) person/artist.

Award of Excellence in Clay Innovation ($300)
Courtesy of Bahti Indian Arts
"Masipah" by Grace Tabho Douma, Hopi-Tewa

Description: Painted yellow pottery quail effigy vessel, traditionally fired.

Jurors' Comments: Holly: Since the category was "innovations" I liked the one that was least pot-like. I was drawn to the variations in color, the mottling of color on the sides of the bird and its chest. || Delbridge: It has a bird and a hole at the top that you can put something in—simple feathers and wings design. Nice color by how it's burned.

Award of Excellence in Sculpture or Carving ($300)
Courtesy of George & Sheila Gumerman
"Crow Mother" by Gerry Quotskuyva, Hopi

Description: Katsina sculpture hand carved of cottonwood root. Details added with wood burning tool and acrylic paints.

Jurors' Comments: Terrell: The movement, the form, the figure and the composition. Different textures and colors. Little details in the basket. || Holly: I was impressed with the different textures and colors on the katsina itself, the movement in some of the clothing and belt. It's not as stiff as some of the other katsina carvings.

Award of Excellence ($300)
Courtesy of Cele Peterson's Mercado
"Blue Canyon" by Florence Manygoats, Navajo

Description: Navajo rug (3' x 4') made of hand spun wool dyed with commercial dyes.

Jurors' Comments: Delbridge: It has four different kinds of designs in it, you can see different weaving techniques. || Terrell: It keeps your eyes moving! || Holly: The tightness of the weave is very nice on this piece and the use of the color to set off the design that was chosen for the rug is rather sophisticated.

Award of Excellence in Lapidary ($250)
Courtesy of Gerard Tsonakwa
"He Sat Ki Bolo" by Bennard Dallasvuyaoma, Hopi/Pima

Description: Handmade silver bolo inlaid with turquoise and coral.

Jurors' Comments: Delbridge: The colors of the stones are different, the stones are put in the way like the old pueblos homes are done, mortar between the different sizes. || Terrell: (In agreement with Delbridge)

Judge's Choice Award ($100)
Courtesy of Ralph & Ingeborg Silberschlag
"Raised Outline" by Florence Manygoats, Navajo

Description: Navajo rug (3' x 4') made of hand spun wool using the raised outline technique. Both natural and commercial dyes were used.

About this Award: This award is also called the "passion award". The Judge's Awards are designed to bring recognition to a work that each judge, independently, feels is outstanding. These pieces may have been overlooked due to the limited number of awards or because it falls outside other award categories.

Jurors' Comments: Holly: I chose the textile for the raised outline design and the colors and the amount of work that goes into textiles.

Judge's Choice Award ($100)
Courtesy of Ralph & Ingeborg Silberschlag
"Geometric Cloud Designs" by Elmer Satala, Jr., Hopi

Description: Sterling silver overlay bracelet.

About this Award: This award is also called the "passion award". The Judge's Awards are designed to bring recognition to a work that each judge, independently, feels is outstanding. These pieces may have been overlooked due to the limited number of awards or because it falls outside other award categories. This particular

Jurors' Comments: Delbridge: Nice form, shape and design that is an overlay, 2 pieces together, polished, well done. Technique inside is special.

Judge's Choice Award ($100)
Courtesy of Dorothy Finley
"Sisters - Butterfly Maiden" by Gene C. Dawahoya, Hopi

Description: Katsina doll of hand carved cottonwood root with acrylic paint.

About this Award: This award is also called the "passion award". The Judge's Awards are designed to bring recognition to a work that each judge, independently, feels is outstanding. These pieces may have been overlooked due to the limited number of awards or because it falls outside other award categories.

Jurors' Comments: Terrell: I like the way the figure's carved—the butterfly on the hand—attention to detail.

Museum Director's Award - Director's Choice ($300)
Courtesy of Arizona State Museum
"Wooly Riding" by Wilmer Kay, Hopi

Description: Sculpture of a clown with a goat, made of hand carved cottonwood with commercial paints on hardwood base.

Jurors' Comments: Hartman: I like its realism, Its something that clowns would do, ride something that is difficult to ride. Sculpture from one piece. Facial expressions are one of the most difficult things to carve, especially in that kind of wood. The effort is tremendous.

Wilma Kaemlein Memorial Purchase Award - Curator's Choice ($500)
Courtesy of Arizona State Museum
"Zuni Fire God Katsina" by Lawrence E. Melendez, II, Hopi

Description: Katsina doll of hand carved with natural pigments. A separately carved deer hangs from its back.

About this Award: Works winning purchase awards become part of the museum's permanent collections. They are chosen for their technique and artistry as well as for the way in which they compare and contrast with other items in our collections.

Jurors' Comments: Suzanne: He has such a strongly whimsical appeal || Lisa: I like the fact that he doesn't stand up.

B.C. Waddell Memorial Purchase Award in Jewelry ($500)
Courtesy of Waddell Trading
"Necklace - Bear" by Jack Tom, Navajo

Description: Necklace with bear pendant of 14K gold and sterling silver overlay and silver beads.

About this Award: Works winning purchase awards become part of the museum's permanent collections. They are chosen for their technique and artistry as well as for the way in which they compare and contrast with other items in our collections.

Jurors' Comments: Suzanne and Lisa: Compliments the pieces in our collection: it's a traditional design with a contemporary twist and therefore fills a niche in our collection.

Staff Purchase Award ($500)
Courtesy of Arizona State Museum Staff
"Ranger Buckle" by Loren Panteah, Zuni

Description: Butterfly design buckle set of silver inlaid with coral, mother of pearl, Chinese turquoise and shell.

About this Award: Works winning purchase awards become part of the museum's permanent collections. They are chosen for their technique and artistry as well as for the way in which they compare and contrast with other items in our collections.

Jurors' Comments: Suzanne: Beautiful design, very well executed. I like the innovative placement of the butterfly on the buckle. || Lisa: I'm especially drawn to the simplicity of design and choice of materials. Exceptional craftsmanship.

Youth Award of Excellence ($100)
Courtesy of Jane Doherty
"Bolo Hand" by Cheston Dalangyawma, Hopi

Description: Sterling silver bolo using shadowbox overlay technique with hand designs on slide and tips.

Jurors' Comments: Carrie: Well done silversmithing and symbolism of design with traditional and contemporary elements.

Youth Award of Excellence ($100)
Courtesy of Alyce Kyle
"Coming Home" by Kelvin Leekity, Zuni

Description: Carving of a Longhorn Katsina group hand carved of cottonwood with commercial paints.

Jurors' Comments: Carrie: Chosen because of design, color and usage of wood.

Youth Award of Excellence ($100)
Courtesy of Arizona State Savings & Credit Union
"Turtle Bowl" by White Bear, Hopi

Description: Painted yellow pottery bowl with the rim shaped in the form of a turtle's head and feet, made of native clay with all natural pigments and traditionally fired.

Jurors' Comments: Carrie: I liked it for its form and design.

Youth Award of Excellence ($50)
Courtesy of Arizona State Savings & Credit Union
"Coyote Ladle" by Marlaina Snow Joe, Hopi

Description: Painted yellow pottery ladle with the handle shaped in the form of a coyote head made of native clay with all natural pigments and traditionally fired.

Jurors' Comments: Carrie: The ladle is special because of its design in that it gives reverence to a traditional object.

Youth Award of Excellence ($50)
Courtesy of Arizona State Savings & Credit Union
"Bear" by Justin Naranjo, Santa Clara

Description: Black polished pottery figurine made using traditional firing techniques. The fish is a separate piece that fits in the paws of the bear.

Jurors' Comments: Carrie: The overall composition of the sculpture and the details in the fish are excellent.

Youth Award of Excellence ($50)
Courtesy of Arizona Archaeological & Historical Society
"Avatusi-hoya" by Ambrose Sinquah, Hopi-Tewa

Description: Semi-flat katsina doll of hand carved cottonwood root with cotton, grouse feathers and bluebird feathers. A combination of natural pigments and commercial paints was used.

Jurors' Comments: Carrie: It stood out because of its miniature size and the design was really nice.

Youth Award of Excellence ($50)
Courtesy of Mike Rukasin
"Turtle Design Rattle" by White Bear, Hopi

Description: Painted yellow pottery rattle made of native clay with all natural pigments and traditionally fired.

Jurors' Comments: Carrie: I chose this rattle because of its design and function.

Youth Award of Excellence ($50)
Courtesy of Mike Rukasin
"Snake" by Justin Naranjo, Santa Clara

Description: Pottery figurine of a snake made using traditional firing techniques designed to create the color pattern of the snake's skin

Jurors' Comments: Carrie: Its natural design through technique is unique.

Youth Award of Excellence ($50)
Courtesy of Hadley & Associates
"Water Maiden Tile" by Cheri Ayu Aya Joe, Hopi

Description: Painted yellow pottery tile made of native clay with all natural pigments and traditionally fired.

Jurors' Comments: Carrie: It has a nice balance of traditional and contemporary elements.

Youth Purchase Award ($150)
Courtesy of Arizona Archaeological & Historical Society
"Bear Buckle" by Cheston Dalangyawma, Hopi

Description: Sterling silver overlay belt buckle with bear design.

About this Award: Works winning purchase awards become part of the museum's permanent collections. They are chosen for their technique and artistry as well as for the way in which they compare and contrast with other items in our collections.

Jurors' Comments: Suzanne: I like the very clean lines, the design layout and excellent execution. || Lisa: Its well executed for such a young/emerging artist!