Best of Show ($1,000.00)
Courtesy of Desert Diamond Casino
"My Own Little World" by Clarence Lee, Navajo
Description: 3-D silver box with multiple kinds of inlaid and bezel-set stones and with relief designs inside and out.
About this Award: Awarded to the work whose quality showcases excellence in arts. Any media is eligible.
Jurors' Comments:
Shonto: It's the one that stood out the most. It doesn't have rhythm; it's clunky, but it shows a lot of work, and passion. It includes elements of the Navajo cosmos; and water is represented - a very important element of Navajo culture and what it symbolizes.
Ramson: I looked at this piece as telling a story. I'm not really familiar with all the scenes, but I have enough knowledge of the imagery to see it's a very good rendering of life as it is. It's not abstract - there are a lot of these images that made me say "I can relate to that."
Jennifer: (of the Runner Up, Palik Taka wood sculpture) The artist was very effective in exploiting the medium and taking advantage of the natural wood shape, it's a dynamic piece.
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Southwest Indian Art Award of Excellence ($1,000.00)
Courtesy of Jim Click Automotive Team
"Water Jar with 4 Raised Lizards" by Noreen Simplicio, Zuni
Description: Jar made of natural clays and paints. Handmade using coil method, kiln fired.
About this Award: Awarded to work that exhibits top quality in craftsmanship, choice of media, and creative interpretation of its theme. Any media is eligible.
Jurors' Comments:
Ramson: It's the piece I kept coming back to. It brings out a lot of natural earth elements in a very clear way. It's not so busy; I liked the rug but it seemed really busy. I like the simplicity of the background of the vessel contrasted with the raised lizards.
Jennifer: It has a nice looking form. It's done so simply but the artist accentuated the form with bodies of the lizards.
Shonto: (of the Runner Up, Raised Outline Navajo rug) This is a nice soft piece, other than being raised, it had nice soft look, utilizing storm pattern, staying away from sacred images, nice secular example, beautiful work, technical aesthetic, and softness.
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Award of Excellence in Two Dimensional Art ($500.00)
Courtesy of Gallery West
"Southern Spirit" by Allen Mose, Navajo
Description: Pastel and mixed media.
About this Award: Awarded to work that shows top quality in two dimensional media. Painting, drawing and photography are eligible.
Jurors' Comments:
Shonto: It was a powerful piece. It's deeply moving and compelling, myth come to life. The figures coming out of the robe in just the right amount. The work (the Gaa'Gi) on the head is obvious, but the figures in the robe are subtle. In a unanimous decision,
Jennifer and Ramson agreed with Shonto's comments.
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Award of Excellence in Pottery ($500.00)
Courtesy of Kaibab Shops
"Kiva Steps" by Edna Romero, Santa Clara
Description: Micaceous jar with fire clouds.
About this Award: Awarded to work that shows the best quality in craftsmanship and use of ceramica material. All pottery is eligible.
Jurors' Comments:
Jennifer: Beautifully simple form takes advantage of micaceous clay and creates a well-balanced composition.
Shonto: The pot was hidden amongst the other pieces and it did not stand out until I got close to it. As I studied it, it stands out in simplicity. There's not much way to control the fire spots - I appreciate the subtlety and I liked that.
Ramson: (of the Runner Up, Navajo pitch pottery) I was impressed with the overall form, the rhythm, the detail at the top of the neck and the terrace design - angular and balanced off the curve. It has nice colors and color balance with nice definition of the dark lines.
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B.C Waddell Memorial Purchase Award in Jewelry ($500.00)
Courtesy of Waddell Trading
"Belt Buckle" by Leonard Gene, Navajo
Description: Sterling silver buckle with Lone Mountain Turquoise stampwork/overlay.
About this Award: Art 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: This has excellent craftsmanship. It is a stamping revival of a traditional design with a lovely piece of turquoise. It has good weight. We haven't added a Navajo piece to the museum's collections in quite some time and it will complement the collection.
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Award of Excellence in Katsina Doll Carving ($500.00)
Courtesy of Grey Dog Trading Co.
"Longhair Katsina" by Philbert Honanie, Hopi
Description: Gentle rain singer. Hand carved with horse hair, parrot feathers and pheasant feather.
About this Award: Awarded to the Katsina carving that best portrays adherence to traditional representation and use of materials.
Jurors' Comments:
Ramson: Chose this doll because it is the one that comes closest to what a Katsina doll would have been historically. The depiction of the Katsina itself is true to life.
Jennifer: Chose this work for its elegant treatment of form, attention to detail, good craftsmanship, and aesthetically well-balanced composition.
Shonto: (of the Runner Up, Owl Katsina carving) It pays homage to the wood it came from and did not try to detach itself from the wood. The simplicity of form and color worked together simply with no extraneous details.
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Dawn Cromwell Legacy Award of Excellence ($500.00)
Courtesy of Dawn Cromwell
"Masaw Katsina" by Delbridge Honanie, Hopi
Description: Hand carved doll without a base (designed to be hung or laid flat) made of cottonwood root with commercial pigments.
About this Award: This award recognizes commitment to excellence among returning artists to SWIAF. Any media is eligible.
Jurors' Comments:
Ramson: The use of natural wood really stood out. It's a traditional image that is done in a different way - there's a balance of traditional symbolism with individual creativity.
Shonto: I see this artist's work in a lot of shows I go to - this is one of those artists that pretty much define passion. I recognized the artist's work and it's very supportive for me as an artist to see other artists with this passion. His passion is inspiring.
Jennifer: (of the Runner Up, Bracelet) This shows a good selection of stone, elegant simple composition and interesting blending of surface finish.
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Award of Excellence in Painting or Drawing ($500.00)
Courtesy of Arch & Laura Brown
"Warrior Mother - Hopi" by Anthony E. Honahnie, Hopi
Description: Realistic style watercolor painting. Acrylic paint on handmade rag paper.
About this Award: Awarded for high quality in craftsmanship in painting or drawing.
Jurors' Comments:
Jennifer: I was impressed by the artistry, the treatment of the surface, the overall effectiveness of color choices, and the unique way the artist balanced the composition.
Shonto: Anytime you put the words warrior and mother together its gotta be a winner! Nothing in this piece clashes; it is powerful to the spirit, quiet to the eye, and I recognize the stage of the artist's development. This artist has a bright future!
Ramson: (of the Runner Up, Mama Quail and Her Babies) I liked it because of the composition and presentation and the fact that it's done on handmade paper.
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Award of Excellence in Sculpture or Carving ($500.00)
Courtesy of Lee & Sally Shobe
"Distraction" by John C. Whiterock, Navajo
Description: Clay figurine of Navajo woman with children. Pinepitch (smoked off).
About this Award: Awarded for high quality in craftsmanship in sculpture or carving.
Jurors' Comments:
Shonto: It was fired by tree pitch and not many people can do that. It's obviously made with a lot of love. It has nice form and it's "easy". It speaks the loudest to me in its humility, lines, patterns and color. Ramson and Jennifer originally favored different works but Shonto's comments convinced them to vote for this piece.
Jennifer: (of the Runner Up, Palik Taka wood sculpture)I selected this because of the evidence of the artist taking advantage of the natural form of the split wood to create two figures. This acknowledges the special limitation of the material and brings out the qualities that bring harmony to the piece. So often in woodcarving you sense the artist fighting against the wood and this artist worked with it.
Ramson: (of the Runner Up, Pueblo Raindancer bronze sculpture) I chose this because of the flow of colors, shape and texture. There are three different bronze textures in the piece and they compliment each other. The artist has to have knowledge of temperature and the technicalities of working with bronze - you only get one chance to get it right. (Comments regarding why he could not choose Palik Taka wood sculpture) It should provide an opportunity for the artist to communicate cultural knowledge but there appeared to be an error in the painting/number of white stripes (an authenticity issue).
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Award of Excellence in Clay ($400.00)
Courtesy of Casas Adobes Barber
"Traditional Zuni Water Jar" by Noreen Simplicio, Zuni
Description: Water jar with Zuni designs in white, dark brown and peach. Handmade using coil method of natural clays and paints and kiln fired.
About this Award: Awarded for high quality in craftsmanship and vision in the use of clay. All pottery and figurative clay are eligible.
Jurors' Comments:
Ramson: I liked the imagery on the pot and the detail and quality of the painting. It had a nice ring to it when I thumped it. It may be fired in a contemporary way, but it was a really excellent piece of work.
Shonto: I agree with everything Ramson said. I liked the design quality and clarity.
Jennifer: (of the Runner Up) The artist has paid close attention to adhering to traditional craftsmanship while being open to new innovations in technique and compositional motifs. It has a well-balanced form physically as well as in terms of the design.
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Staff Purchase Award ($300.00)
Courtesy of Arizona State Museum Staff
"Hopi Basket" by Irma Day, Hopi/Laguna
Description: Dyed yucca woven on a wire ring. Commercial dyes were used.
About this Award: Art 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.
Juror's Comments:
Diane: This piece shows excellent control of the color and the belt design. I admire the evenness and it is well trimmed.
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Award of Excellence in Jewelry ($300.00)
Courtesy of Morning Star Traders, Inc.
"Hummingbird Set" by Jake Livingston, Navajo/Zuni
Description: Bracelet, earrings and ring of sterling silver with inlay hummingirds of a variety of stones.
About this Award: Awarded for high quality in craftsmanship in jewelry and silversmithing.
Jurors' Comments:
Shonto: I admired the detail and detachment. It's challenging to make a set of jewelry that is a unit.
Ramson: I was real impressed by the workmanship - to get small details to work like that in inlay you have to have a good eye. It's a meticulous process to get the stones to fit as close as they are. I loved the imagery and the selection of stones did justice to the images. Jennifer: (of the Runner Up, Pueblo 5 Deco Shell Form Bracelet) This is beautiful inlay work, excellent in terms of craftsmanship as well as placement and color of stones.
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Award of Excellence in Basketry ($300.00)
Courtesy of Silverbell Trading
"Spider in a Web" by Olvera Monte, Tohono O'odham
Description: Flat basket with a spider design in a web of split stitches. Made of white yucca, baregrass and Devils Claw.
About this Award: Awarded for high quality in craftsmanship in basket arts.
Jurors' Comments:
Shonto: I liked this piece because it's true to its title. The innovative weaving and integral design worked well together.
Ramson: A really creative piece. The spider is a common image in the Southwest that speaks to a lot of people in their own languages. The total piece came together very well with the lattice work that symbolized the web.
Jennifer: This is a very innovative melding of process and design.
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Award of Excellence in Textiles or Weavings ($300.00)
Courtesy of Cele Peterson's
"Raised Outline" by Florence Manygoats, Navajo
Description: 3' x 4' rug made of hand spun wool with natural and commercial dyes using the raised outline technique.
About this Award: Awarded to acknowledge excellence in craftsmanship in all forms of weaving. Baskets, rugs and other fiber arts are eligible.
Jurors' Comments:
Jennifer: This piece demonstrates the artist's exceptional craftsmanship with weaving, using subtle colors to transform traditional media.
Ramson: I'm always impressed when rugs like this are made with natural dyes and handspun wool. I haven't seen this before; it's new, innovative in the fact that it's raised. I'm impressed with the techniques involved.
Shonto: "Beautiful rug - through gauze or fog". There is a subtle suggestion of a rainbow, like a mist, it gives beauty and hope.
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Award of Excellence in Clay Innovation ($300.00)
Courtesy of Bahti Indian Arts
"Ge Kack Komi" by Reuben V. Naranjo, Jr., Tohono O'odham/Yoeme
Description: No. 4 in a series of porcelin vessels in the design of a sea urchin carapace with stains and crawling glazes. Commercial clay, kiln fired.
About this Award: Awarded to acknowledge contemporary innovation in the use of clay as a medium.
Jurors' Comments:
Ramson: It's totally in its own arena in terms of clay work. It relies on nature in its purest form rather than relying on images of nature. The artist here is either a genius or from another planet - I've never seen anything like this before. I think this is going in a totally new direction and I believe this type of work should be encouraged.
Shonto: An impressive innovative effort with great collaboration between nature and the artist.
Jennifer: The artist's work is courageous because the he has really challenged himself and people's perceptions about Native ceramics. He isn't afraid to follow his passion and to push himself as an artist.
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Museum Director's Award - Director's Choice ($300.00)
Courtesy of Arizona State Museum
"Arrowhead Bracelet" by Jake Livingston, Navajo/Zuni
Description: 14Kt gold bracelet inlaid with coral, lapis and a coral cabechon.
About this Award: Awarded to acknowledge excellence in quality, this award is selected by the ASM Director. Any media is eligible.
Juror's Comments:
Hartman: I chose this because when artists use gold as metal its not usually in such a generous amount as in this piece. Having done lapidary work myself, I appreciated the workmanship in matching stones in color. The cutting is so well done in the inlay that it offers an extension of the pattern of the gold. It looks a little bit like the state flag of Arizona!
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Award of Excellence in Lapidary ($250.00)
Courtesy of Gerard Tsonakwa
"Pueblo V Deco-Shellform Bracelet" by Duane Maktima, Laguna/Hopi
Description: Fabricated-formed sterling sliver bracelet inlaid with sugalite, fossil ivory, orange chalcedony, spiny oyster shell, and turquoise.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize high quality of craftsmanship in the integration of stone work into jewelry arts.
Jurors' Comments:
Jennifer: The inlay work was quite superb; the stones were laid tightly and the artist blended the stones elegantly into the curved surface of the bracelet.
Shonto: This has very nice unity of metal and stone and use of color.
Ramson: I appreciate the cuttle bone technique and the selection of the stones. I felt the colors complimented each other well.
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Michael Daley Award of Excellence in Sculpture or Carving ($250.00)
Courtesy of Origins Society
"A'Hote Kachina" by Aaron Honanie, Hopi
Description: Hand carved ogre Katsina doll.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize high quality in carving of any style, in any media.
Jurors' Comments:
Shonto: It's major selling point is in the cultural accuracy. The aesthetics are definitely there, but the truth in the work is what stands out.
Jennifer: I appreciated the artist's craftsmanship and commitment to traditional aesthetics.
Ramson: The piece is very true to life in terms of the rendition of the Katsina image as it's depicted in ceremonies. The workmanship is very high quality and the piece remains true to the cultural content.
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James Sterrett Gittings Award of Excellence in Tribal Arts ($250.00)
Courtesy of Southwestern University & Global College
"Giraffe" by Margia G. Simplicio, Zuni
Description: Handmade beaded giraffe. Form pattern traced on overlap cloth, stiched together, stuffed with cotton then beaded with seedbeads.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize high quality in diverse media that do not fit into conventional categories.
Jurors' Comments:
Shonto: I like it because it's not what you usually find in Native arts. And I like it because it's whimsical, because of its geography and the great craftsmanship.
Jennifer: The Giraffe is a wonderfully whimsical piece that is attentive to the iridescent quality of the beads and the details in the beadwork.
Ramson: (of the Runner Up, Ram) It's a fun and whimsical animal. I like the ram because it's just a cool animal!
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Larry Lominac Memorial Award of Excellence ($250.00)
Courtesy of Diane Dittemore & Karen Lominac
"Nature Lady" by Reina L. Kohlmeyer, Jemez Pueblo
Description: Storyteller figure with various animal children. Handmade of traditional Jemez clay and paints and kilnfired.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize the use of humor and animal imagery (particularly bears) in any media. Larry, who passed away in 2003, was the husband of ASM Staff member Karen Lominac. His lifelong love of animals inspired the creation of this award.
Jurors' Comments:
Jennifer: A charming sculptural piece that plays off the traditional storyteller figure replacing the children with animals of the forest.
Ramson: I felt this piece was light-hearted and my guess is that the comments for this piece this weekend will be "This is fun!" or "Just cute!"
Shonto: Definitely a great whimsical piece utilizing mythic animals.
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Judge's Choice Award ($200.00)
Courtesy of Ralph & Ingeborg Silberschlag
"Owl Katsina" by Nuvadi Dawahoya, Hopi
Description: Depicts Owl Katsina hunting. Cottonwood root with stain and commercial pigments
About this Award: This award is also called the "passion award". Each judge selects one piece after all other awards have been decided. The Judge's Choice 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 they fell outside other award categories.
Juror's Comments:
Shonto: I admired this piece all afternoon, especially because of the intricate carving on its own base paying homage to its roots and its attachment to the earth. A fine piece of carving.
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Judge's Choice Award ($200.00)
Courtesy of Ralph & Ingeborg Silberschlag
"Pueblo Raindancer I" by Upton Ethelbah, Santa Clara Pueblo/White Mountain Apache
Description: Textured bronze cast sculpture. One of an edition of 20. 33" high. Depicts Santa Clara Pueblo female corn dancer praying for rain.
About this Award: This award is also called the "passion award". Each judge selects one piece after all other awards have been decided. The Judge's Choice 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 they fell outside other award categories.
Juror's Comments:
Ramson: I thought the piece was well executed and gently balanced. I admired all the colors and the textures of the bronze, textures that complimented each other very well. The simplicity of this piece is a powerful statement.
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Judge's Choice Award ($200.00)
Courtesy of Dorothy Finley
"Traditional Zia Storage Jar" by Rufina Panana, Zia Pueblo
Description: Large cermic jar with traditional designs painted with natural paints and traditionally fired.
About this Award: This award is also called the "passion award". Each judge selects one piece after all other awards have been decided. The Judge's Choice 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 they fell outside other award categories.
Juror's Comments:
Jennifer: A wonderful example of a continued commitment to Zia traditional ceramics.
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Youth Purchase Award ($150.00)
Courtesy of AZ Archaeological and Historical Society
"Corn Meal Bowl with Dragonflies and Raised Tadpoles" by Kenneth Epaloose, Zuni
Description: Step pattern bowl with white, red and brown designs. Handmade of natural clay and paints using coil method.
About this Award: Art 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. Artists of age 17 and under are eligible.
Juror's Comments:
Diane: This piece is well-painted and nicely formed; the potter shows great promise.
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Youth Award of Excellence ($100.00)
Courtesy of Alyce Kyle
"Sun Face Bracelet" by Cheston Dalangyawma, Hopi
Description: Silver overlay bracelet with central raise Sun face and various traditional designs on the sides.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize quality in any media of arts. Artists of age 13 to 17 are eligible.
Jurors' Comments:
Marco: Excellent craftsmanship with great use of symbolism.
Sherrie: Excellent craftsmanship and very powerful.
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Youth Award of Excellence ($100.00)
Courtesy of AZ State Savings & Credit Union
"Spiritual Beauty" by DuWayne Chee, Navajo
Description: Painted wood carving of a female figure with a basket.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize quality in any media of arts. Artists of age 13 to 17 are eligible.
Jurors' Comments:
Marco: Fantastic attention to every detail.
Sherrie: Incredible detail.
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Youth Award of Excellence ($50.00)
Courtesy of AZ State Savings & Credit Union
"Small Owl with 2 Babies" by Kenneth Epaloose, Zuni
Description: Ceramic white owl with feather design made of natural clays and paints. Handmade using coil technique.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize quality in any media of arts. Artists of age 13 to 17 are eligible.
Jurors' Comments:
Marco: Great use of coil method.
Sherrie: Has great spirit.
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Youth Award of Excellence ($50.00)
Courtesy of AZ State Savings & Credit Union
"Coyote Tracks in the Sun" by U-Neek Valenzuela, Tohono O'odham/Yaqui
Description: Handwoven basket of yucca, Devils Claw and baregrass.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize creative effort in any media of arts. Artists of age 12 and under are eligible.
Jurors' Comments:
Marco: Tightly woven and symmetrical with a nice design.
Sherrie: Great quality and design.
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Youth Award of Excellence ($50.00)
Courtesy of AZ Archaeological and Historical Society
"Shalako Ceremony" by Kelvin Leekity, Zuni
Description: Hand carved flat figures made of cottonwood root with acrylic paint.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize creative effort in any media of arts. Artists of age 12 and under are eligible.
Jurors' Comments:
Marco: Beautiful line quality in the painting
Sherrie: Excellent line quality in the painting
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Youth Award of Excellence ($50.00)
Courtesy of Mike Rukasin
"La'pilawe' and Silwolo Dance" by Brent Leekity, Zuni
Description: Colored pencil drawing.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize creative effort in any media of arts. Artists of age 12 and under are eligible.
Jurors' Comments:
Marco: Great overlapping of figures and use of depth.
Sherrie: Excellent action in the figures.
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Youth Award of Excellence ($50.00)
Courtesy of Mike Rukasin
"Native City" by Jachelle Yazzie, Navajo
Description: Color pencil and marker drawing.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize creative effort in any media of arts. Artists of age 12 and under are eligible.
Jurors' Comments:
Marco: This artist is understanding depth and light: great start!
Sherrie: Great use of space.
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Youth Award of Excellence ($50.00)
Courtesy of Hadley & Associates
"Pottery with Light and Dark Blue" by Kaleb Yazzie, Navajo
Description: Wheel thrown, etched and painted pottery made of New Mexico red clay and kiln fired.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize creative effort in any media of arts. Artists of age 12 and under are eligible.
Jurors' Comments:
Marco: Beautiful etched designs and use of symbols.
Sherrie: Great story in symbols and use of etched lines.
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