Traci: I'm so impressed with how many objects reflect that artists are
reaching beyond the expected. Traditional, yet very innovative; there's
been a lot of fear of that among the artists.
Elmer: All the artwork that was entered for judging was of high quality
craftsmanship and overall everybody was a winner!
Best of Show ($1,000.00) Courtesy of Desert Diamond Casino "The Revange" by Keith Torres, Hopi
Description: Scavanger carving. Flicker katsina carrying a Tewa Clown in a basket on his back. Natural pigments, commercial paints, hand carved.
About this Award: Awarded to the work whose quality showcases excellence in arts. Any media is eligible.
Jurors' Comments: Elmer: What made it nice was the way it was carved, the wood base was carved into the overall design - it was unique and different. The way it was completed was nicely done.
Stuart: I was at Walapi one year and saw the kachinas come out... I felt the piece caught the drama of the ceremony, specifically good attention to detail like fingers and toes, and the clowns under the base with their impish attitude added to the drama and to the story and tale - its not just a carving. Traci: (of the Runner Up - Apache spirit dancer's silver box) I liked the attention to detail - it has extraordinary movement, not static, with multiple self-referential stories depicted. I like the way it operates on multiple levels of meaning with regard to Apache culture.
Award of Excellence in Sculpture or Carving ($500.00) Courtesy of Gallery West "Keeper of Hope" by Caroline L. Carpio, Isleta Pueblo
Description: Spirit being praying for rain for the continual nurturing of our way of life. Bornze, cermaic, shell w/ patina coloring and natural pigments.
About this Award: Awarded for high quality in craftsmanship in sculpture or carving.
Jurors' Comments: Elmer: The piece really has meaning to it - you have corn and water jug, and that's basically what you need to survive and stay alive, corn and water. She's also dressed up in her traditional costume and that was something that caught my attention. It had meaning to it without really trying to read what was written down on the entry form. You get a feeling of what the artist was trying to say to the people. It was also nicely done for this category (sculpturally). Stuart: The use of color was very well done - its difficult with colored bronze to make it look natural like that. It was well-composed. Traci: (of the Runner Up - First Man) I picked this one because, while I felt the others were exceptionally good pieces, this represents what my public would want as opposed to what would be done. It speaks volumes because of its simplicity and because of what it does NOT say.
Award of Excellence in Pottery ($500.00) Courtesy of Kaibab Shops "Traditional Water Vase" by Melissa Antonio, Acoma Pueblo
Description: Basket design pot. Traditional coil olla. Hand-painted with traditional paints.
About this Award: Awarded to work that shows the best quality in craftsmanship and use of ceramic material. All pottery is eligible.
Jurors' Comments: Stuart: Aesthetically its well done. It's a difficult design and one that very few people would have the skill to carry off. The vessel has a very fluid shape and design. Elmer: The piece itself I would think took a lot of time and patience to make. Firing a piece that size I know takes a lot of skill and the way it was made looked exceptional. Traci: (of the Runner Up - Vase with Lid) This was my first choice, it was aesthetically pleasing and I appreciated the dragonfly on the lid. In addition I think there is a need for more for more contemporary forms as well as more categories/awards for contemporary designs.
B.C. Waddell Memorial Purchase Award in Jewelry ($500.00) Courtesy of Waddell Trading Company "Spiny Oyster Shell Necklace" by Cliffton Aguilar, Santo Domingo Pueblo
Description: Orange spiny oyster shell necklace with silver boxes and mini shell motifs. Handmade heishi, inlay/channel work, constructed and stamped/filed techniques.
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: Dittemore & Griset: The necklace has excellent balance of color, design, layout and silver craftsmanship. The inlaid teardrops on the cylinder beads are exquisite.
Award of Excellence in Katsina Doll Carving ($500.00) Courtesy of Grey Dog Trading Co. "Proud War God Kachina" by Alexander R. Youvella, Sr., Hopi
Description: Contemporary one-piece Hopi katsina doll. Driftwood & cottonwood root. Hand-carved with comercial pigments, stain and commerical paints.
About this Award: Awarded to the katsina carving that best portrays adherence to traditional representation and use of materials.
Jurors' Comments: Stuart: I thought it was wonderfully done from the base up, the detail in the hands was great - the club and the ball in his hands were nicely placed, the paint is super and its just very, very well done overall. Elmer: Its pretty accurate as far as the way it moves - the motion of it playing with a stick and a ball, you can see that in the detail. The fingers are nicely done. The belt and the sash are done really nice (detail and movement). It's a lot of work to do.
Traci: (of the Runner Up - Chili Runner Racer Kachina) I picked it because it most resembled one that Hopi girls might receive and less likely than one might find for sale. Since the kachina is a sacred/religious symbol I thought that was significant.
Award of Excellence in Painting or Drawing ($500.00) Courtesy of Arch & Laura Brown "Navy Kiva" by Virgil J. Nez, Navajo
Description: Kiva on a black Navy ship. Mixed media.
About this Award: Awarded for high quality in craftsmanship in painting or drawing.
Jurors' Comments: Traci: This was my first choice. I really pushed for it. The piece gave me chills. I like the title and it worked on two levels; not just the bow of the submarine, but its also a Kiva, and the translucent quality was exceptional. Elmer: I like the overall effect-the translucence. Stuart: This was my second choice. I thought it was a nice blending of traditional ideas with the contemporary element of submarine (i.e., fears and dreams).
Dawn Cromwell Legacy Award of Excellence ($500.00) Courtesy of Dawn Cromwell "A Koshare Watermelon Party" by Michele Tsosie Sisneros, Santa Clara/Navajo/Laguna
Description: Painting: acrylic on handmade paper.
About this Award: This award recognizes commitment to excellence among returning artists to SWIAF. Any media is eligible.
Jurors' Comments: Elmer: This painting had a lot of humor to it. Just looking at it - the detail in it and the way the Kosharis are sitting around enjoying the watermelon - puts a smile on your face. Traci: Its really got a sense of humor about it; interesting rendition.
Award of Excellence in Two Dimensional Art ($400.00) Courtesy of Pam & Roland Shack "Nuvatuya'ovi" by Gerald Dawavendewa, Hopi/Cherokee
Description: Archival ink on parchment.
About this Award: Awarded to work that shows top quality in two dimensional media. Painting, drawing and photography are eligible.
Jurors' Comments: Stuart: I thought the design of the piece was well thought out and done, meticulous, plus multiple figures are difficult to do in the same plane and have it work out well. Traci: I liked the work because of its sense of balance and use of color. Elmer: It is a really, really nice piece!
Award of Excellence in Clay ($400.00) Courtesy of Casas Adobes Barber Shop "Stew Bowl with Ladle" by Lydia Mahle, Hopi/Tewa
Description: Native clay, tradtionally 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: Traci: I think the polish is exceptional and the shape is pleasing. It's a simple piece, its beautiful. It's the simplicity that's the beauty of that piece. Stuart: It's a very simple but elegant piece - speaks of home and the utilitarian aspect of pottery. Elmer: (of the Runner Up - Olla Water Jar with Pueblo Scene) It says here that all pottery and figurative clay are eligible... I picked it because it has little tiny figures at the top, a pueblo scene, people in the village; the detail in putting the figures on the pot was outstanding.
Larry Lominac Memorial Award of Excellence ($350.00) Courtesy of Friends of Larry Lominac "Quail Bowl" by Ethel Shields, Acoma Pueblo
Description: Natural clay, kiln fired.
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: Traci: I loved it because it doesn't take itself too seriously - its funny! Elmer: It was basically not too serious a piece. Stuart: (of the Runner Up - Learning About Coyote) I thought that since the award was about whimsy and fantasy I thought this was a good choice for the category.
Award of Excellence in Jewelry ($300.00) Courtesy of Morning Star Traders, Inc. "Apache Spirit Dancers" by Clarence Lee, Navajo
About this Award: Awarded for high quality in craftsmanship in jewelry and silversmithing.
Jurors' Comments: Stuart: Fabulous piece of work with tremendous detail in telling a series of stories. Elmer: The piece really has meaning to it - you can see that somebody took a lot of time and patience to make this piece. Overall it's an exceptional piece. Traci: It's a stunning, dynamic piece of silverwork.
Award of Excellence in Basketry ($300.00) Courtesy of Silverbell Trading "Yucca Coil Basket" by Alberta Selina, Hopi
Description: Warrior gods with red corn for a good harvest. 8" deep, 9" diamerter. Natural yucca fiber with natural and commercial dyes.
About this Award: Awarded for high quality in craftsmanship in basket arts.
Jurors' Comments: Elmer: The coils were tightly done. The materials that were used had nice color to them, and just the overall design was really appealing. Stuart: The symmetry was very well done, tightly woven, and the colors incorporated were nicely thought out. Traci: (of the Runner Up - Apache Burden Basket) Very fine weaving and its nice to see a large burden basket, not the kind that goes on your rearview mirror.
Award of Excellence in Textiles or Weavings ($300.00) Courtesy of Cele Peterson's "Storm Pattern" by Jason Harvey, Navajo
Description: Handspun churro fleece, no dye or overdye.
About this Award: Awarded to acknowledge excellence in craftsmanship in all forms of weaving. Baskets, rugs and other fiber arts are eligible.
Jurors' Comments: Traci: I thought there were a number of very good textiles, but I chose this one because of the medium, the dyes, and the tightness of the weave. Elmer: The weaving was done with handspun wool and vegetal dyes and the designs on the textile were very nice. Stuart: A great traditional use of homespun wool with fine attention paid to the detail of the blanket.
Award of Excellence in Figurative Clay ($300.00) Courtesy of Bahti Indian Arts "Learning About Coyote" by Carol Lujan, Navajo
Description: Two clay figures: woman with bear. Commerical clay, kiln fired, red iron oxide stain and acrylics.
About this Award: Awarded to acknowledge excellence in non-vessel ceramics.
Jurors' Comments: Elmer: Its sculpted in humor. The piece itself is just very well done. Stuart: Beyond liking naked ladies, I thought the piece had great humor and use of the medium. Traci: (of Runner Up - First Man - which she also voted for previously) I picked this one because while I felt the others were exceptionally good pieces, this represents what my public would want as opposed to what would be done, speaks volumes because of simplicity and because of what it does NOT say.
Museum Director's Award (Director's Choice) ($300.00) Courtesy of Arizona State Museum "Inlay Box" by Benson Manygoats, Navajo
Description: Box with lid and pedestal. Handmad from sterling silver sheets and wires and inlaid with natural stones, red coral, Sleeping Beauty turquoise, jet, lapis and spiney oyster shell. Techniques: soldered, inlay/channel work, stamped/filed.
About this Award: Awarded to acknowledge excellence in quality, this award is selected by the ASM Director. Any media is eligible.
Juror's Comments:
Lomawaima: This box represents the best in that classification of jewelry - in inlay, stone, and channel work (stone next to stone with no silver in between). Aesthetically speaking, it's a handsome sculptural piece and the silverwork is simply the best - lots of hours put into it. The overall design and organization is sensational.
Michael Daley Award of Excellence in Sculpture or Carving ($250.00) Courtesy of Origins Society "Turtles" by Desert Little Bear Gonzales, Yaqui
Description: Basalt boulder rock art. Black is natural desert varnish.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize high quality in carving of any style, in any media.
Jurors' Comments: Elmer: The piece shows that the artist took advantage of the natural shape of the rock, carving into the natural formation of the rock. Traci: It makes me think of a modern day interpretation of a petroglyph.
Gordon Carle Award of Excellence in Tribal Arts ($250.00) Courtesy of Southwestern University & Global College "Hopi Dreams" by Richard Honyouti, Hopi
Description: Oak chest lined with cedar, wood stains, bloodwood and ebony inlay.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize high quality in diverse media that do not fit into conventional categories.
Jurors' Comments: Stuart: Beautiful choice of wood - the colors are pleasantly joined and it's just a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. Elmer: The chest has really nice workmanship; it takes a skilled carpenter to do work like that and also designing your artwork into the piece. The colors on the box look very natural. Traci: I picked it because I'm always excited to see non-traditional forms that look traditional.
Wilma Kaemlein Memorial Purchase Award (Curator's Choice) ($250.00) Courtesy of Arizona State Museum "Coffee Pot Set" by Rose Williams, Navajo
Description: Traditional coffee pot with lid and 2 cups. Pit fired with red ocher/mineral slip swabbed with pinon tree sap.
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: Dittemore: Wilma Kaemlein was a curator for many years and one of the things she did was a contemporary Navajo material culture survey of trading posts on the reservation and this was a good way to honor the Navajo coffee pot, a symbol of trading posts of yore. Griset: Even at Rose's age, her excecution is whimsical and wonderful.
Staff Purchase Award (Curator's Choice) ($250.00) Courtesy of Arizona State Museum Staff "Spider, Rattlesnake and Water Design Basket" by Mary Pablo, Tohono O'odham
Description: Bear grass, yucca and devil's claw.
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: Griset & Dittemore: This is a lovely traditional basket using devil's claw for the design element and combining the rattlesnake motif and water design, and all revolving around the central spider.
Judge's Choice Award ($200.00) Courtesy of Ralph & Ingeborg Silberschlag "First Man" by Romaine Begay, Navajo
Description: Raku fired sculpture of the Navajo story of First Man.
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:
Traci: I react to it on a gut level and I like the new interpretation of the figural form as well as the firing method.
Judge's Choice Award ($200.00) Courtesy of Ralph & Ingeborg Silberschlag "Traditional Elk Pot" by Melissa Antonio, Acoma Pueblo
Description: Moose, antelope, mountain sheep and bear. Hand-coiled native clay, kiln-fired with traditional paints.
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:
Stuart: I thought the colors were great and the animals were well drawn. The design showed great interplay and the firing on this thin-walled vessel was excellent in every way.
Judge's Choice Award ($200.00) Courtesy of Dorothy Finley "Deer Design Pot" by Kevin Naranjo, Santa Clara Pueblo
Description: Miniature pot with etched design of deer, feather and serpent. 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:
Elmer: The piece itself is a miniature pot with fine, detailed carvings. To do a small piece like this the artist has to have a lot of patience and a keen eye.
Youth Purchase Award (Curator's Choice) ($150.00) Courtesy of AZ Archaeological and Historical Society "American Water Bird" by Bill Scott, Navajo
Description: Beaded glass jar.
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.
Jurors' Comments: Griset & Dittemore: It's a lovely, well-executed jar covered with peyote stitch with fine, even beading. Good layout of color and design.
Youth Award of Excellence ($100.00) Courtesy of AZ State Savings & Credit Union "Turtle Pendant" by Venus Eloitte, Navajo
About this Award: Awarded to recognize quality in any media of arts. Artists of age 13 to 17 are eligible.
Juror's Comments:
Marco: Craftsmanship exceeds what you would expect of a youth entry. This piece would win an award in any category.
Youth Award of Excellence ($100.00) Courtesy of AZ State Savings & Credit Union "Crystal Design" by Krystal Schultz, Navajo
Description: Crystal design weaving with black background. Commercial wool with commercial dye.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize quality in any media of arts. Artists of age 13 to 17 are eligible.
Juror's Comments:
Marco: Tightly woven, symmetrical, nice edges; design stays consistent through the whole weaving, didn't see any flaws.
Youth Award of Excellence ($100.00) Courtesy of Gerard Tsonakwa "Storm Pattern" by Leanna Begaye, Navajo
Description: Storm pattern with red background and black border.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize quality in any media of arts. Artists of age 13 to 17 are eligible.
Juror's Comments:
Marco: Nice textile design - symmetrical and evenly laid out, nicely woven, good edges.
Youth Award of Excellence ($100.00) Courtesy of Alyce Kyle "Small Owl" by Kenneth Epaloose, Zuni/Cherokee
Description: Ceramic owl with feather designs. Handmade using natural clays and paints, kiln fired. 4" high.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize creative effort in any media of arts. Artists of age 12 and under are eligible.
Juror's Comments:
Marco: Great shape, no seams visible. Craftsmanship nicely done.
Youth Award of Excellence ($100.00) Courtesy of Carol Laesecke "The Two Grey Hills" by Brittany Begaye, Navajo
Description: Black, red, white and grey wool. Commercial wool with commercial and natural dyes.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize creative effort in any media of arts. Artists of age 12 and under are eligible.
Juror's Comments:
Marco: Good symmetry. Pattern is consistent, nicely woven.
Youth Award of Excellence ($50.00) Courtesy of AZ Archaeological and Historical Society "Sun Design Split Stitch Basket" by Tiffany Rose Scout, Tohono O'odham/Sioux
Description: Bear grass, yucca and devil's claw.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize creative effort in any media of arts. Artists of age 12 and under are eligible.
Juror's Comments:
Marco: Great design, nicely stitched, lays flat and symmetrical.
Youth Award of Excellence ($50.00) Courtesy of Mike Rukasin "Bowl with Etched Design" by Awenita Moquino, Santa Clara Pueblo
Description: Black pot with turtle, kiva steps, star and bear claw designs. Made of traditional clay and traditionally fired.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize creative effort in any media of arts. Artists of age 12 and under are eligible.
Juror's Comments:
Marco: Nice even walls, shaped nicely, nice design etched around the bowl.
Youth Award of Excellence ($50.00) Courtesy of Mike Rukasin "Navajo Pitch Pottery" by Raven Yazzie Roy, Navajo
Description: Native clay, kiln fired with pinon pitch.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize creative effort in any media of arts. Artists of age 12 and under are eligible.
Juror's Comments:
Marco: Even walls, symmetrical, and nice design element on the brim.
Youth Award of Excellence ($50.00) Courtesy of Hadley & Associates "Hopi Housing" by Alicia Nequatewa, Navajo/Hopi
Description: Watercolor on paper.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize creative effort in any media of arts. Artists of age 12 and under are eligible.
Juror's Comments:
Marco: Great composition and use of watercolor.
