Seven Native artists to add to your shopping list this holiday season.
We’re back with the second installment of the 2023 Grand Canyon Native Artists Holiday Gift Guide. If you missed the artists featured last time, check out the first installment ›
Now’s your chance to do your holiday shopping online and buy directly from Native American artists and artisans with deep connections to the Grand Canyon region. From handmade jewelry to fetish carvings to kachina dolls, there’s something for everyone on your list.
You’ll find many of these artists and their hand-crafted works at galleries and Native art shows, but you can also arrange a sale online, through social media, or by email. These unique, handcrafted pieces are sure to spread good cheer. As you’re making your list and checking it twice, we hope you’ll support Native artists as you’re doing your holiday shopping this year.
Jonah Hill – Lomayoosi Designs (Hopi/Quechan)
“I am a silversmith working mainly in cast technique such as tufa casting, cuttlebone casting, and overlay work. My style is called neo-traditional and invokes a sense of nature and place.” –Jonah Hill
See more of Jonah’s work on Facebook and Instagram, or get in touch by email.
Alphonso John Jr. – JJJs Beaded Jewelry (Diné /Navajo)
“I create beadwork designs using real turquoise stones and other semiprecious materials. By using contemporary beadwork with traditional silversmith and turquoise stones, I’ve created a very unique style of jewelry.” –Alphonso John Jr.
See more of Alphonso’s work on Facebook and Instagram, or get in touch by email.
Benina Kallestewa – NinaK Creations (Pueblo of Zuni)
“I have been doing Zuni fetish carvings for more than 20 years; I make beautiful Zuni inlay jewelry as well.” –Benina Kallestewa
See more of Benina’s work on Facebook and get in touch by email.
Steve Wikviya LaRance – Denipah-LaRance Fine Art (Hopi)
“My work is original and handmade with traditional and contemporary designs. My creations reflect my Hopi background. I am an internationally renowned artist and have won awards at all major Native American art shows.” –Steve Wikviya LaRance
See more of Steve’s work on Facebook and Instagram, or get in touch by email.
Pamela Lasiloo – Pamela Lasiloo Silver Arts (Pueblo of Zuni)
“A self-taught silversmith, I make sterling silver channel inlay jewelry with natural turquoise, natural shells, and some stones.” –Pamela Lasiloo
Get in touch with Pamela by email.
Evan Dawaventewa Martin – Paako art’s (Hopi)
“I create traditional and contemporary kachina doll carvings with natural pigments painted on traditional old-style kachina dolls. I also make acrylic and wood-stained kachina dolls.” –Evan Dawaventewa Martin
See more of Evan’s work on Facebook and get in touch by email.
Elvira Nowlin – Turquoise Mafia (Diné /Navajo)
“I am Bįįh bitoodnii (Deer Spring Clan). I create jewelry to share my traditions, culture, and for the sheer love of it.” –Elvira Nowlin
See more of Elvira’s work on Facebook and Instagram, or get in touch by email.
Why buying Native matters
All of these artists have ancestral ties to the Grand Canyon, but opportunities for Native artists to sell their work inside Grand Canyon National Park are very limited. In fact, in many national park shops, you’ll find trinkets made overseas rather than authentic pieces by Native artists.
Since 2017, the Intertribal Centennial Conversations Group, formed by dozens of cultural leaders from tribes with strong connections to the Grand Canyon, has been working to change that. The group works to protect the Grand Canyon’s heritage and place Native voices at the forefront of education, stewardship, and economic opportunities in Grand Canyon National Park.
By supporting Native artists and artisans this holiday season, you’re supporting a vision for a more inclusive Grand Canyon economy. Thank you.
