JEWELRY - LAPIDARY

Lester Abeyta (Santo Domingo Pueblo) won first place in the Jewelry/Lapidary category for his seven-strand melon shell Heishi necklace with turquoise. Lester is well known for his traditional stone and shell jewelry. His work is a reflection of the ancient techniques and styles of the Santo Domingo People, yet is fashionable in today's contemporary world. His parents, Richard and Delia Abeyta, taught Lester from an early age both the traditional and contemporary methods of lapidary art. All of his jewelry is hand made from raw materials utilizing both lapidary techniques.

JEWELRY - METALSMITHING

L. Bruce Hodgins (Navajo), took second place for his Seven Sacred Pools necklace. As a young adult, Bruce studied with Sidney Secakuku, Jr., and learned to make overlay jewelry in true Hopi fashion. As his studies continued in jewelry making and biology at Northern Arizona University, Bruce added traditional Navajo styles later working into contemporary pieces that incorporate both Hopi and Navajo characteristics. Today Bruce has evolved into a master silversmith. He is said to build "a Cadillac" in Indian jewelry using heavy gauge silver and exotic stones. For more information: http://www.lbhsilversmith.com/

POTTERY

Pahponee (Kansas Kickapoo/Potawatomi) won first place for her pot "Mother Earth" and third place for her pot "Smooth Primitive." A descendant of the Kickapoo and Potawatomi Nations, her Kickapoo name, Pahponee translates as "Snow Woman." Working with clay since the early 1980s, she is a self-taught clay artist who has re-learned the traditional pottery methods of her Woodland culture, as well as learning contemporary pottery making techniques. She says her pottery is inspired by her dreams, personal life experiences and is still being guided by the White Buffalo. Pottery by Pahponee is still recognizably hers. The shapes, colors, and textures vary, but the result is always sophisticated and elegant, with clean lines and graceful forms. For more information: http://www.pahponee.com/

In second place was potter Caroline Carpio (Isleta Pueblo) for her piece "Song of the Rainbow." Caroline is a Tiwa speaking member of the Isleta Pueblo. Isleta is located 13 miles south of Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 1996, Carpio graduated from the University of New Mexico with a BA in Fine Arts. She also studied at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico and received an Associated Degree in 1982. Caroline has been a potter for more than 29 years. Caroline finds inspiration for her work from the traditions of her people, in the beauty of her surroundings and from Mother Earth. Caroline continues to study and grow her ability to do sculptural form, This process has led her to making limited edition bronze castings of great beauty and power.

TRADITIONAL CRAFTS

Traditional Native American Flute Maker Tim Blueflint (Bad River Chippewa/Comanche), and owner of Shades of Rez - Native Flutes for the Seventh Generation, took home first and second prize for his flutes (respectively) "Lightning Strikes" and "Eagle Carries the Song." Tim is self-taught and highly regarded by his peers as one of today's top tier flute makers. His journey began with the gifting of a flute by his Grandmother Blackstar almost 20 years ago. "My legacy is to remember and honor the traditions of the flutes of my People," says Blueflint, "And to share those stories and songs with the people throughout the world." His flutes range from the traditional to the contemporary, with a wide variety of both domestic and imported woods. He is one of the few remaining Southern Plains flute makers and is known as today's premier crafter of "warbling" flutes. For more information: http://www.shadesofrez.com/

George "Shukata" Willis (Choctaw) was awarded third place in the Traditional Crafts category for his Buffalo Horn. Born in Quanah, Texas, George "Shukata" George creates his designs in gold, platinum, and silver using the older traditional technique of fabrication along with the more modern processes such as the lost wax. In 1990 George made the decision to close his retail jewelry shop in order to pursue his longtime dream of creating jewelry as art that reflected his Native American Heritage. Since then, he has been showing his work at art shows around the country. For more information: http://www.shukata.com/

JUDGE'S CHOICE

Caroline Carpio (Isleta Pueblo) and her small scale sculpture "Asian Summer" received first prize in the Judge's Choice category. "This piece was made as a reflection of my time that I spent in Japan during an Artist-in-Residence in 2001. " says Carpio of her award-winning sculpture. " I saw how the Japanese have such reverence for nature and that reminded me of my Native culture."