June 20: BUDDY TUBINAGHTEWA, the Featured Guest Artist for June will be demonstrating and selling his art from 10 until 4 in the Museum.

 Buddy is a Katsina Doll Carver and a 2D artist.  

Hopi artist Buddy Tubinaghtewa is from the Village of Supawlavi (Sipaulovi) and is Sunforehead Clan.  The pictures above show some of his work

“My greatest satisfaction as a Hopi Artisan is when I provide a client with quality artwork that comes from the heart, and to know they will cherish it for years to come. This gives me inspiration to continue carving and painting."

Buddy's work has been displayed at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, the Museum of Northern Arizona and other galleries. His work is sold mostly through Indian Artisan Shows. He is proud to have been selected to present his work at the prestigious Santa Fe Indian Market. While not motivated by awards and profit, Buddy is pleased about the recent recognition he has received for his work from various shows and juries.

In addition to his cottonwood carvings, this multi-talented artist also carves in stone and exotic woods, paints with acrylics, watercolors, pen and ink, and makes unique rattles out of gourds. He has recently begun printing some of his works on t-shirts and tote bags.

June 28: 1 PM  Sundays at the Smoki Lecture Series:

“Indian Jewelry - Real or Fake”

Presented by: TONY ERIACHO JR. (ZUNI)

In an effort to promote consumer education and appreciation of Native American Art and Culture the Smoki Museum is helping to set an example of awareness and disclosure. Come and see and experience the Authentic Native Cultures in our state and our country.  While you are here come and learn how to buy Authentic Native American Arts and Crafts. Learn about the US Federal Law and Arizona State Law relating to Native Arts and Crafts. Learn how to tell the difference and to better understand the importance of disclosure by asking what is it made of. This is important to help you know the difference between real and fake Indian jewelry and to support Native people and businesses who sell Authentic Native Arts and Crafts”.

Mary L. Claw, Chemehuevi Basket Weaver, is the Smoki Museum guest artist for the month of July.

Mary will provide a presentation on Chemehuevi Baskets on Friday, July 17th at 6 PM and will demonstrate her basket weaving on Saturday, July 18th, from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Mary L. Claw, also known as “Weegie,” is a resident of Parker, Arizona and a member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes.  She is a master Chemehuevi Basket Weaver and teaches Traditional Basket Weaving at Arizona Western College.  She is the granddaughter of famed Chemehuevi Basket Weaver, Mary Lou Brown, whose prized baskets are in museums and private collections.

The Chemehuevi People are descendents of the Southern Paiute and lived in the Mohave Desert which includes regions for Southern California, Southern Nevada, and Western Arizona.  The Chemehuevi have practiced basket weaving for several thousand years.  This practice, however, has nearly vanished as few weavers exist today.  Chemehuevi baskets made of willow and devils claw are durable and exquisitely made which makes them highly prized by collectors.

The Summer Navajo Rug & Indian Art Auction: July 24th & 25th

On Friday, July 24, Indian Art such as pottery, jewelry, baskets, katsina dolls, paintings, and other items were auctioned.  Many of these items sold at the minimum bid leading to buyers getting excellent values.

On Saturday, July 25th, over 300 Navajo Rugs were up for auction. Navajo Rugs

such as Ganado Red, Teec Nos Pos, Storm Pattern, Two Grey Hills, and others were sold at prices that led to happy buyers.  A few weavers were present to display their creations.   Bruce Burnham from the R.B. Burnham Trading Company in Sanders, Arizona, was the auctioneer.