Cultural Treasures
Artisans and Tours
Chester Aguino, Willow Basket Weaver, Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo
Chester learned the craft of Willow Basket Weaving by watching and helping his
grandfather, Marcus Cata. His father, Frank, still paints, carves and draws. The Aguinos
represent four generations who live at Ohkay Owingeh. Chester works with red willow
that is harvested on the Pueblo near the Rio Grande. The color differential in his baskets
is natural and Chester blends them together to create beautiful patterns. His baskets can
be hung as decoration but are equally functional as bread/fruit baskets.
Manuel Chavez, Leather Moccasin Artist, Jemez & Laguna Pueblo Heritage
Manuel learned the craft of traditional moccasin making from his father, one of many artists in a long line of talented family members. His ancestors include potters, creators of traditional ceremonial kilts and moccasin makers. He currently resides at Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo and creates traditional leather moccasins for children and adults as well as miniatures for unique Christmas ornaments.
Johnny Cruz, Black on Black Pottery, San Ildefonso Pueblo
Johnny, a Tewa Native, comes from a long and distinguished line of San Ildefonso traditional potters. His great grandparents were none other than Julian and Maria Martinez, who became famous world wide and whose pots are revered by collectors even today. Johnny continues in the tradition of black on black pottery, is a life long resident of San Ildefonso Pueblo and is inspired and motivated by the memories and talents of his ancestors. He is a gifted young potter with an enthusiasm for his craft, and a love of and respect for his ancestral history that is reflected in each of his unique designs.
Jason Ebelacker, Traditional Black & Red Pottery, Santa Clara Pueblo
The art of pottery runs deep in the genes in the Ebelacker family. From his great grandmother, Margaret Tafoya, to his award-winning father, Richard Ebelacker, Jason’s gift is part of a multi-generation tradition filled with honor and respect. From his unadorned pots to pots featuring engravings representing his Native culture, Jason’s work is truly masterful and highly collectible.
Andrew Garcia, Silversmith/Jeweler, Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo
Andrew, a self-taught artisan, creates intricate cutouts in silver and gold in addition to inlay work with native stones. Bolo ties, bracelets, pens and pendants, belt buckles and earrings are among his offerings. As a lapidary, he cuts and polishes his own stones. He represents the 5th generation of Garcias who live and work at the Pueblo.
Richard Guzman, Plein air Painter, Native of Las Cruces, New Mexico
Randolph (Randy) Silva, Santa Clara Pueblo Painter
Randy was inspired by his father, Marcus, a self-taught artist and his mother, Lupita. He attributes his success to his loving parents. Randy himself has inspired many young students and emerging artists with his 30 years as an art teacher at the Santa Fe Indian School. His medium is tempera and his paintings of Indian dancers are so intricate and detailed, you have an immediate sense of connection with the subject. You can feel their energy and be inspired by their intensity. Randy describes his work as a “reflection of my beliefs”. One of Randy’s most recent designs is the new logo for the great seal of Santa Clara Pueblo. A lasting and meaningful legacy for Randy. Surely Marcus and Lupita would be proud.
Oviedo Carvings & Bronze Gallery, Chimayo, NM
Oviedo Carvings & Bronze is the studio/gallery of Marco A. Oviedo where he creates,
produces and sells traditional woodcarvings and contemporary and Southwestern bronze
sculptures. The studio includes a full bronze foundry where bronze sculptures are cast
following the lost wax process. The gallery is located on a ranch in La Centinela in
Chimayo, NM, and operated by Marco and his wife, Patricia Trujillo Oviedo. The
ranch was established by the Trujillo family in the early 1800’s. The Ovideo’s maintain
centuries-old traditions, including raising heritage breeds of livestock such as Churro
sheep that provide wool to the weaving part of the family, mammoth donkeys and
Spanish-cross horses as part of an objective of preserving rare breeds of domestic
livestock that were introduced by the Spanish 400 years ago. The foundry-gallery-ranch
is an exampledof a business self-sustained directly by the artist while maintaining family
cultural traditions.
