The Restless Genius of
Erik Fender (Than Tside’h)
Erik Fender, known by his Tewa name Than Tside’h (meaning “Sunbird”), is a renowned contemporary potter from the San Ildefonso Pueblo in northern New Mexico, born in 1970. He comes from the lineage of San Ildefonso Pueblo artisans deeply rooted in the revival and evolution of traditional pottery techniques. His great-aunt was the legendary Maria Martinez (1887–1980), whose black-on-black pottery in the early 20th century helped preserve and popularize San Ildefonso’s ceramic traditions.
Shonto Red:
Four Voices from the
Rose Williams Legacy
In the low cedar hills north of Shonto Trading Post, four women still shape the earth the way their mother taught them: by hand, without a wheel, and always with a prayer.
Come in to Chimayo Trading Del Norte so see our collection of Navajo pottery in person, or visit us online at chimayotrading.com.
The Enduring Legacy of
Linda Cain
Santa Clara Pueblo stands as a bastion of Tewa culture and artistic tradition. Among its most revered artisans is Linda Cain, a potter whose work bridges centuries of indigenous knowledge with contemporary innovation. At 78 years old, Cain continues to shape clay with the same hands that learned the craft from her mother, Mary Cain, and grandmother, Christina Naranjo—two legends in the Pueblo pottery world.
New Arrivals
POLEYESTEWA
Polyestewa tells the stories of Hopi history through his charming and delightful dolls. Much like the man himself, they are filled with light and uplifting to behold. He speaks to us from a place in time when the art form was a central aspect of Hopi culture that we can all learn from today. Come and answer the call of Hopi history as interpreted by Master Kachina Carver, Poleyestewa.
Visit Chimayo Trading in Ranchos de Taos or online at chimayotrading.com to see all of these new arrrivals and many more of Poleyestewa’s unique and charming kachina’s we have on display.
Tammy Garcia:
A Celebration of a Storied Santa Clara Pueblo Artist Lineage
Tammy Garcia is a renowned American sculptor, ceramic artist, and potter from Santa Clara Pueblo (Kha P’o, or “Place of the White Cliffs”) in northern New Mexico. She is widely regarded as one of the most innovative contemporary Native American artists, blending the deep-rooted traditions of Pueblo pottery with modern, avant-garde elements.
A very special piece of Tammy Garcia’s pottery just arrived at Chimayo Trading Del Norte. This black bowl was the model she created for the base of all of her large-scale pottery when learning how to coil a base of this size and how to polish the area of a pot of this scale, her first large-scale pottery project.
Brad Teare
Capturing the Soul
of the Southwest
In the heart of Taos, New Mexico, where the desert meets the mountains, artist Brad Teare finds endless inspiration. Known for his bold, textured landscapes, Teare has carved a unique niche in the art world with his mastery of the palette knife painting technique, bringing the rugged beauty of the Southwest to life on canvas. His work, currently on display at Chimayo Trading, pulses with the energy of the land, from the golden glow of sagebrush to the dramatic shadows of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Samuel Manymules
The Enduring Spirit of Clay
In the vast expanse of the Navajo Nation, where red rock canyons meet endless skies, Samuel Manymules crafts vessels that bridge ancient traditions with contemporary innovation. A master potter born in 1963 into the Bitterwater Clan, Manymules has risen from humble beginnings to become a celebrated figure in Native American art, his works embodying resilience, precision, and a profound connection to the earth.
Pablita Velarde
New Arrivals
Pablita Velarde, born Tse Tsan (meaning “Golden Dawn” in Tewa), was a pioneering Native American artist from Santa Clara Pueblo, a Tewa-speaking community in northern New Mexico. She is celebrated as one of the first professional Native women artists in the United States, known for her vivid depictions of traditional Pueblo life, ceremonies, and daily activities. Her work bridged cultural preservation with artistic innovation, capturing the essence of Santa Clara Pueblo’s traditions amid rapid societal changes.
The Unsung Genius of
Patrociño Barela
Patrociño Barela (1900–1964) was a self-taught wood carver from northern New Mexico, renowned for his expressive juniper carvings. Born in Taos, he faced early hardship, losing his mother young and receiving little formal education. By age twelve, he was a runaway, later working as a miner, farmer, railroad laborer, and sheepherder.
Alyce Frank:
Capturing the Spirit
of the Southwest
Alyce Frank, a luminary of Taos Expressionism, left an indelible mark on the art world with her vibrant, soulful landscapes of the American Southwest. Born in 1932 in New Iberia, Louisiana, Frank’s journey to becoming a celebrated painter was as dynamic as the canyons and mountains she portrayed. She passed away in January 2024 at 91, but her legacy endures in the bold strokes and vivid hues of her work.
George Lopez
Master Santero of Cordova, NM
(1900-1993)
George T. Lopez (1900–1993) was a celebrated wood carver from Cordova, New Mexico, whose artistry in creating santos—religious figures depicting saints, the Virgin Mary, and scenes from the life of Christ—earned him international recognition. A sixth-generation santero in a family renowned for reviving the Cordova wood carving tradition, Lopez’s work is a testament to his deep faith, cultural heritage, and technical mastery. His carvings, characterized by their unpainted, chip-carved style, are featured in prestigious institutions like the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Guardians of Tradition:
Martha Appleleaf and Erik Fender
San Ildefonso Pueblo, located 20 miles northwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico, is renowned for its rich tradition of pottery, particularly the iconic black-on-black style pioneered by Maria Martinez. Among the contemporary potters carrying forward this legacy are Martha Appleleaf and her son, Erik Fender, whose innovative yet deeply traditional work has earned them widespread acclaim. This week we explore their contributions to San Ildefonso pottery, their unique styles, and their connection to a storied family lineage of potters.
Poleyestewa
New Arrivals
Poleyestewa’s kachina dolls are crafted in the traditional style, reminiscent of those made in the early 1800s. Unlike modern kachina carvings that often feature exaggerated motion and intricate detailing, his work emphasizes simplicity and authenticity, with arms tucked close to the body and carefully considered adornments. Each doll is carved from the root of the cottonwood tree, a material of spiritual significance to the Hopi due to its deep-reaching roots, symbolizing the search for water in the arid Arizona landscape.
Pima and Papago Basketry: A Tradition of Craft and Culture
The Pima (Akimel O’odham) and Papago (Tohono O’odham) peoples, indigenous to the deserts of southern Arizona and northern Sonora, Mexico, have long been celebrated for their intricate and functional basketry. These baskets, woven from natural materials, reflect the deep connection these communities have with their environment, their cultural heritage, and their practical needs.
Tony Oviedo~
The Art & Soul of a
Master Bronze Sculptor
This week we are honoring Tony Oviedo’s award winning sculptures and also featuring some of his new works that have just arrived, many have not been seen before but all are now on display at Chimayo Trading and also at chimayotrading.com.
Tony Oviedo is a distinguished artist, bronze sculptor, and storyteller based in Northern New Mexico. Born into a family with a rich artistic heritage, Tony is the son of master sculptor and santero and raised in the culturally vibrant region of Chimayó, New Mexico, Tony was immersed in the traditions of Spanish Colonial art from a young age. He began woodworking in his father’s shop as a child and started sculpting and casting bronze in the family’s foundry in 1990. This early exposure to craftsmanship laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to art. Read more below…
Weaving Worlds…
The Art and Legacy of Navajo Artist Sheldon Harvey
Sheldon Harvey, a Diné (Navajo) artist born in 1978 in Lukachukai, Arizona, has emerged as a powerful voice in contemporary Native American art, blending traditional Navajo storytelling with modern artistic techniques. A member of the Red Running Into Water Clan, Harvey’s work spans painting, sculpture, and mixed media, reflecting his deep connection to Navajo creation stories, spirituality, and cultural identity.
The Vibrant Santa Fe Spanish Market: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage
The Traditional Spanish Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is deeply rooted in the region’s Hispanic heritage, reflecting centuries of cultural and artistic traditions. Its history begins with the Spanish colonization of New Mexico in the late 16th century, when settlers brought with them artistic practices that evolved into distinct New Mexican forms. The market reflects the ingenuity of early Spanish settlers who, with limited resources like gold and silver, crafted art from materials that were readily available.
The Art and Legacy of
Hopi Pottery
Hopi pottery is a profound expression of Native American artistry, deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual traditions of the Hopi people, who have lived for over a thousand years on three mesas in northeastern Arizona. Known for its earthy tones, intricate designs, and handcrafted techniques, Hopi pottery reflects a harmonious balance between utility, artistry, and cultural heritage.
Pablita Velarde (1918-2006)
A Trailblazing Pueblo Artist
Pablita Velarde (1918–2006), born Tse Tsan, meaning “Golden Dawn” in the Tewa language, was a pioneering Native American artist from Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico. Renowned for her vivid depictions of traditional Pueblo life, Velarde broke barriers as one of the first women from her community to pursue painting as a professional career, defying cultural expectations and gender norms of her time. Her work, celebrated for its intricate detail and cultural authenticity, has left an enduring legacy in Native American art.
The Art and Tradition
of Hopi Coil Baskets
Hopi coil baskets are more than just woven objects; they are a living expression of Hopi identity, spirituality, and community. Through their intricate designs and time-honored techniques, these baskets carry the stories of the Hopi people, their connection to the land and their enduring traditions. As both functional items and cultural treasures, Hopi coil baskets stand as a powerful symbol of artistry and heritage in Native American culture.
Charles Berninghaus
A Taos Impressionist Legacy
Julius Charles Berninghaus (May 19, 1905 – January 1, 1988) was a distinctive figure in the Taos art scene, known for his impressionist landscapes that captured the vibrant light and rugged beauty of New Mexico. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Charles was the son of Oscar E. Berninghaus, a founding member of the Taos Society of Artists, which profoundly shaped his artistic journey.
The Art of Doug Candelaria ~
Capturing the Soul
of the Southwest
Doug Candelaria has emerged as a distinctive voice in contemporary Native American art. Known for his evocative paintings that blend the majesty of the American Southwest with the cultural depth of Navajo and Pueblo traditions, Candelaria’s work captures the imagination with its vibrant colors, mysterious night scenes, and dynamic depictions of figures on horseback. His art reflects a deep connection to the land and the stories of the Navajo people, offering viewers a window into the timeless beauty of the Southwest.
Hopi Wicker Trays
Weaving Tradition and Spirit
On the sun-baked mesas of northeastern Arizona, the Hopi people have crafted wicker trays for centuries, weaving not just materials but stories, spirituality, and community into every piece. Known as the “peaceful people” or Hopituh Shi-nu-mu, the Hopi reside in 12 villages across First, Second, and Third Mesas on Black Mesa, with Third Mesa being the heart of wicker basketry. These vibrant trays, often called plaques or shallow baskets, are more than functional objects—they are sacred symbols of Hopi life, used in ceremonies, daily tasks, and as cherished art forms.
Rory Wagner (1950-2010)
The Hyperrealist Heart of Taos Art
Wagner’s early works focused on the American cowboy, a nod to the rugged individualism of the West, inspired by the luminous portraiture of Dutch master Jan Vermeer. Yet, his artistic evolution took a profound turn as he immersed himself in Taos’s Native American culture. His large-scale acrylic paintings are celebrated for their hyperrealist detail and historical fidelity, portraying Native American figures with a dignity and depth that transcended romanticized stereotypes. Taos Historic Museum Director noted, “As a hyperrealist artist, Rory Wagner was maybe one of the first to do this in Western art”, highlighting his pioneering approach.
New Arrivals From Mary Martin of Chochiti Pueblo
The long history of figurative pottery coming out of the Cochiti Pueblo reached its peak from the last quarter of the 19th century to the first quarter of the 20th century, with a revival in the early 70s that produced the well-known storytellers. Mary Martin (1927-2011) “Tsiranitsia” was one of the Cochiti potters who produced many storytellers and also pushed the envelope to work beyond the well-known storyteller figurines.
Remaking History at Chimayo Trading Del Norte
“At Chimayo Trading Del Norte in Ranchos de Taos, Casas Grandes pottery has taken its rightful place among the Southwest’s traditional art forms.”
The following article was previously published in Taos Magazine, September 2007, about the Artists and Pottery of Mata Ortiz and their close relationship with Chimayo Trading and the collaborative demonstration of their unique pottery crafting techniques. The article features pots included in the Juan Quezada Collection now on display at Chimayo Trading..
New Arrivals From The Tafoya Family of Santa Clara Pueblo
Santa Clara Pueblo’s traditional name is Kha’p’oo Owinge Valley of the Wild Roses. Santa Clara Pottery and its Pueblo potters are famous for their hand-crafted pottery, specifically blackware and redware with deep engravings.
The Tafoya Family lineage is well known for their contributions to the legend of Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery. Here are three recent acquisitions to the gallery from women of the Tafoya family.
The Juan Quezada Collection
It was Juan Quezada (1940-2022), who recovered the ancient art form of pottery that lifted the entire town of Mata Ortiz out of poverty and certain obscurity to become a mecca of creativity, innovation and exquisite pottery.
On display now at chimayotrading.com is the JUAN QUEZADA COLLECTION. These pieces were commisioned by a private collector over several years through the Mata Ortiz shows we’ve hosted here at the Chimayo Trading gallery. Sometimes a piece would take up to an entire year to produce for the collector.
In Remembrance
American Indians and Alaska Natives have one of the highest representations in the armed forces according to The Department of Defense. From the battlefields of the Revolutionary War, to the beaches of Normandy on D-Day to the front lines of today, Native Americans have served in the U.S. military in every major conflict for more than 200 years, defending this country for centuries.
New Arrival from Ray Vinella
One of the Taos Six, painter and sculptor Ray Vinella whose visual arts background includes work with Walt Disney Studios, moved to Taos, NM in 1969 to pursue a new career as an artist. He quickly became one of the highly cherished artists in Taos.
New Arrivals from Jonathan Warm Day Coming
With a name to remember, artist, writer and astute observer, Jonathan Warm Day Coming is a pillar of the historic community of Taos Pueblo, inhabited for over 1,000 years. Jonathan has deep roots at Taos Pueblo and has adopted this art form to similarly record the oral histories and daily life there.
We’ve recently recieved two new large oil on canvas paintings from Jonathan, on display now at Chimayo Trading and available online at chimayotading.com
New Arrivals from Sheldon Harvey
Known for his Ye’i sculptures of first Navajo peoples, Sheldon Harvey evokes an energy that runs through everything he touches. As a painter, Harvey plays with lost and found shapes, color shifts and composition. Revealing the breadth and strength of his talent, this cohesion of his vision has won him awards and great respect worldwide.
Two new paintings and two new sculptures have arrived and are on display now at Chimayo Trading and online at chimayotrading.com
Henry C. Balink
(1882-1963)
By Rebekah Powers | May 2025
Chimayo Trading has acquired a charming portrait by Henry C. Balink, an early Taos artist. This is a rare gem, unusual for Balink who was mostly known for portraits of Native American men from the many tribes of the Southwest, this is a painting of a young Hopi girl. Balink also took great care to include authentic elements of her culture, including the Shalako kachina by her side, and the Hopi manta she has flung around her shoulders.
Early Reflections
by Robert Daughters
(1929-2013)
The ancient jewelry technique of cloisonné is the inspiration behind the technique of the expressionistic painter, Robert Daughters.
Daughters called his unique painting technique of short energetic brushstrokes with dark outlines “cloisonnism”, inspired by gemstones in jewelry separated by fine metal walls, and his simplicity and luminosity soon set him apart from everyone else.
~New Arrivals~
Tony Oviedo, also known as Marco Antonio Oviedo II who lives and breathes his art and is devoted to the idea behind each creation. When speaking about his sculpture recently in the gallery, he held Saint Francis against his chest as he spoke of the details he included and why. One hand is vertical, the finger barely touching his lip, a blessing not only of the body, but of words spoken into the world. In his other hand, an empty bowl shows the saint’s humility, faith, and gentle power which he wears like robes.
~New Arrivals~
Claudia Peina is a Zuni fetish carver who carries forward the creative and original legacy of her family of artists who carve elk antler. Working with the most unusual of natural mediums, Claudia Peina has taken the traditions of her beloved Zuni tribe, innovating alongside the brother she lost too soon, as well as her aunt, her uncles and her grandfather and she continues to carve a place for all of them in the history of Native American Art.
~New Arrivals~
Poleyestewa delivered on his promise to bring us a new collection of bird kachinas he’s been working on for months. This long awaited collection contains kachinas Poleyestewa has never made and we’ve never seen before. Now on display now at Chimayo Trading and available online at chimayotrading.com.
~New Arrivals~
Erik Fender of San Ildefonso Pueblo is traditional potter with an exquisite contemporary flair. His work has been greatly influenced by his family: his grandmother Carmelita Dunlap, his mother Martha Appleaf, both of whom he began making pottery with when he was 10 years old, and his uncle Carlos Dunlap and great aunt the legendary Maria Martinez. We have just received these new arrivals from Erik also known as Than Tside’h (Sunbird), now on display at our gallery in Ranchos de Taos, NM.
~New Arrivals~
Here are a 6 of 17 Historic Baskets from a recent acquistion of an entire collection of baskets from the turn of the century. Crafted by various tribes for use in daily life, along the west coast of America, Arizona and Northern Mexico.
~New Arrivals~
Historic Baskets
A collection of baskets is a collection of time: the time it took for the grasses and reeds and bark to grow, the time to gather and the time to weave. Techniques have been perfected through hundreds of generations, going back 10,000 years and vary according to the tribe, location and point in history.
Red Star Rising
Kevin Red Star is a prominent artist who has changed the face of Indian art in the modern world. Born in 1943 on the Crow Reservation in Lodge Grass, Montana Kevin’s grade school discouraged any association with his tribal culture. Yet, he was to become one of the prominent leaders in Native American Art.
“I hope to accomplish something for the American Indian and at the same time achieve personal satisfaction in a creative statement through my art.”
— Kevin Red Star
The Inspiration of
Francisco Zuniga
Zuniga ranks along with Diego Rivera as one of the most influential Latin American artists of the 20th century. Inspired by women in everyday life, often peasants in dress characterized with such sensitivity and sensuality, the figures become monumental.
Francisco Zuniga was born in Costa Rica to a famous religious sculptor, Manuel Maria Zuniga in 1912.
The Painted Stories of
Ed Sandoval
Ed Sandoval is one of Taos’ favorite sons. A painter, a personality and a beloved local character, Ed is a larger than life personality, known for his flair for the dramatic. His dynamic paintings often feature a distinctive older man with a cane who appears as a character in a scene. Often alone, this emblematic figure has found a companion in one of the recent acquisitions and they stroll together in the dappled sun of New Mexico.
Julian Robles, 1933-2023
The life of Julian Robles is a story that may best be told by his paintings. One painting in particular encompasses his beliefs, his sensitivities and his place in Taos history: “Santa Clara Olla & Sunflowers”. Painted in 1986, the sunflowers the black Santa Clara pot, with the crucifix speaks at a larger cultural narrative. His paintings have been described as “faithful”: to the subject, to his own beliefs and to his intensity.
Artist and Entrepreneur:
Charles Reynolds
Born in 1902 in Kiowa Indian Territory in Oklahoma, Reynolds grew up to attend Tulsa University and the University of Oklahoma and become an accountant, treasurer, clerk and secretary in turn. He married Ruth, the great love of his life and started a family in middle America, and it looked like the script for his life had been written. Charles had started painting in his twenties as a personal passion…
Taos Painter for the Ages
Valerie Graves may well become the history of now. She lives and breathes and paints Taos: Taos Mountain, Taos Pueblo, day and night, landscapes wild and tame. Valerie Graves’ paintings contain a sense of light dancing, elemental and yet restrained. Hard to pin down, impossible to ignore, 3 works by the artist are on display now at Chimayo Trading.
New Paintings From
Michelle Tsosis Sisneros
Niece of Pablita Velarde, the famous Santa Clara painter and the grandmother of the Pueblo Flat Painters who may be the most famous female painter in Native American history. Sisneros has carved her own place in contemporary Native American painting with traditional Native American themes with abstract elements and surrealist influences.
Jonathan Warm Day Coming
With a name to remember, artist, writer and astute observer, Jonathan Warm Day Coming is a pillar of the historic community of Taos Pueblo, inhabited for over 1,000 years. Chimayo Trading is now showing his new work of prismacolor pencil drawings on antique ledger papers.
Navajo Pictorial
“Tree of Life” by Sarah Tso
The centerpiece in the main gallery of Chimayo Trading is a stunning pictorial weaving that won “Best Of Show” at the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in 2004.
The Deep Roots Of Piñon
In New Mexico
This year Chimayo Trading is adding piñon nuts to our fall offerings. After many years of decline, a bumper crop of this small power packed nut has created a flurry of excitement in Northern New Mexico, and we want to share!
A Good Home
Michael Ellison is first and foremost a man who paints. Once created, his mission is to find his paintings a “good home with someone who appreciates them”.
Chimayo Trading presents Michael Ellison, a relatively new painter in town with a different way of seeing and thinking about art.
Rooms With A View Of History
Behind the wooden doors and beyond the flagstone patio, adventure awaits at Chimayo Trading in Ranchos de Taos!
The plaza itself contains the rich history of 300 years and the most photographed church in North America, San Francisco de Asís Church, sits resplendent in its center.
Hands On Sculpture
by Tony Oviedo
A murder of huge bronze crows have landed in the windows of Chimayo Trading! Magnificently powerful, they carry messages from the Dream world as well the artist and deeply passionate sculptor, Tony Oviedo who is obsessed with crows, ravens and magpies. When you see them, there is no denying their larger than life presence.
Snow Maiden Saves Ski Season
Wilmer Kaye is a Hopi kachina carver who tells a wonderful story about a large commission he received from a Colorado ski resort. After 3 years of too little snow, they commissioned the famous artist for a large Snow Maiden sculpture in the entrance to welcome the snow.
A Priest Who Paints
Chimayo Trading has acquired a painting by Father John B. Giuliani that beautifully represents the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Rafael, an unusual subject that takes some by surprise. Father Giuliani began his creative journey in early adulthood before his calling to the priesthood took precedence. After his ordination in 1960 and earning multiple Master’s Degrees in Theology…
Navajo Folk Art Evolves
The whimsical folk art of Diné potter Elizabeth Manygoats is now available at Chimayo Trading. Her charming ceramic animals and “lifestyle pots” featuring decorative elements around a traditional form, exemplify the line she walks between sharing the Navajo lifestyle and embellishing those traditions.
Best Of Both Worlds
Kim Obrzut is a Hopi woman first and foremost. Her contemporary Native American sculpture reflects her identity and her interpretation of Hopi tradition in a way that may surprise you with her boldness. Chimayo Trading has acquired one exemplary bronze sculpture that reflects the astonishing beauty of form for which Kim Obrzut is known, plus her intentional personal symbology.
The Quiet Brilliance
of Helen Hardin
Her drawings are meticulous, mathematically precise, intricate abstractions from Native American symbology. They are mesmerizingly complex and yet the designs are essential forms, lines drawn with sureness, purpose and a deep understanding of their spiritual significance.
When Parallel Universes Collide
Nathan Youngblood reigns supreme in the modern world of Pueblo Pottery. He was given a “life with the clay” from his grandparents Margaret and Alcario Tafoya, as well as his mother, Mela Youngblood, all leaders of the Santa Clara Pueblo renaissance.
The “Golden Dawn” In Art
For Native American Women
Pablita Velarde or Tse Tsan (Tewa for “Golden Dawn) was one of the first women to be recognized as an American Pueblo painter. Her determination and leadership ushered in a golden era for many talented Native American women of her generation and beyond.
The Transcendent Emil Bisttram, 1895-1976
Emil Bisttram first visited Taos in 1930 and stayed at Mrs. Martin’s rooming house, which is now the Taos Inn. When they moved to Taos in 1932, he and his wife Mayrion first rented, then bought an adobe on Ledoux Street. To compensate for the lack of a local art market, Bisttram showed his entrepreneurial spirit by launching the Taos School of Art which would last for three decades.
Couse Comes Home
Eanger Irving Couse was one of the Taos Society Artists who painted scenes of Native American life that captured the imagination and refined the encounter between Native American culture and the rest of the world. Those are unsure of the pronunciation may be told: “Couse rhymes with Taos” and he still reigns here as an “influencer” from a century ago.
Claudia Peina Reimagines The Zuni Fetish
New Arrivals From Claudia Peina
A Zuni fetish is an animal, bird or figure carved from stone, turquoise, or antler, usually no bigger than you can easily hold in your hand. The first Zuni fetishes were good luck totems to carry for the hunt. In time, they came to symbolize many different qualities and strengths inherent in nature.
One Of The Last
Cynthia Starflower, daughter of Carmelita Dunlap, is one of the last Grand Master Potters of San Ildefonso Pueblo. After her mother’s death on 2000, she became 2nd in line to Maria Martinez as a leader, mentor and a superb representative of Pueblo Pottery. Maria, of course, is the most famous matriarch among them all and recovered the ancient ways of firing black pottery.
Between Dimensions:
Sheldon Harvey
Chimayo Trading expects the unexpected from Sheldon Harvey, but this time he caught us by surprise! His latest piece: “Into the Yellow Dimension“ walks a bold line between painting and sculpture. It is hard to describe in words and a photo doesn’t do it justice, so you may have to come in the gallery for the full experience.
Kachina Stories As Told By Poleyestewa, Part 2
Poleyestewa is one of those enigmatic figures you might imagine in a movie. He is hard to pin down, appearing and disappearing at will. He has a deep understanding of Hopi history and when the time is right, he appears with his warm smiling face and brings his latest collection of dolls along with their history, backstory and meaning to Chimayo Trading.
The Singular World of Melissa Zink (1932-2009)
Melissa Zink was a true Taos creative with a big personality, boundless imagination and experimentation across several platforms of expression that make her stand out. Known for dreamlike dioramas and 3 dimensional storytelling, Melissa Zink was fearless.
Sculpting Living Treasures, Roxanne Swentzell
Born into one of the most innovative lineages of pottery makers from Santa Clara Pueblo, Roxanne Swentzell says her mother gave her a piece of clay when she was 3 years old and from then on, she has used this medium as a form of communication.
The Master Potter Of Mata Ortiz: Jorge Quintana
Our current spellbinding exhibition includes a truly grand ceramic centerpiece, highly decorated and by Jorge Quintana. One of the few remaining masters, taught from an early age by Juan Quezada, Jorge strives to keep the Mata Ortiz traditions alive.
The Art Of A Navajo Child’s Blanket
Among the very finest examples of Navajo weaving from the Classic Period, these small wearing blankets are highly valued by collectors, prized for their fine design and weave. They are rare treasures from the 19th century that beguiled even the cavalry officers who invested the equivalent of a year’s salary to buy just one small blanket that they could fold and carry home easily.
A Spectacular Etching By Gene Kloss
Chimayo Trading is very excited to share the recent acquisition of an extremely desirable and rare etching by Gene Kloss, “Christmas Eve Taos Pueblo”. Gene Kloss is the legendary printmaker and painter who captured pieces of culture and history with over 600 copper etchings, drypoint, and aquatints.
“The Darkening Eclipse” By Sheldon Harvey
Our latest acquisition by Sheldon Harvey, “The Darkening Eclipse” is a timely interpretation and celebration of an important celestial event that all peoples of the world will soon share again. An eclipse holds special significance in tribal culture. The Navajo believe that when the sun is eclipsed by the moon, the sun undergoes a rebirth. Thus it is a time to reflect; a time for reverence.
Hopi Kachina Dolls: The Magic, The Meaning And The Mystery
Chimayo Trading has just received many new kachinas from Chester Poleyestewa including some new, larger kachinas.
Poleyestewa is the well known Hopi carver who is inspired to continue the life of some of the rarer kachina identities.
Raven Steals The Sun, A Tlingit Story Of Creation
A powerful glass sculpture by Preston Singletary is now available at Chimayo Trading, “Raven Steals The Sun”. In the Tlingit cultural tradition of myth making, Singletary is an artist who reinterprets the past with new vision, in a new medium and with great heart. He makes the Tlingit creation story in glass, which reflects, refracts and reforms the light..
From Black and White to Living Color: The Transitions of Gene Kloss
The name Gene Kloss conjures finely detailed black and white etchings of the Southwest. Gene Kloss’ etchings glow with a vibrancy that comes from the contrast of black snd white, an eye for dramatic composition and flowing evocative forms.
One Of A Kind
Sometimes you walk into a room and see something you have never seen before and will never see again.
Chimayo Trading makes it our business to provide that experience, not in one way, but in many ways. I thought it would be interesting to see some of those one of a kind treasures.
Gustave Baumann And The Grand Canyon
An Eye For Water: Rod Hubble
The Dolls, Dances and Songs Of Hopi
Watercolors Unlike Any Other: Norma Howard
The Abeyta Family Lineage
Spanish Colchas:
Embroidering On Imperfection
The Magical Realm Of David Leffel
A Force Of Nature
A Force Of Nature
Al Qöyawayma
Beyond The Broken Pattern
The Elegant Carved Pottery of Jemez Pueblo
On A Good Path:
Richard Zane Smith
The Shooting Star of San Ildefonso: Tony Da (1940-2008)
Local Treasures
Sherrie McGraw and David Leffel
“The Shadow Catcher”
Edward S. Curtis
Beauty In Bronze:
Tammy Garcia
The Power Of Three
Chimayo Trading Del Norte Celebrates 20 Years In Taos
William Martin,
Reflections
The Magic Of Walt Gonske
Chimayo Trading Presents: The Best of Navajo Pottery
The Flight Path of
Wayne “Snowbird” Shields
Teresita “Apple Blossom” Naranjo: Visionary of Santa Clara Pueblo
1919-1999
The Sons and Daughters of
San Ildefonso Pueblo
Standing The Test of Time: 20 Years of Family and Business
Renaissance Man:
William Martin
Howard Cook
Iluminating New Mexico’s Soul
Painting the Navajo Way of Life Harrison Begay
Origins of Mata Ortiz
R.C. Gorman: A Legacy of Art, Anecdotes, and Enduring Fame
CARLOS HALL
A Life’s Journey Through The Colors of Native America
Basket Weaver
Mary Holiday Black 1934-2022
Patrociño Barela, A Man Of Grace
The Living Legacy of
Maria Poveka Martinez
“Blue Corn” Crucita Gonzales Calabaza 1921-1999
The Monumental Faces
Painted by Miguel Martinez
The Enigmatic Painter
Paul Burlin 1886-1969
The Light, Color and Shadows of Rod Goebel 1946-1993
Where History Meets Art At Chimayo Trading
The Story Behind The Painting “The Rough Road To Taos”
John Young-Hunter And
“Woman With The Red Parasol”
Warren E. Rollins and
“The House of Montezuma”
Tammy Garcia’s
“Cross Current”
Tony Abeyta
Painter Extraordinaire
Lydia Quezada, Master Potter of Mata Ortiz
The Miracle Man of Mata Ortiz: Juan Quezada 1940-2022
Stunning Works By
Darren Grant
Superlative Mata Ortiz
The Exceptional Encaustic Paintings of Raé Miller
Jim Vogel, Taos Painter and Storyteller
Celebrating The Legendary Life and Art of Ed Morgan
Avanyu
Guardian of Water
The Unexpected Paintings of Clarence Medina
Hopi Kachina Dolls: The Magic, The Meaning And The Mystery
Tony Abeyta . PEDERNAL
Introduction to The Navajo People
Their Beliefs, Lifestyle and Traditions
Larry Bell: Astonishing Artist of Innovation
Sheldon Parsons (1866-1943), Painter of Land and Sky
A Renaissance in Ranchos de Taos
Origins Of Mata Ortiz Pottery
Two New Painters Featured at Chimayo Trading Gallery
The Peaceful Visions of Ann Huston
The Fascinating Evolution of Navajo Pottery
The Strong Hands of Taos Pueblo Drum Maker, Lee Lujan
More About
Claudia Peina
Claudia Peina
She Who Shines Brightly
Angie Yazzie, Master of Micaceous Clay
Landscapes by
Chris Morel
Tribal Quillwork of the Great Plains
A New Vision in Jemez Pueblo Pottery
Kachina Carver
Chester Poleyestewa
Acoma Pottery and the Four Matriarchs
The Incomparable Paintings of William Martin
New Paintings From
Michelle Tsosie Sisneros
Wayne Muskett, Contemporary Silversmith
The Church in Ranchos and the Art of Religion
The Many Facets of Sheldon Harvey
Maria Martinez
Ann Huston in the Land of Enchantment
A Woman with Many Talents and Interests
Through Reina’s Eyes
ELEVEN
Powerful Paintings
by Walt Gonske
Samuel Manymules
Minimalist Navajo Potter
Carl Redin 1892-1944
Who is Rudolph Carl Gorman?
Ralph Meyers, a Taos Character
Giovanna Paponetti
Master Painter
On Location With Walt Gonske
Michelle Tsosie Sisneros
Doug Candelaria
Pueblo Artist
Alyce Frank
The Laughing Family of Navajo Weavers
A visit to Ranchos de Taos is like stepping back to a time when life was slower
Glenn Fred
Hopi Kachina Carver
Gene Kloss
An American Printmaker
Jewelry That Makes A Statement
A Different Drum made by Lee Lujan of Taos Pueblo
By Rebekah Powers | April 2021
Lee Lujan continues the long tradition of making drums that he learned from his Pueblo family. From his studio at the base of Taos Mountain, he creates each unique drum from just the right hollowed out cottonwood trunk. He covers it with hide processed by his hand.
Making the Case for Baskets
By Rebekah Powers | March 2021
A collection of baskets is a collection of time: the time it took for the grasses and reeds and bark to grow, the time to gather and the time to weave..
