D. Andrew Rodriguez
Sculptor
D. Andrew Rodriguez is a artist from the Laguna Pueblo, village of Mesita,
New Mexico who currently resides in Albuquerque. He has previously attended the
Institute of American Indian Arts, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he studied
sculpture under the tutelage of Allan Houser. He has completed his Bachelor of
Arts in Fine Arts Degree "with distinction" at the University of New Mexico and
now has the opportunity to concentrate on his art.

Andrew's work is in clay relief sculptures and pottery. He combines traditional
firing and slip/stone polishing techniques into unique contemporary expression
of his Indian heritage. His images use the simplicity of line and form to create
movement and subtle elegance.

His professional experience has been achieved through various exhibits and shows,
and he has been recognized for his excellence in the art by the following shows.

Multiple award winner - 1993 New Mexico State Fair Indian Exhibit.

Book publications "Santa Fe Indian Market" 1993 by Tierra Publications.

Multiple award winner - 1992 Southwest Association on "Indian Affairs
71st Annual Indian Market."

2nd place - 1991 Southwest Association on Indian Affairs "70th Annual Indian
Market."

Best of Show, 1st and 2nd place - Indian Arts, 1990 New Mexico State Fair.

3rd Place - Professional Fine Arts, 1989 New Mexico State Fair.

1st and 2nd Place - UNM, Indian students and Alumni Fine Arts 1988 Exhibit.

These shows were judged by outstanding Indian artists, such as Blue Corn,
Pablita Velarde, and renowned sculptors Dough Hyde, Greg Lachappel,
Glenna Goodacre, and Veryl Goodnight.

Andrew continues his efforts to expand the limits of clay in his artistic expression,
while maintaining the value of traditional techniques in producing contemporary
and unique images.

Paula Grill

Paula Grill
Blackfoot
Paula Grill part Blackfoot Indian, was inspired by a
Native American tradition to create a art form from
bird feathers that carry a message from the Great
Spirit. In 1999, her work won second place in the
Illinois Artisans, sponsored James R. Thompson Merit
Award for Fine Craft competition.
Grill is also part French Canadian and grew up in in
River Forest, IL, graduating from Rosary College with
a degree in art and design.

In Native American tradition, eagle feathers symbolize the divine and are used when you burn sage to fan the smoke and send your prayers up to God. Another belief is that each of nature's animals symbolizes an ethic or a moral: the cougar represents power of leadership: the wolf, family & teaching: the deer, gentleness, the crow or raven, magic, hawks are messengers. The idea of painting the animals on the feathers merged with the prayers being sent to God, as a pictorial reminder to walk on the "red" or right road.
"I like the idea of the animal coming through the feather, not on the feather" she says.
"This animal is talking to you. A lot of people are attracted to particular animals and don't know why. That is God's way, pictorially, of sending a message. God has given us answers on this earth, Most notable is the penetrating gaze of her animals. "I am trying to reach down into people's souls with the eyes."

Only Native Americans can legally possess and use eagle feathers. Though they resemble eagle feathers, Paula actually uses domestic turkey feathers.

Jane Osti
Cherokee
Since 1993 Jane has been creating and marketing original art. She is a self employed potter
and sculptor. Jane's work can be seen in many Native American art shows, exhibits, and
museum collections.

"While attending classes at N.S.U. Jerry Choate, my pottery and sculpture instructor, gave
me the inspiration and freedom to explore my creative instincts to my greatest potential.
Under his guidance I created a sculpture of Anna Mitchell, Cherokee Master Potter.
The sculpture of Anna was the beginning of a special relationship that introduced me to
the pre-historic traditional pottery and art of the Southeastern Woodland Tribes.
I have continued to research and produce pottery and sculpture that reflects the
pre-historic art of Cherokee people in both traditional and contemporary styles."

Jane Osti

Myron Panteah

Zuni/Navajo Silversmith

Myron Panteah began making jewelry as a child, learning from his father and grandmother, who worked in a traditional Zuni inlay style. Thumbing through old jewelry issues of Arizona Highways sparked young Myron’s interest in contemporary designs. Since he began working as a professional artist in the early 1990s, he has continued to experiment with materials and techniques, creating innovative, often startlingly intricate pieces.

He currently incorporates finely cut-out, or “pierced,” symbols into his jewelry. Dragonflies, turtles, frogs, birds, and horses float across a background of soft textured silver overlaid with 14K gold spirals and male/female rain symbols. The symbols are inspired by the petroglyphs near his home in Zuni, NM.

The stones Myron uses are another distinctive aspect of his approach. He prefers to work with nontraditional stones, such as jaspers and agates.

Winner of numerous awards from prestigious galleries and shows, including Best of Show in 2001 at Eitlejorg, Myron is recognized as a master jeweler. But he knows he can always get better.

Michael Garcia

NaNa Ping

Pascua Yaqui Jewelry Artist

NaNa Ping (Michael Garcia) is recognized as a highly talented contemporary jewelry artist. An elder family member introduced him to the craft at an early age, and he has done the same for his son, Michael Dukepoo.

NaNa’s designs are original and handmade, reflecting his artistry and his heritage. Most are one-of-a-kind pieces, with only the finest natural stones, set in both gold and silver. His name means “Aspen Mountain,” and his work bears that hallmark.

Among his many awards is the prestigious Award of Excellence from the Santa Fe Indian Market.

Melanie & Michael Lente

Navajo/Isleta Jewelry Artists

Melanie Lente has been making and showing jewelry since she was a teenager in the 1980s. Early on, she was recognized for her unique contemporary style. She learned her craft from her father, Andy Lee Kirk. Like him, she often works in gold, a development in Native jewelry that Andy launched in the 1990s.

Melanie and her husband, Michael, are known for their exquisite pieces in gold and silver, accented with stones ranging from Australian opal to sugilite. Signature pieces include their partner rings and Melanie’s shooting star ring. They make their home in the Isleta Pueblo, south of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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