Scrapbook
| HISTORY OF
HOZHONI As I walked in the desert I felt a strong connection to the land and the people who call it sacred. It was a feeling of "going home", and it changed my life forever. The year was 1971 and I had traveled to the great southwest to visit my brother. I returned to Illinois with a love of Native American culture and a desire to do something about it. Shortly afterward, I partnered the opening of a Native American art gallery and spent the next fourteen years bringing the culture of the Southwest to the Midwest. Then in 1996, I opened my own gallery at the corner of Jefferson and Main Street in the heart of downtown Naperville, and called it Hozhoni. The name means "place of beauty", or "surrounded by beauty" and stems from the word, Hozho, a Dine or Navajo word that means harmony. With the help of three Dine artists; Peter Ray James, Allison Lee, and Raymond Chee, I learned of the significance of the word harmony; how it inspires art work and how it serves as a foundation to the cultures of the southwest. When people enter the gallery, the comments are all very similar. "I'm surrounded by so many beautiful things". 'I'm surrounded by so much beauty". EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND For eighteen years I have worked as a gallery owner and lecturer, educating the general public on Native American art and causes, but my interest in the Native American community extends far beyond that. I helped start the Shingoethe Center for Native American Cultures at Aurora University and currently serve on the Native American Educational Committee at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL. Most recently I have been elected to participate on the board of directors of the Indian Arts and Crafts Association, an organization for which I have been a long-standing member. I am also associated with the Southwest Association on Indian Affairs, for which I have judged pottery at the prestigious Santa Fe Market. RED FEATHER DEVELOPMENT GROUP One of the most exciting aspects of my service to the Native American community is my involvement with the Red Feather Development Group. Through this inspiring organization, I have helped to build straw bale homes and community buildings for needy people on reservations in the northern plains, and participated as a board member in efforts to establish tribal based educational centers that empower tribal members for the building of their own structures. WHERE DOES THE ART COME FROM Hozhoni has a fine and varied selection of Native American art in all price ranges. The gallery features sterling silver and 14-karat gold jewelry, Pueblo pottery, Hopi Katsinas, Zuni fetishes, basketry, drums, sculpture, sandpaintings, and other one-of-a-kind pieces. I am personally acquainted with most of the artists represented in the gallery, and individually select the works I display. Many of the established artists have received national recognition for their stunning work and outstanding talent, while others are emerging as new names and faces with contemporary and innovative approaches to their artistry. For the patrons who frequent the gallery, it is truly "a place of beauty". Step inside and see for yourself the beautiful array of jewelry and artwork. Step inside and feel for yourself the beautiful spirit that is Hozhoni. |
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A. Lovato and Janet Smith |
Owner Janet Smith with Chicago News personality, Harry Porterfield being
featured on the program: "Someone You Should Know" |
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Copyright
2006
by Janet
Smith
All written and photographic material on this site is copyrighted material.
It may not be used or copied without the express permission
of the author and artists.
All inquiries should be directed to,
hozhonigallery@yahoo.com