Steve Getzwiller has been an integral part of Navajo weaving for more than 30 years. His name has become synonymous with the finest contemporary Navajo textiles available. Steve’s efforts to reintroduce the hearty Churro wool to the Navajo loom have also brought this Arizona rancher acclaim.

Getzwiller’s attention to detail and interest in Native American Art and culture go back to his roots. As a young boy, he would visit his friend, whose father was the director of Amerind Foundation, a renowned museum tucked away in the rocks of Texas Canyon in southeast Arizona. The man, Dr. Charles DiPeso took Steve under his wing, introducing him to textile, basketry and pottery collections. Steve aspired to study anthropology at the University of Arizona, but eventually decided a career working with the Navajo people would appeal to him more.

Steve is renowned for developing relationships with many of the better-known Navajo-weaving artists, while also looking to the future and promoting beginning weavers. He encourages a mix of traditional and new styles, while providing a commercial outlet for the weavers who can devote up to a year to finish one piece. His collections also include the finest examples of historic and early regional weavings.
In 1984, Steve wrote and co-published “The Fine Art of Navajo Weaving” with world famous photographer Ray Manley. It still is the best selling book on contemporary Navajo weaving today.

Steve and his wife, Gail live on a ranch Benson, Arizona, about 30 minutes from Tucson. The weavings, along with Navajo jewelry are offered for sale on his website www.navajorug.com, and through gallery showings. You can also contact him at
(520) 586-2579.