About Steve Getzwiller

Steve Getzwiller's Grandfather homesteaded a large cattle ranch East of Benson Arizona raising horses and cattle.  Steve was raised by his parents on their ranch West of Benson.  He tried his hand as a young man in rodeo, but after getting bucked off a few times retired from that sport.  Marrying in his twenties, he stayed on to manage the family ranch, and it wasn't until he was in his forties the he took up the sport of Team Roping.  However, Steve's love has always been for Navajo Weaving, and his focus has always been working with the Navajo weavers.

He 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 the Amerind Foundation, a renowned museum tucked away in the rocks of Texas Canyon in Dragoon Arizona. Dr. Charles DiPeso took Steve under his wing, introducing him to textiles, basketry and pottery collections. Steve study anthropology at the University of Arizona aspiring to be like Charlie, 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 support for weavers to devote the time, sometimes over 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. A best selling book on contemporary Navajo weaving, now out of print.

Steve and his wife, Gail still manage the family ranch in Benson, Arizona.  The weavings, along with along with other select Native American Art forms are offered for sale on his website www.navajorug.com, and through gallery showings, at the Nizhoni Ranch Gallery in Sonoita, located Southeast of Tucson. You can also contact him at (520) 455-5020.