-“The Navajo Churro Collection”
Is a Premier Collection of Contemporary Navajo Weavings Made
From The Highest Quality Wool, Which Is Hand Washed, Dyed
and Custom Spun-
Phoenix, AZ
– September 2, 2003 - To find the finest in quality,
tradition and design of Navajo rugs and blankets, look to
Southeast Arizona. In an effort to offer the best of Navajo
weaving, Steve Getzwiller has worked tirelessly to cultivate
the continuation of this indigenous art form. In the past
30 years, the collector, trader and collaborative-innovator
has developed a personal relationship with weavers, and reintroduced
the wool of Churro sheep, a breed almost on the brink of extinction
in the Southwest. His encouragement and respect for the Navajo
have brought him acclaim amongst collectors, curators and
anthropologists.
“I feel what I am doing
collaboratively with these weavers and the Churro wool, far
and away represents the finest Navajo weaving I have ever
had an opportunity to collect and offer for sale,” said
Getzwiller. Steve Getzwiller works to keep customs, while
also expanding their creativity and design. His attention
to detail begins with his involvement in the creation of the
weavings to the end result of communicating and offering a
comfortable environment for the buyer.
Carol Nottingerg from Australia
who purchased a Navajo Rug says, “One of the key factors
for me to purchase a weaving from the Getzwillers was the
respect and fair dealings they have with the weavers. In addition,
their thoughtfulness of sending pictures of the Churro weaving
on the loom increased my enjoyment of this work of art and
the admiration I have for this talented weaver.”
Along with his wife Gail,
the Getzwillers offer the finest in Amerind art from their
Arizona ranch and at gallery shows. Examples can also be found
at www.navajorug.com
All historic weavings are in great condition and ready to
use in your home. Weavers make the Contemporary Navajo Rugs
across the Navajo Reservation, while the Navajo Churro Collection
is a special Navajo-weaving project commissioned by Steve,
using the wool of Churro sheep.
The fleece of this registered
line of Churro sheep is the highest quality available. The
dyes used in the wool consist of aniline and natural vegetal
dyes. The natural wool colors are custom to create rich and
variegated grays, browns and tans.
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Collectors, Mike and Juanita
Eagle of Indianapolis, Indiana, “"The quality of
the rugs that Steve is nurturing with the weavers is the finest
it has ever been--from materials to colors to design. No one
has done more for the future of the art form than Steve. At
least not in the past 100 years."
About Steve Getzwiller
Getzwiller’s attention
to detail and interest in Native American Art and culture
go back to his roots. As a young boy, his best friend’s
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 Navajo textile, basketry and pottery
collections. Steve studied anthropology at the University
of Arizona, but eventually decided a career working with the
Navajo people today would was a more rewarding career. For
the past 30 years, his name has become synonymous with the
finest contemporary Navajo textiles available. Steve is also
renowned for his efforts to revive use of wool from the almost
extinct breed of Churro sheep, a herd local to the Southwestern
region. Steve and his wife Gail own a ranch south of Tucson,
Arizona in the town of Benson.
