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Western Art Collector - Pieces of the Past - February 2014
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Western Art Collector Special Section Article February 2014
PIECES OF THE PAST
Collecting Historic Native American Art
Historic Native American art is as diverse as the tribes and artisans who created it. From intricate weaving designs, detailed pottery, and complex baskets to storage jars and everything in between, these works created over thousands of years developed into several distinctive styles. These culturally rich works are not only beautiful but are infused with history and tell a story.
Today, collectors are finding numerous options when it comes to buying and selling historic Native American art. Major art shows like the Marin Show: Art of the Americas offer space to presenting fine antique works, while important auction houses across the country like Bonhams, Cowan’s Auctions, and Heritage Auctions dedicate yearly sales to the finest in historic American Indian art. When collections are re-discovered and offered is an exciting chance for a new generation of collectors.
Available works that are complete with provenance provide a snapshot of the era in which they are made. Collecting historic Native American art can be a lifelong pursuit of education, preservation, and imagination – and even a little bit of adventure – to unravel the stories inherent in these works. Galleries in Tucson, Scottsdale, Santa Fe, and even Los Angeles are finding that collectors are eager to purchase work that is new to the market. And, like most art, quality will always sell. Diversity in subject matter and style adds to the desirability of these historic works, and modern versatility makes these pieces captivating to viewers.
One of the wonderful things about historic Native American art is that it blends nicely in very traditional homes, but certain pieces blend very well with contemporary and modern homes. Whether it’s a Black Maria pot or a stark double saddle blanket, these accentuate contemporary homes with the simplicity of the design. You can still have the most traditional of Native American objects in a more Southwest traditional home.
The Native Americans of the Southwest have always intrigued, impressed and fascinated Steve Getzwiller and his wife Gail. For 40 years they have promoted Navajo weaving and provided collectors with some of the finest artworks the indigenous peoples of North America have ever created. Steve Getzwiller says he recently found two outstanding Apache and Pima basket collections. “Our selection of Navajo weavings is the strongest it has ever been,” he adds.
Getzwiller invites visitors to visit the gallery by emailing or calling to arrange a time. They will open the gate, contain the guard dogs and maybe even put the horses out to greet visitors, who will be stunned at the breathtaking views around the ranch house and by the Getzwiller’s impressive collection of artwork.
- Beth Barth
Western Art Collector - Artist Focus : Elsie Bia - Following Family Traditions - March 2015
Artist Focus: Master Weaver Elsie Bia
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Following family traditions
Elsie Bia hails from the Chinle area of the Navajo Reservation and is one of the last of many generations of master weavers. Her family herds sheep on the land overlooking Spider Rock in Canyon de Chelly, among the most sacred places in the center of Navajo country.
The very depth of her work is awe-inspiring. It seems that there is virtually nothing she can’t accomplish geometrically when singing her songs at the loom.
Elsie, an award-winning weaver, learned the tradition and techniques from her grandmother, as most youngsters do. She is in good company, as some of her relatives are also famous weavers; Ruth Ann Tracy, Irene Bia, Helen Bia, Ellen and Lucy Begay. The talent of this family is apparent in the design and tightness of the weave, often complex – always elegant.
Elsie carries on the 400-year tradition and artwork of the Navajo and recently joined the famous Navajo Churro Collection Legacy. Elsie’s Churro Collection weavings are featured at the Nizhoni Ranch Gallery in Sonoita, Arizona.
Navajo weavings have been made on the same traditional upright loom throughout history. The continuous warp is wrapped by hand on the upright loom, and the design, or weft, is meticulously laid in by hand. The designs magically emerge with color and symmetry, one strand of wool at a time. Elsie’s weavings are some of the finest examples you will see today. They display beautifully on the wall and would last for decades on the floor.
- Beth Barth
City Sun Times: Take A Trip To The Past: Nizhoni Ranch Gallery - Sep 2014
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Take A Trip To The Past: Nizhoni Ranch Gallery
By Susan Sorg
September 2014
A trip to the Nizhoni Ranch Gallery is more than a drive to Sonoita. It’s a journey into the proud heritage and culture, reaching back centuries through timeless fiber arts. Experience the finest in Navajo weavings, presented by a man who knows it best and is considered the country’s leading expert in this field: Steve Getzwiller with more than 40 years of experience working with the finest of Navajo weavers, he’ll guide visitors through a dazzling display of rugs, blankets and “wearable art.”
The Nizhoni Ranch Gallery collection is direct from the land of the Navajo to Sonoita, painstakingly handmade by artists whose families have followed the traditions of weavers for generations. Now, their work, their creations made in the shadows of Monument Valley and other regions of the Navajo reservation can become part of another family’s home.
In this hilltop setting overlooking the rolling grasslands of Sonoita, one is not far from longtime cattle ranches going back to Arizona territorial days. It’s the perfect setting for viewing antique saddle blankets and other vintage weavings. The Nizhoni Ranch Gallery offers the finest and largest selection of historic Navajo weavings, including saddle blankets, Chief’s blankets, and other weavings dating from the late 1800s to 1940s.
Visits are always welcome, but please call ahead to reserve a time to explore this Native American art as only Steve Getzwiller and the Nizhoni Ranch Gallery can show you. Call 520-455-5020 for times and directions, and check out some of the latest gallery finds.
Pictured: Master weavers Elsie Bis, Gloria Hardy and Cara Gorman at Canyon de Chelly with their 2014 award—winning Navajo Weavings.
- Beth Barth
Quail Creek Crossing - An Expert Share the story of Navajo Rugs - September 2017
An expert shares the story of Navajo Rugs
Green Valley News - Quail Creek Crossing - September 2017
The upcoming Quail Creek Kino Lecture Series will premier with a talk by Navajo rug expert Steve Getzwiller of Nizhoni Ranch Gallery in Sonoita, on Monday, October 9, 2017, from 7:00-8:00 p.s. in the Quail Creek Madera Ballroom in Green Valley.
As one of the country's top collectors, dealers and experts, Steve will share his extensive knowledge of Navajo rugs, their history, styles and current trends.
Bringing examples, Steve will illustrate and explain the connection between the art of Navajo rug weaving and the artists behind both traditional and contemporary weavings.
Since obtaining his first rug at the age of 18, Steve Getzwiller has made it his life’s work to preserve and foster the art of Navajo rug weaving. He currently sponsors talented weavers ranging in age from 17 to 90; weavers he has worked with over decades and whom he regards as family. Through collaborative efforts, they have set high standards, increased sales and improved marketing. Steve has also purchased a flock of Churro sheep for a family of weavers to have access to the wool traditionally used by the Navajo. The flock is currently being tended by a Navajo family.
In addition to supplying a source of high quality wool, Steve purchases only the best dyes traditionally used by the Navajo: cochineal and indigo as well as contemporary dyes from Switzerland. By meeting Steve’s high standards, his weavers have repeatedly won first place honors at the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial competition held each year in August.
Steve Getzwiller's visit is cosponsored by the Women of Quail Creek (TWOCQ) Scholarship Committee and the Quail Creek Education Committee. Proceeds from the sale of the tickets will go to TWOCQ's Scholarship Fund. This fund annually sponsors scholarships for senior girls at the two Sahuarita Unified District High Schools and supports Women in Transition returning to school to pursue educational goals.
- Beth Barth
