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Opening Nov. 5th Painting with Wool Exhibit reserve your spot

Opening Nov. 5th Painting with Wool Exhibit reserve your spot

"Painting with Wool - Navajo Pictorial Weavings" Exhibition and Sale.

Open House November 5th! Please reserve your space! A personal viewing is the only way to appreciate the detail, skill, and spirit that go into executing these exquisite weavings. This will be a show to remember.

Navajo Pictorial Show Case

Just one of the many wild images awaiting for your visit.

Yei Be Chei

It would not be a hard to imagine these Yei figures come alive and walk right out of the weaving! Such Detail!! stars, constellations, the moon, rainbow bars, fox skin, & more...

Yei with Moon

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Navajo pictorial showroom

A sneak peak at one corner of the gallery we just rehung.

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And some details.

bow-and-arrowsemergence Figures

Bows and Arrows and Emergence Figures woven from beautifully hand carded & hand dyed native wool, have a story to tell.

Ravens

Ravens of the 32nd Level - Do you know their story?

The Show will run from November 4th 2016 to January 4th 2017 We hope to see you there.

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Fun at Nizhoni Ranch

Fun at Nizhoni Ranch

We had a fun day today with the Docents from the Tuscon Museum of Art. Steve gave a talk about where and how Navajo Weaving got it's start - and then the weavings and questions flew! 40 very attentive seekers of art were thoroughly entertained by Steve with the assistance of Robin and sometimes Gail would add a little tidbit to the information. I think we can say fun was had by all. The beauty of the gallery and the beautiful day where the vistas of the Sonoita Valley with it's rolling hills infused the day with beauty - all the way around. Everyone had to agree that Nizhoni was a very appropriate name for the gallery. Many were very surprised and pleased they made the journey. One of the docents said, "I have never been to Sonoita before and would have never guessed something like this would be here! Simply amazing!" horses bird
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PAINTING WITH WOOL - Upcoming Exhibition & Sale

PAINTING WITH WOOL - Upcoming Exhibition & Sale

PAINTING WITH WOOL - Exhibition & Sale of Navajo Pictorial Weavings

Article Featured in "NATIVE AMERICAN ART" Issue 5 - October-November 2016

Native American Art Magazine Article By clicking the link above or the cover below, you can see the article in a very clear PDF... “Courtesy of Native American Art magazine.”
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Navajo pictorial rugs
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Trip to the Navajo Reservation

Trip to the Navajo Reservation

We stopped at Kathy Marianito's to pick up some of the weavings. This one is Julia Upshaw's Mokie Serape. Julia's weaving is sure a pretty one, you should check it out Churro 1498

Gallup Inter Tribal Ceremonial

Steve taking the opportunity to relax before checking in the weavings! Gallup Inter-Triabal Ceremonial 2016

Cara and Steve

Steve stopped by to visit with Cara Gorman. No weavings to pose with this trip as we had entered all of them at Gallup Inter- Tribal Ceremonial.

Future Weavings

A fitting end to our trip. We spotted some Future Weavings as we left Canyon de Chelly.

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And the Winners are.....

And the Winners are.....

AUGUST IN SANTE FE The All Indian Inter-Tribal Ceremonial judging is complete and now Santa Fe! Call to schedule a private viewing.

*To schedule your appointment or purchase over the phone call: 520-455-5020 or call Steve directly 520-241-5581

All Navajo Rugs entered are competing against hundreds of entries, so it is a distinguished honor to win a ribbon at this Historic Judging Competition!

***1ST PLACE*** ***BEST OF CATEGORY*** ***BEST OF WEAVINGS*** is Churro 1492***

WOVEN BY GLORIA BITSUI : JB MOORE STYLE : 47" X 65"

navajo rug

***SOLD***

A Wonderful accomplishment for Gloria!

(BEST OF WEAVINGS INCLUDES ALL ENTRIES OF THE WOVEN GENRE- TEXTILES, BASKETS, ETC.)

(Category - Best of Regional Style - Navajo Weaving Historic Design Specifically - JB Moore Crystal)

***SOLD***

 

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***BEST OF CATEGORY - CHURRO WEAVINGS***

Navajo Rug

Churro 1465 : Teec Nos Pos woven by Harriet Whitney: 4’x 6′ ***SOLD*** 1ST PLACE - BEST OF CATEGORY - TEEC NOS POS

Germantown Style Navajo Weaving: Churro 1468
Churro 1468 Elsie Bia: Germantown Style - Alpaca Wool : 49″ x 70″
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1ST PLACE - BEST OF CATEGORY CATEGORY INNOVATIONS (design and material)SOLD

Cornstalk Yei Navajo Rug

Churro 1475 : Cornstalk Yei : Pictorial : Selena Yazzie : 72″ x 47″ 1ST PLACE - BEST OF CATEGORY - PICTORIALS-SOLD

Navajo Chief Blanket

Churro 1494 : 1st Phase Chief : Jalucie Marianito : Size 70" x 54" 1ST PLACE - BEST OF CATEGORY - NATURAL DYED CHIEFS BLANKETS

Two Grey Hills Navajo Rug

Churro 1466 : Navajo Two Grey Hills/Storm Pattern : Cara Gorman : 4′ x 8′ 1ST PLACE - BEST OF CATEGORY - NATURAL TWO GREY HILLS-SOLD

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***SPECIAL AWARD***

Teec Nos Pos

Churro 1470 : Cecelia Nez : Innovative Design : 35″ x 75″ 2ND PLACE & JOE BEN WHEAT AWARD FOR EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN! 'One of the most prestigious awards given for Navajo Weaving!'

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***1ST PLACE RIBBONS - CHURRO WEAVINGS***

Navajo Moki Serape

Churro 1498 : 3RD Phase Style Serape Blanket : Woven by Julia Upshaw : 46 X 58 - 1ST PLACE-SOLD
Navajo Rug for sale: Two Grey Hills/ Storm Pattern

Churro 1457 : Cara Gorman : Two Grey Hills Storm Pattern : 44" x 66" 1ST PLACE-SOLD

Yei Rug

Churro 1485 : Yei Hero Twins : Elsie Bia : 49" x 72" 1ST PLACE

***SOLD***

navajo rug

Churro 1477 : Helen Bia : Klagatoh / Innovative Design : 40" x 62" 1ST PLACE ***SOLD***

Teec Nos Pos Navajo Rug

Churro 1480 : Malinda Nez : Teec Nos Pos : 48" x 72" 1ST PLACE ***SOLD***

Ganado

Churro 1458 : Elsie Bia : Ganado : 50" x 74" 1ST PLACE ***SOLD***

 
Chief Blanket

Churro 1497 : Chief Blanket : Lucie Marianito – All Natural dyes!!! 1ST PLACE

Navajo Weaving Teec Nos Pos

Churro 906 : Teec Nos Pos : Woven by Anita Bekay : 47″ x 74″ 1ST PLACE

 
navajo rug

Churro 1495 : Navajo Double Saddle Blanket : 32×59 1ST PLACE ***SOLD***

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***2ND PLACE AWARDS***

Navajo Blanket

Churro 1339 : Lucie Marianito : Serape Blanket : 31" x 61" 2ND PLACE

Navajo Rug Runner

Churro 1427 : Teec Nos Pos : Malinda Nez : 3' x 6'6" 2ND PLACE

Navajo Weavng

Churro 1462 : Bistie : Elsie Bia : 51″ x 69″ 2ND PLACE

Small Navajo Rug for sale

Churro 1479 : Cecelia Nez : Teec Nos Pos : 2' x 3' 2ND PLACE

navajo rug

Churro 1487 : Geraldine Phillips : Klagetoh : Large Navajo Rug : 7' x 10' 2ND PLACE

Lucy Begay Navajo Weaver

Churro 1491: Lucy Begay : Innovative Design : Size 46 x 70 2ND PLACE

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***HOLD***

Navajo Chief Blanket

Churro 1493 : Kathy Marianito : 1st Phase Chief Blanket : 70" x 53" 2ND PLACE

 

Churro 1410G copy

Churro 1410: 1st Phase Navajo Chief Blanket Ute Style, earliest of the Chief Blanket Styles : Kathy Marianito : 54″x 73″ 2nd PLACE

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CONTEMPORARY NAVAJO WEAVING WINNERS !!

 
MINI WEAVINGS
TRYPTIC MINIATURE WEAVINGS 1ST PHASE, 2ND PHASE AND 3RD PHASE 5.5" X 6.5" Matilda Yazzie Bia 1ST PLACE & BEST OF CATEGORY    

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navajo rug

3258 : Moki Style – Very Finely Woven by Elvie VanWinkle 1ST PLACE *HOLD*

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Check out the beautiful natural colors!

1934: Anna Clyde : Pine Springs : 32x34 : $1,500 : Natural Dyes 2ND PLACE

1994 Chinle Native American Indian Weaving

1994 : Chinle/ Twill Weaving : Marilyn Scott 2ND PLACE

Two Grey Hills Navajo Rug

3189 : Two Grey Hills : Mark Nathaniel : 28x27 : $2,600 2ND PLACE

Pictorial Yei Navajo Rug: 3219

3219 : Christine Chischilly : Yei : Lukachukai Area : 53″ x 30″ $2,700 2ND PLACE

Tree of Life Pictorial Navajo Rug with holy girl

3255: Tree of Life Pictorial : Wenora Joe : 3′8″ x 2’6″ : $2,400 2ND PLACE ***SOLD***

Saddle Blanket

3257: Diamond Twill Weave – Double Saddle Blanket : Lucy Nez : 30 x 57 : $1,200 2ND PLACE

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2 Last Entries for Ceremonial

2 Last Entries for Ceremonial

Steve and Robin went to the reservation and then Gallup to enter the weavings in the Ceremonial last week-end. Mission Accomplished! On the way there, they picked up the last two weavings which are spectacular. Lucie Marianito and Elsie Van Winkle..

These are the only photos I have to share with you right now - but they are stunning! Hope to hear from you in Santa Fe and show off these incredible pieces of art!

NEXT ENTRY HERE SHOULD BE TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNERS!

Happy Trails! Gail and Steve and Robin

Click here to see all of the Gallup Inter-Tribal Entries.....

Lucie Marianito : Chief Blanket

Chief Blanket
Churro 1497 : Chief Blanket woven by Lucie Marianito - All Natural dyes!!!
 

Moki Style Navajo Weaving by Elvie VanWinkle

navajo rug
3258 : Moki Style – Very Finely Woven by Elvie VanWinkle - SOLD
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Special Visitor !

Special Visitor !

I could not help but share this wonderful photo with you of this beautiful Dragonfly If I measured - it would probably be 5" long. Simply beautiful! He or she came into the gallery after a wonderful rain which refreshed everything around Nizhoni Ranch. Be sure to scroll down to see all of the photos of this beauty!

We say thank you for the visit and as the Navajos interpret the visit of this beautiful messenger from the gods - August will be an exciting month for us - bringing many blessings and recognition for the beautiful Navajo weavings we will be entering into Ceremonial and sharing with all in Santa Fe.

We will keep you posted and updated as things progress. If you are going to Santa Fe be sure to call us for a personal viewing of the special weavings from Ceremonial and more.

Dragonfly

 

I finally coaxed our little friend outside after 3 days of hide and seek in the gallery. He flew behind this basket and I was able to carry him outside, basket and all. He just hung out letting me take several videos and photos. Just before he decided to take off I took this shot. I am sure he was looking at me!! The other amazing thing was after he flew off he went to my rose bush and it looked like he pushed a large bug off a leaf and if fell down onto a leaf below. It turned out to be another dragonfly - I wonder if it was his mate! They flew around the front yard for a long while, I stood and watched them. What a thrill. I could look at him all day - so beautiful!

Dragonfly
Dragonfly
Dragonfly

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Inter-Tribal & Santa Fe

Inter-Tribal & Santa Fe

This is one of many weavings that will be finished up and ready for judging at the Gallup Inter-Tribal All Indian Ceremonial We will be posting the entries on our website soon, so you will get the first viewing of the special weavings to be judged! Stay Tuned !!

Steve will be in Santa Fe August 15-21 if you will be there, just call him to set up an appointment to view the weavings he will bring.

Below is a little history about the Gallup Inter-Tribal All Indian Ceremonial and Indian Market in Santa Fe..

INTER-TRIBAL CEREMONIAL AND INDIAN MARKET

Later this month, New Mexico will truly be the center of the Native American art world.

Two events will be drawing thousands of spectators and artisans alike during the month of August. In Gallup, it’s the Inter-Tribal Ceremonial which runs from August 11 th through the 14 th .

Then, a week later attention shifts to Santa Fe for the renowned Indian Market, August 20 th -21 st .

Both events are in their 95 th year but while they highlight Native American culture there’s also some differences.

The Inter-Tribal is just that, with more than 40 different tribes represented. While it’s primarily members of southwestern tribes from New Mexico and Arizona, others are from around the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Gallup is itself the perfect place for the Inter-tribal, with about 43% of the local population being Native Americans, primarily Navajo, Hopi and Zuni. While it started in the early 20’s it wasn’t so much about preserving the culture as it was to lure in automobile tourists to Gallup instead of crossing the West through other routes. Mike Kirk, who had a trading post about 20 miles west of Gallup worked with the Kiwanis Club and Chamber of Commerce to make this happen, getting some land from the Santa Fe Railroad who also wanted to see more people travel. By 1931, local businesses and civic groups were joining in, and earlier that year the Gallup Lions, Rotary and Kiwanis clubs sent out thousands of pieces of literature to other clubs throughout the country, asking for it to be handed out at weekly meetings. By 1939 the state legislature designated the Inter-Tribal Ceremonial a state institution, with attendance now in the thousands.

What started first as a tourist-oriented affair soon grew into an event focusing on Native American arts, crafts, music and culture. Now, most of the events in Gallup are held at Red Rock State Park. The atmosphere is more like a homecoming and family reunion combined, with plenty of family events, a parade, a rodeo, dancing, music, and of course lots of food.

You can also think of this as almost a county fair for the different tribes with all the competitions. But, instead of entries for the best quilt or largest pumpkin, the focus is pure art created by Native Americans. Dazzling displays of paintings, jewelry, pottery, photography and textiles, specifically woven rugs. This is where the artistry created by Master Navajo weavers truly shines with vivid colors and stunning, complex patterns.

Thousands of non-Indians as well come to take it all in, to learn more from the Native American cultures and to admire, and perhaps buy some of the art on display here. The Executive Director for the Inter-Tribal Ceremonial expects about 50,000 spectators during the four day event.

A week later, thousands will be descending on the galleries, Central Plaza and nearby streets of Santa Fe, as the Santa Fe Indian Market opens. Run by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, the organization calls it the largest and most prestigious intertribal fine art market in the world. Looking at the competing pieces which often change hands afterwards for thousands of dollars, it’s truly a place to see the best of the best in textiles, jewelry, pottery, basketry and more. It’s unique, premium art with an edge, literally the cutting edge of these ever evolving art forms.

Several different groups were involved in the beginning of this first-class event. A political action organization formed by a group of women and the Museum of New Mexico focused on establishing and protecting human rights for the Indian population in the state. First called “Indian Fair” it was created in 1922 by the Museum of New Mexico as part of the Santa Fe Fiesta. The museum continued as a sponsor until 1926, and the last Indian Fair was in 1931.

In 1936, the New Mexico Association on Indian Affairs took over and modeled it on Mexican village outdoor markets, running on Saturdays in the summers with artists expected to sell their own work under the Palace of the Governor’s portal. This evolved in the Fiesta Indian Markets until 1962. But, there were problems with how it was set up and declining prize money amounts.

Things started changing and turning around later in the 1960’s. It was pottery that really started the boom, with more and more people coming to meet the artists and potters who gathered. The Southwestern Associations for Indian Arts says Indian Market overtook the Inter-Tribal Ceremonial in 1970 “as the premier Indian Art Show.”

Booths now number several hundred, with over a thousand artists. Total prize money now totals $90,000 going to artists, art fellowships and mentoring workshops. It’s not about just competition, buying and selling, however. Indian Market It’s a platform for these Native American artists to introduce their unique talents to the world while building relationships with collectors and other artists. On their website, the chief operating officer for SWAIA speaks of how the artists’ works are tied to their cultural identity.

In both events, there are plenty of winners, and not just those taking home ribbons and prize money. It’s all the artists who win, as they push their talents to higher levels and make new connections. It’s the collectors and fans of the different art forms who win, as they’re exposed to what’s truly the best of the best. And, it’s the cultures of these different tribes who win, as the excitement and ingenuity in new creations carries the art forward. And…who knows what could be sparked from this year’s Inter-Tribal Ceremonial and Santa Fe Indian Market? You’ll have to come see it for yourself, to get a glimpse of the future of Native American art and artistry.

   
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London Touts Navajo Weavings!

London Touts Navajo Weavings!

LONDON FINANCIAL TIMES ARTICLE by Virginia Blackburn : June 14, 2016
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c1870 Historic Navajo Late Classic Serape Museum Quality Governor Axtell's Navajo Blanket $37,500 from Nizhoni Ranch Gallery
Below is an excerpt from the article published in the London Financial Tmes "How to Spend It".....
The striking geometric chief’s blanket hanging in the bedroom of property investor Peter Herfurth’s Tucson home looks surprisingly modern, given that it was created in the 19th century. This Navajo weaving was passed down to Herfurth by his parents, and he has inherited their collecting passion too. “I started buying in 1981 and by 2002 I was an avid collector,” he says. He spends between $5,000 and $180,000 for the best work and owns some 40 pieces, chosen primarily for their design and colour. (some pieces purchased from Nizhoni Ranch Gallery in Sonoita, AZ)**
Today the weavings created by the Navajo people of the southwestern United States are considered some of the most desirable of all Native American textiles. In 2012, California’s John Moran Auctioneers sold a chief’s blanket from the mid-19th century for $1.8m. This represented a considerable leap in prices; until then the very best pieces went for around $650,000-$750,000. But the rarity value, combined with the fact that the bold designs are suited to modern interiors, means that these rugs and blankets are highly sought after.
One UK dealer drawn to the Navajo designs is Cotswolds-based Brian MacDonald. “I sell them when I can find them,” he says, “but good examples are hard to come by outside the US. The last one I sold was a two-tone c1900 rug for £1,000. It was bought by an interior decorator for a London apartment and looked great on the wooden floor.”
A distinction to be made between blankets and rugs…. The blankets were primarily produced for the Navajo themselves and tend to have simple banded designs, whereas the rugs were intended for a wider commercial market and are more complex. The latter were produced in what is known as the “transitional period”, from around 1890 to 1915, and the finest examples sell for between $35,000 and $60,000.
“The rugs came in after trading posts were established,” says Steve Getzwiller, who runs the Nizhoni Ranch Gallery in Sonoita, Arizona. Among his wide range of stock is a c1900-1910 Germantown Storm Pattern rug for $12,500, while a beautiful striped 1870s blanket that once belonged to Samuel Beach Axtell, governor of New Mexico Territory at the time of Billy the Kid, is $45,000.
Another popular area for collectors is rugs dating from about 1900 to 1925, which start at around £5,000. “These are known as ‘dazzlers’,” says Jan E Finch, partner at London-based Finch & Co, a specialist in ethnographic art that sometimes sells Navajo pieces, “as there is a lot of movement and colour in the geometric shapes.”
But not all collectors want to be dazzled. “I look for natural colours of the desert,” says Fred Klein, an attorney based in Frankfurt who fell in love with these textiles while working in the US in the 1980s. “I bought my first one in New Mexico and now have about 35, including several chief’s blankets.” Many of his pieces were bought from Nizhoni Ranch Gallery. “But I’ll have to stop buying now – I’ve run out of wall and floor space.”

 

Germantown Navajo Rug
c1900-1910 Germantown Wool Storm Pattern rug, $12,500 from Nizhoni Ranch Gallery
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Article on Elsie Bia

Article on Elsie Bia

We are very excited that one of our Churro Collection Master Weavers was featured as a Focus Artist in the March 2015 edition of Western Art Collector Magazine.

Congratulations to Elsie Bia !!!

Artist Focus : Elsie Bia
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.

Click here to view more of Elsie Bia's Weavings

Elsie Bia's ad

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Happy 4th to All

Happy 4th to All

Churro 1450 woven by Kathy Marianito

4th of July Nizhoni Style Wishing all a safe and happy holiday.

fireworks

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3rd Phase Chief Blanket Bedspread ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST CELEBRITY STYLE

3rd Phase Chief Blanket Bedspread ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST CELEBRITY STYLE

Looking through our blog archives, I found this old post that had lost it's image (very frustrating). I did some research and found the missing photo. So here it is again. We think this is a great idea for a bed spread!!!

Working with David Piscuskas of 1100 Architect, author and photographer Kelly Klein uses an historic Navajo 3rd Phase Chief’s Blanket in her bedroom as a Bed Spread. Now this gives this bedroom some history and connection to the earth, with the ocean view just outside the window.

Navajo 3rd Phase Chief Blanket used as a bedspread

Read the full article here: ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST – CELEBRITY STYLE

"I’ve become more of a minimalist, and I’ve learned that from Calvin,” Kelly says, referring to her marriage to fashion icon Calvin Klein as well as her years working in his design studio." AD Click the photo above for more photos of Kelly Klein's getaway.

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Click here for more interior design ideas from NRG.

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