Nizhoni Ranch News

Kids of the Loom

In 2017 Master Weaver Elsie Bia, along with her children and young grandchildren, visited the Nizhoni Ranch Gallery.  She came to bring Steve her latest weaving.

Over the years we have watched the grandchildren grow.  Each time Steve sees the grandkids he makes a point of asking when will they start to weave.  Turns out March 2018 was the time.  During the opening of our current show - Timeless Treasures of Two Grey Hills Natalie and Dylan brought their very own handmade looms and started their very first weaving!

No matter the age, all weavers are to make their own looms.  Look closely and you will see Dylan's ingenuity and imagination. 

With the influence of their Grandmother, we have no doubt they too will become Master Weavers in their own right!

 
Elsie Bia with her grand son Dylan and grand daughter Natalie March 2018 at Nizhoni Ranch Gallery

Natalie weaving her first rug March 2018

Dylan weaving his first rug March 2018

Robin's Navajo Chief Blanket Weaving of the Week April 9, 2018

3rd Phase Navajo Chief Blanket: Historic : PC 280

This is such a cool blanket.  I love the subtle colors in this weaving and the history is gripping.  Most likely woven at Bosque Redondo.  Under the horrific conditions and experience of Bosque Redondo, it amazes me this weaver could create such a magnificent chief blanket.  

This was woven between 1860 and 1870, which makes this 3rd phase extremely rare.  Steve says this could be one of the very first 3rd phase blankets woven.  

4'8" x 6'1" 

Call or email, I'd love to talk more about this blanket!

Robin
520-455-5020

Weaver of the Month - Elsie Bia - April 2018

Master weaver Elsie has been weaving for over 50 years.  We are so blessed to have her weaving for us exclusively.  Since 2013 she has woven over 25 rugs - and another is currently on the loom.  The rate which she weaves exquisite rugs is nothing short of incredible.

Additionally she is extremely versatile.  She weaves many different patterns and styles including Burntwater, Ganado,  Teec Nos Pos,  Crystal,  Sand Paintings,  Bistie, Pictorials and Storm.

She has won the following awards at the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial,  3 Best of Category; 6- 1st Place; 2 Artist Awards and many smaller awards. 

Her grand daughter Natalie and grandson Dylan have recently begun weaving.  No doubt they will also become Master weavers under the wing of their grandmother.

Shop Elsie's Weaving Now

Below is her weaver profile which is posted on our website:

Elsie Bia

Born: August 25, 1951
CLAN: “Big Water Clan” for “Tangle People Clan” My Grandpa Clan is “Edgewater Clan, and my Naali Clan is “Bitterwater Clan) 

Elsie, “I had no training for weaving, it was given to me from above.  I also learn from my mom and grandma.  When I was 14, I would watch my mom weave and then help her finish the rug.  My mom and grandmom helped me learn to weave.” 

Elsie has famous relatives that also weave;  Cara Yazzie, Helen Bia, Irene and Lucy Begay.  

Elsie, “My favorite designs are Burntwater, Wide Ruin, Ganado Red and Teec Nos Pos.  Weaving rugs is a Navajo tradition and it is passed down by my family, and I Love to weave.  It is my only income and it helps me a lot.  I enjoy doing my work.  It takes lots of time, not only to weave but all of the math and  counting.  I just love what I do, always challenging myself with new patterns and designs.  I really like taking my time to figure out what comes next in my weaving and then to see the outcome of the design.  Taking my time to figure out what comes next and the outcome of the design is exciting. “ 

“I would like to say that I love to do rug weaving.   I’m glad I learned to weave.  It takes time to weave.  People know me as a rug weaver.  I’m proud of myself.” 

“I’m glad I’m still weaving and I thank everyone that helped me.  Yup.  I watch my Grandma, Mom weave,  I got it from them….  We got our wool from the sheeps.  We use to shave it off from the sheep, carded and dye it, spindled it and make a loom and start to weave, that’s all of weaving.  Now I don’t have sheep anymore, anyway I love to weave, do my best for my buyer Steve Getzwiller.     

Thank You,

Elsie Bia 

"p.s. I even raise my kids with my rug weaving". 

Natalie Tso weaving her first rug - Granddaughter of Elsie Bia

Dylan Tso displaying his first rug - Grandson of Elsie Bia

Beth's Navajo Weaving of the Week April 2, 2018

Two Grey Hill - Bistie Navajo Rug : HISTORIC : PC 103

REMINDER! Weekend in Wickenburg?

Wickenburg...Historic Wonder of the West

Want an authentic taste of the wild west?  Wickenburg is the real deal.  The town has successfully merged the past with the present in a way that awakens the cowboy in everyone!

See One Trader's Legacy:  Steve Getzwiller Collects the West at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg Arizona.  

Mark your calendars for March 15 and 16!

WESTERN VIEWPOINT:
STEVE GETZWILLER ON "ONE TRADER'S LEGACY"

Take a day trip or spend a week, because there’s no better place to truly experience the historic wonder of the West.

OPEN HOUSE FOR Timeless Treasures of Two Grey Hills Show Sunday March 11

 
Steve Getzwiller with Master Navajo Weaver Grace Nez and her extraordinary Two Grey Hills masterpiece.

OPEN HOUSE : SUNDAY MARCH 11, 2011

Featuring Master Weaver Elsie Bia and her grandchildren Natalie and Dylan demonstrating on their looms.  Natalie and Dylan are working on their first Navajo Rugs and we will be auctioning them off, as a way of encouraging them to continue to learn to weave.  If you can't make the opening and want to bid on their rugs just email us and we will put you down on the list. 

If you are considering purchasing one of our Two Grey Hills from the Show Catalog click here.

 We are so pleased with the response to our Timeless Treasures of Two Grey Hills Show.  All are invited to visit our gallery to experience this wonderful and rare exhibit along with our vast collection of Navajo Textiles, Native American Baskets, Pottery, and North American Indian hand-made treasures. 

Questions? call 520-455-5020 or email info@navajorug.com

Our Sweet Heart Deal

What's not to love?

Thrilling Visit to the Navajo Nation

Our German friends were offered a rare opportunity to visit the Navajo Nation where they met Master Navajo Weaver Julia Upshaw,  Master Navajo Weaver Kathy Marianito  and Master Navajo Weaver Jalucie Marianito.

The Marianito Family is known best for their Chief Blankets.  To see more of their incredible weavings click here...

Our friends made it just in time to wear these chief blankets before they left the Navajo Nation for the Nizhoni Ranch Gallery.  This photo was taken in Buffalo Springs New Mexico.

Churro Chief Blanket # 1389, Lucie Marianito

 Questions?  Please contact us at nizhoniranch@gmail.com or 520-455-5020.

Collection stories intrigue crowd at exhibit opening

In addition to being one of the leading Navajo and Native American art collectors, Steve Getzwiller knows how to spin a tale so that his audience yearns for more.  That's the best kind of story teller.  

Steve spoke to the crowds at the opening sessions of the One Trader's Legacy exhibition at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wicksburg.  Read the whole story here. 

Read about the museum exhibition here.

10% Off All Sales Through Monday

Rebelle Rally 2017, Hoehn Adventures & Nizhoni Ranch Gallery Team Up

The Rebelle Rally is the first women's off-road navigation rally raid in the United States. Blending the love of driving with the ultimate challenge of precise navigation, the Rebelle competition is a 7 day race for speed, but a unique and demanding event based on the elements of headings, hidden checkpoints, time, and distance using maps, compass, and roadbook.

This year, Hoehn Adventures chose 4 vehicles to be wrapped in Navajo Rug designs from our collection to connect with the Native American designs of the Navajo. The vehicle wraps compliment the beautiful landscape of the desert and terrain from Tahoe to San Diego.

Hoehn writes, "We are so honored and proud to be part of the 2017 Rebelle Rally. The Hoehn fleet of cars featured are more than just standard utility vehicles. This year they’ll also have a strong artistic component during the Rally. Each car will be wrapped in a design inspired by female master rug weavers from the Navajo tribe. (pictured above Jo Hannah Hoehn and Gail Getzwiller)

Working closely with the Nizhoni Ranch Gallery in Arizona, which represents the women artisans, the Hoehns were able to create custom wraps replicating the rugs. “We tried to connect the wrap to where the event is taking place which is the American West,” said Hoehn Motors. “I think it’s a really great way to tie in the landscape where we are competing.”

All eight participants competing under the Hoehn umbrella are from Southern California. Five work for the Hoehn dealerships which Jo Hannah says, “has been a really great way for them to engage with the product and the company.”  The other three competitors are actress/musician Sabrina Howells, restaurateurs Susie and Dana Saxten. 
Hoehn Adventures Race Results:  Congratulations!

4x4 Class
Jo Hannah Hoehn and Susie Saxten in 10th place
Karen Hoehn and Dana Saxten in 22nd place

Crossover Class:
Jaimy Grigsby and Lori Arterburn in 1st place
Meli Barrett and Sabrina Howells in 2nd place

 

We were so honored to attend the Rebelle Rally Gala and showcase the Navajo rugs that were showcased on the car wraps. So many strong and courageous women under one roof, sharing their amazing experiences together. (pictured Jamie Hellems and Gail Getzwiller representing Nizhoni Ranch Gallery.)

Thank you Hoehn Adventures and Rebelle Rally for having us and showcasing our rugs on the vehicles. Congratulations to all the women who participated, the crews and sponsors involved who brought this awesome race to fruition.

Links:

Rebelle Rally  
Hoehn Adventures (More videos and photos!)

Enjoy photos from the great adventure!  Top Photograph: The Hoehn Motors vehicles wrapped and ready to go..

Steve to open Quail Creek Lecture Series

Join us Monday, October 9th as Steve begins the 2017 Quail Creek Lecture series in which he shares his experience as one of the most respected leaders in Navajo Rugs and discusses their unique history, how styles came to be, and what are the current trends in this unique Native American craft.  

Click here for the full article and ticket information.