Most Native American cultures believe that the hummingbird is a positive force in the world. Some think they’re healers or carriers of spiritual messages; some believe they are a totem of strength and determination.

When the United States was becoming a country, there was a vigorous debate about the choice of the American Bird. Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Ben Franklin were tasked with designing the country’s emblem. They were not successful, and it was not until 1782 that the design of the Bald Eagle was adopted.

Back in the 1990s when Leland Holiday was in his early twenties, he made a name for himself as a Navajo Folk Artist.

The traditional Navajo sand paintings that are created by the Medicine Man (or Woman) in healing and blessing ceremonies are intricate and large, usually covering the floor of a hogan.

I have found that when an artist does work that both resonates with the public and that the artist really likes, it usually sells. It’s a perfect combination. But sometimes, when an artist is very successful at doing a style for a while, they can experience a strong desire to do something completely different.

James King was a Navajo artist from Shiprock, New Mexico. He was obsessive about his painting and seldom took time away from it.

This man stands out among Native American artists as one of the groundbreakers, one who created something special, new and different.

Zachariah Ben just brought in a new selection of his work. Zachariah is the son of Joe Ben, Jr., who was one of the original Navajo artists to use sand painting in a contemporary manner.

The Pueblo of Zia is known for the beautifully decorated pottery produced in the village. It is one of the most recognizable styles of pottery from the many Pueblo villages along the Rio Grande. Not all Zia artistry is limited to pottery, however.

Today I am going to share a story with you about a man I never knew. He was a wonderful artist who captured the beauty of the Navajo reservation as well as anyone has.

In 1974, a group of Indian arts dealers, along with a small number of artists, started the Indian Arts and Crafts Association to fight the misrepresentation of authentic American Indian art.

Charles Lovato from the Kewa (Santo Domingo) Pueblo learned to make traditional jewelry at an early age and continued to make beautiful and unique pieces until his death at 51.