Embark on your own personal artistic journey with Hopi artist Rachel Sahmie Nampeyo as she instructs you in the Hopi style of pottery making and shares her thoughts on Hopi artistic traditions and culture.

The great-great granddaughter of the world-renowned potter known simply as "Nampeyo," Rachel is a gifted artist and teacher. Under her watchful eye, you will shape a clay vessel using the traditional coil technique, fashion your own yucca brushes, apply painted designs using natural pigments, and fire your vessel in an outdoor kiln.

Use traditional Hopi techniques and materials to create your own pottery vessel

Learn how pottery techniques and designs have been handed down through the generations

Discover the origins of various American Indian pottery styles in the Southwest; compare painted designs used in ancient and contemporary Pueblo pottery

Discuss the importance of clay and pottery in Pueblo Indian culture

This workshop is appropriate for individuals of all skill levels.

 

Scholar

Rachel Sahmie Nampeyo grew up on the Hopi mesas in northern Arizona, following in the footsteps of four generations of exceptional women potters. Having mastered the techniques of traditional Hopi pottery making, Rachel has taken this art form and created her own personal style. Her highly collectible work appears in major galleries, including at the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, and has won awards at the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial and the Museum of Northern Arizona. Rachel is also in demand as a pottery instructor, especially at Hopi, where her work with both children and adults helps keep the knowledge of traditional pottery making alive.

Summary Itinerary

A detailed itinerary is available in the program brochure (PDF). Itinerary subject to change.

Sunday, August 14
Arrival in Cortez, Colorado; introduction (D)

Monday, August 15
Pottery demonstration by Rachel; clay preparation; begin constructing your vessel (B, L, D)

Tuesday, August 16
Finish constructing your vessel (B, L, D)

Wednesday, August 17
Anasazi Heritage Center tour; trading post tour; polish your vessel, make yucca brushes, and prepare natural paints (B, L, D)

Thursday, August 18
Paint your vessel; Crow Canyon curation room tour (B, L, D)

Friday, August 19
Fire your vessel in an outdoor kiln; farewell dinner (B, L, D)

Saturday, August 20
Departure from Cortez (B)

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner

 

 

The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center's programs and admission practices are open to applicants of any race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, or sexual orientation.

Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California
CST 2059347-50

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