Archive of Past Programs

Note: This program is no longer available. Please see Domestic Trips and International Trips for currently available programs.

Hopi Silver Workshop

Hopi silversmith, painter, and poet Michael Kabotie was a much-admired scholar and long-time friend of Crow Canyon who, over the years, led a number of programs for the Center, including the Hopi Silver Workshop. When Michael passed away in October 2009, his son Ed, his clan brother Lawrence Saufkie, and Lawrence's wife, Griselda, agreed to take his place in our 2010 workshop, to honor his memory.

July 25–31, 2010

$1,995 (member*)
$2,120 (nonmember)

Deposit: $400
Balance due: May 25, 2010

*Minimum $100 level
(see Membership)

Hopi silversmiths use the overlay technique to create beautiful pieces of jewelry that reflect not only their rich Hopi heritage but also their own distinctive, contemporary styles.

In this intensive jewelry workshop, you'll learn how to make your own "wearable art" of silver and stone. One-on-one instruction in a small group allows you to explore your creative impulses, hone your silversmithing skills, and engage in thought-provoking discussions about Hopi art, culture, and world view. At the end of the week, you'll come away with your own pieces of silver jewelry, as well as a deeper appreciation for how the creative process is inextricably linked to culture and personal experience.

Learn about Hopi jewelry, including the techniques and designs of Hopi overlay silversmithing

Engage in fascinating discussions about Hopi culture and artistic tradition

Discover how individual creativity and cross-cultural influences shape artistic development

Explore the connections between art and human spirituality, philosophy, and world view

Scholars

Ed Kabotie is of both Hopi and Tewa heritage, for his father’s family is Hopi and his mother’s home is Santa Clara Pueblo. An accomplished writer, painter, and musician, his vision is to "creatively express the virtues of Native America through music and art." In recent years, under his father’s tutelage, he learned the Hopi overlay technique and has proven himself a skilled silversmith.

Lawrence Saufkie has been a Hopi silversmith for more than 60 years, having learned the overlay technique in the 1930s. Lawrence was recognized by the American Museum of Natural History for his contributions to this art form, is a recipient of the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts Lifetime Achievement Award, and has been named an Arizona Living Treasure.

Griselda Saufkie, acclaimed Hopi basket weaver and jeweler, is generally acknowledged to be the first female silversmith on the Hopi mesas. Like her husband, she has received the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts Lifetime Achievement Award and is an Arizona Living Treasure.

Summary Itinerary

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

Sunday, July 25
Arrival in Cortez, Colorado; introduction (D)

Monday, July 26
Jewelry-making: Hopi overlay technique, project design, evening program (B, L, D)

Tuesday, July 27
Jewelry-making: sheet silver cutting; optional Goodman Point field trip (B, L, D)

Wednesday, July 28
Jewelry-making: soldering, finishing steps (B, L, D)

Thursday, July 29
Jewelry-making: new project, stone setting; optional Notah Dineh field trip (B, L, D)

Friday, July 30
Finish projects, farewell dinner (B, L, D)

Saturday, July 31
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