Archive of Past Programs

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

Turquoise in Southwestern History, Art, & Culture

Meet master artists from Zuni, Hopi, Santo Domingo, & the Navajo Nation

Zuni silver and turquoise necklace (partial).

May 6–12, 2012

$2,495 (member*)
$2,620 (nonmember)

Deposit: $400
Balance due: March 6, 2012

*Minimum $100 level
(see Membership)

Turquoise is a highly prized gemstone of great historical and cultural significance in the American Southwest. In this extraordinary educational tour, join the husband and wife team of Joe and Cindy Tanner—members of a trading-post family dynasty and owners of one of the finest collections of natural turquoise in the world—as we explore the artistic, economic, and sacred value of turquoise in American Indian culture.

Our journey takes us through northern New Mexico and Arizona, where award-winning Pueblo and Navajo artists from Zuni, Hopi, Santo Domingo (Kewa), and the Navajo Nation welcome us into their homes and studios, share their family traditions, and describe how their artistic identities have become inextricably linked to particular varieties of turquoise.

Learn how history and culture have influenced the development of Southwestern American Indian art and jewelry

Meet world-renowned Navajo and Pueblo artists, and see demonstrations of how they create their masterpieces in stone and silver

Gain a firsthand appreciation for the many varieties of turquoise and for artists' personal connections to specific sources

Tour the Tanner's private gallery, which includes turquoise specimens from around the world and an outstanding collection of American Indian art

Scholars

Joe and Cindy Tanner are among the best-known American Indian art traders in the Southwest. Joe is a fourth-generation "old-school" trader and a leading authority on turquoise sources, history, and use. He and Cindy are passionate about cultivating local native talent and have helped advance the careers of some of the most recognizable names in Southwest Indian art. Both are heavily involved in the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Art Show; Joe currently serves as head judge in this prestigious juried event.

In addition, we will be joined regularly by a variety of master Pueblo and Navajo Indian artists.

Summary Itinerary

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

Note: Tour includes demonstrations of silversmithing and stone-setting techniques by master American Indian artists. Silversmithing techniques include tufa casting, cuttlebone casting, overlay, and hand-hammered; stone-setting techniques include inlay, channel, and mosaic. There will be opportunities for leisurely discussions with the scholars and artists and plenty of time to purchase jewelry and other works of art.

Sunday, May 6
Arrival in Albuquerque, New Mexico; introduction; lodging in Albuquerque (D)

Monday, May 7
Rio Grande Valley, New Mexico: Visit Kewa Pueblo (Santo Domingo Pueblo) and artists; lodging in Albuquerque (B, L, D)

Tuesday, May 8
Gallup, New Mexico: Visit the Tanner's private gallery, which showcases turquoise from around the world and a wide range of American Indian Art; lodging in Gallup (B, L, D)

Wednesday, May 9
Northwestern New Mexico: Visit Zuni Pueblo and artists; lodging in Gallup (B, L, D)

Thursday, May 10
Northeastern Arizona: Visit Hopi mesas and artists; lodging on Second Mesa (B, L, D)

Friday, May 11
Navajo country: Visit Navajo artists in Gallup, New Mexico; lodging in Gallup (B, L, D)

Saturday, May 12
Departure from Albuquerque (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