Hopi-Tewa Pottery

Dorothy Ami (Hopi-Tewa) is from the village of Polacca at First Mesa in Arizona. She began practicing the art of Hopi-Tewa pottery 30 years ago under her cousin and innovator in Hopi pottery, Mark Tahbo. She later went on to win several awards in competitions, including the Museum of Northern Arizona’s Annual Hopi Show, the NAU Road Scholar Program, and other private organizations.

Dorothy and her husband Emerson Ami have been featured in many publications, including Talking with Clay in the 21st Century and Hopi Tiles.

Your lab fee includes the use of natural clays and pigments, tools, and firing materials.

Optional:

• Small portable lamp (clamp is best)
• Seat cushion
• Refillable water bottle

Your workshop starts at 9 a.m. each day. Lunch is served from 12 to 1 p.m. Workshops resume at 1 p.m. and wrap up at 4 p.m. Dinner is served from 5 to 7 p.m. You are welcome to join evening programming led by other adult art programs. Please see your schedule for event listings.

NOTE: Some instructors allow for after-hour work sessions. If the instructor(s) is/are willing and present in the classroom, you can work on your pieces after 4 pm.

Your workshop concludes on Friday at 4 pm, however, your ceramic pieces will not be fully complete until noon on Saturday June 21, 2026 following the traditional firing of the ceramics. Be sure to plan for this special Saturday event!

Generous donors have made scholarships and fellowships for adult workshops available on a limited basis for these specific groups:

1) Native American Community Leaders, Artists, Members, and Teachers.
2) Southern California professors, and graduate students.

Scholarships include workshop tuition, dorm housing, and all meals provided by the campus dining service. 

Please note: Transportation to and from campus is not provided. Registration and Lab Fees are also not included in scholarship awards.

Scholarship Details:
1) Native American Community Members, Leaders, Artists, and Teachers

For adults 18 and older with current tribal affiliation or proof of descent. This scholarship intends to support the traditional transference of knowledge in Indigenous communities. The scholarship welcomes community leaders, artists, members, and educators to workshops at Idyllwild Arts to benefit both the scholarship recipient and those in their schools or tribal home communities. Applicants must explain how this opportunity will enhance their understanding of Indigenous arts and their potential benefits to their home community(s). Applicants with financial needs may receive priority. We also offer scholarships for Native American Teens for both the Summer Program and the Academy.

2) Southern California professors, and graduate students
For adults 18 and older who are current teachers in lower and higher education who will benefit from learning about Native American Arts and Culture to take back into the classroom as well as currently enrolled graduate students. The scholarship is designed to provide professional development for those in education to share with their learning communities.

Click here for more information about adult scholarships.