Navajo Inlay Jewelry (Session 2)

Richard Tsosie (Navajo) is a jeweler and sculptor from Flagstaff, Arizona, the Wide Ruins area of the Navajo Nation, and is currently living in Scottsdale, AZ. His work has been featured in American Indian Art Magazine, Arizona Highways, the Video Beyond Tradition: Contemporary Indian Art and Its Evolution, and several books, including Southwestern Indian Jewelry by Dexter Cirillo and Enduring Traditions, Art of the Navajo by Jerry Jacka. His art is on permanent exhibition at The Smithsonian, The Heard Museum, The Museum of Us in San Diego, and The Museum of Northern Arizona. His artwork has been featured in the magazine Arizona Highways and photographed by renowned photographer Jerry Jacka.

Richard’s contemporary silver and gold work features fabrication, overlay, and granulation. He is also known for colorful inlay work with various natural stones and his fine degree of control and attention to detail. His designs are motivated by images of the natural world, particularly the Wide Ruins area of the reservation, where he spent a large part of his youth. Richard says of his work, “I am inspired by the colors of the mountains at sunset, the patterns of shadow and light that emerge at dawn, and the pinpoints of starlight against the black night sky.”

His pieces typically contain the symbol for lighting and an arrow pattern. The lightning stands for natural causes, while the arrowhead symbolizes man-made elements. Richard says the design represents the ups and downs of life. “Some things we can’t do anything about, and you should try to enjoy life to the fullest.”

He also explains that his designs represent the beauty of life. The arrows are things that come naturally, like lightning in the sky. There are ups and downs in life, as in his designs, which make you strong.

Your lab fee includes use of all tools and consumables. A complete list of the consumables will be provided after registration.

• Closed toes shoes (must be worn in the studio at all times)
• Hearing protection
• A hair tie or clip to keep hair pulled back
• Any jewelry making tools you may already own
• Sketchbook
• Seat cushion if needed
• Optivisors (if needed, some available)

• For the bracelet project a specific list of materials with suppliers will be provided once registered. In broad terms you will need: Rough stones & silver

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.

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.

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.

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.