The Nugget Gallery features a variety of artists and styles for you to choose from. Native American art is highly prized for its symbolism, spirituality and beauty. Some of the artists featured in The Nugget Gallery from which you can purchase beautiful handmade art, jewelry and more include:
Oscar Alexius
Oscar Alexius is a Navajo from the community of St. Michaels, Arizona which is west of Window Rock Arizona.
He was born in Fort Defiance, Arizona in December 5, 1949 to Maebelle and Alex Kilthanabah. Oscar changed his last name in when he started to attended school because his last name was too hard to pronounce.
Oscar Alexius graduated from Window Rock High school, in 1969. After high school, Oscar attended College in San Jose, California to pursue his trade as a draftsman. After he completed his schooling he worked in San Jose for awhile and then became home sick and headed back to New Mexico.
Oscar started silver smithing with Mary & Tom Rafael from Prewitt, New Mexico, after them silversmith he soon begun to do buffing and small work. A short period after this Oscar moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to join Bible School. He made friends with students that were working as silversmiths and asked Oscar to join the in 1975. He takes much pride in his work and has come to be a well known Artist in the Southwest. His work is known for its quality and ranges from contemporary to old style. He usually designs pieces with deep stamp work with beautiful stones. Specialist Jay Evetts has commented in the past that Mr. Alexius, beautiful work. Oscar continues to create beautiful unique pieces of jewelry while filling many special orders.
Oscar Alexius also known for his bull riding. Oscar is part of the Dineland Senior Rodeo Association, which he has won many saddles, buckles and Jackets. Oscar is a very easy going, hardworking man that takes a lot of pride in his work. He will always work to satisfy his customer to the best of his ability. We are honored to be able to present to you Oscar Alexius work.
Andy &Roberta Abeita
Andy Abeita is from the Isleta Pueblo, the most southern Pueblo on the Rio Grande River in New Mexico. Robert is full blood Navajo from the Ramah Navajo Band, located in the west central New Mexico on the Continental Divide.
Andy Abeita has been carving stone figures and winning awards for more than 20 years; utilizing a variety of materials, including Picasso marble, alabaster and quartz, as well as semi-precious stones each piece takes “its own shape” as it is carved. According to Andy the carvings “express our understanding and love for our traditional life and our appreciation for the gifts bestowed upon us and those yet to come.”
Andy carves the individual stone pieces, while Roberta supplies the intricate inlay and engraving. In addition to the bears, bobcats and corn maidens that carry their distinctive style, the Abeitas are now making a range of necklaces with hand-carved beads and animal, corn maiden or feather pendants.
Carol Fragua
Caroline Fragua (Gachupin) and her husband Joseph Gachupin are from Jemez Pueblo, where they collaborate to create some of the most collected and beautiful Storytellers made today.
If you've ever read Douglas Condon-Martin's book "Storytellers and Other Figurative Pottery" then you know that it is Caroline and Joseph who are shown on the last 10 pages (dozens of photos) creating their storytellers from the digging of the clay through the final product after the fire has died out from the outdoor firing using wood.
Caroline and Joseph take great pride in producing their work the traditional way and Joseph was one of the first men to begin making storytellers back in the 70s when it was considered "woman's work". Caroline and Joseph are wonderful, generous people who take great pride in their heritage and their work. They are always traveling and giving demonstrations in other states on how they create their work.
Harlan & Monica Coonsis
Harlan was born in November of 1957, into the Sun and Child of Sand hill Crane Clans, of the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico, U.S.A. Harlan has been making jewelry since the young age of 12 years old, giving credit to his Grandmother, Myra Qualo and his parents, Juan Coonsis and Lorraine Nastacio for teachings him the art of making jewelry. Originally, Harlan collaborated with his first wife, Rolanda when making jewelry. Harlan would do the silverwork and Rolanda would do the stonework.
Now Harlan works with his present wife, Monica in the making of their jewelry. Monica was born in June of 1966, into the Macaw and Child of Crow Clans, of the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico. Harlan and Monica have won awards at different show around the Southwest. In 1975 and 1977, they took home Second Place Ribbons at the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial in Gallup, New Mexico. In 2002, they took home First Place Ribbon for mosaic matched set and Second Place Ribbon for mosaic pendant at the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial in Gallup, New Mexico. In 2005, they took home a First Place Ribbon for a Coral Inlay Squash Blossom Necklace at the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial.
All of their pieces are one of a kind piece and though they may look similar, they are each uniquely different in their own way. Each quality piece is signed, H.M. Coonsis, Zuni, NM, U.S.A as a show of authenticity.
Tommy & Marie Jackson
Tommy was born in January of 1958 in Ganado, Arizona to Gene and Martha Jackson He is the husband of Marie Jackson and father of Tommy Jr., Christina, Ticia, Loren, Owen, Laura and Nate Jackson.
Tommy developed his craft gradually, beginning over 20 years ago with his parents. Tommy also took some silversmith classes in high school and had an opportunity to go to the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. At that weekend show Tommy made $1500.00 and decided he wanted to get into the jewelry business. During this time mother, who has a PhD and teaches at the Dine College in Tsalie, wanted Tommy to complete a Bachelor of Education and follow in her footsteps as a teacher while doing jewelry on the side.
In 2002, Tommy and Marie decided to make jewelry full time. Tommy is well known for working in heavy gauge silver and gold with natural top-notch quality American Turquoise. Marie helps Tommy with his work and does much of the stone cutting for the fine detail work on his inlay pieces.
Marie Jackson was born in November of 1958 in Ganado, Arizona, U.S.A. Marie, like Tommy also had a B.A. in Special Education. Before deciding to make jewelry full time, Marie was a Special Education Teacher on the Navajo Reservation at Wide Ruins, Arizona. Tommy and Marie expalin, “We love to show off the talent that the Good Lord has blessed us with. Without Him, all this creativity would not be possible. It gives us the inspiration to really create nice jewelry.” Wonderful artists, Tommy and Marie have won numerous awards throughout the years at the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial, Santa Fe Indian Market and at The Heard Museum Indian Shows.
Fannie Loretto
Fannie Lorreto is from Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico. She has been working with clay since she was a child; learning to make pottery from her mother, Carrie Loretto. Fannie comes from a large family of potters, including six sisters, all of whom have made a name for themselves in the Native American art world. Fannies daughter, Kathleen Wall, and two sons, Marcus and Adrian Wall, are also well known artisans.
Fannie studied fine art at Fort Lewis College in Durngo, Colorado and has been a professional artist her whole life. Originally known for her storyteller figurines, Fannie began creating clay sculptures which depicted pueblo dancers. Fannie’s most recent works of clay masks have also impressed the Indian Art Market.
Fannie uses only traditional clay and paints which are harvested from the earth by hand. The long, tedious process of preparing the clay for use is a skill her mother taught her as a child. Fannie continues the traditions by utilizing these techniques, which she marries to innovative ideas to create exciting Native American art.
Fannie has been the recipient of several awards for her artistic creations. Her innovative style has attracted the attention of art dealers and collectors from around the globe. Fannie’s work is sure to be appreciated and admired for years to come.
