Tis’ the season and we have planned a special Christmas Author Book Signing & Artist’s Show and Demonstration on Saturday, December 4th from 10 AM to 4 PM at Tanner Tradition Gallery, 624 Sudderth Dr., Ruidoso, NM 88345.

Meer well-known Navajo Artist, Peter James Ray, Ruidoso Author, Shirley Estes aka Whispering Wind, and Navajo/Apache Jeweler, Calvin Nelson. It will be a fun and festive time to learn more about their various creative processes and have an opportunity to purchase some wonderful gifts for Christmas…and maybe treat yourself as well!

Peter Ray James, Navajo artist, is a creator of Spiritual Fabric Art. ames is a 1984 honors graduate of the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He also attended the Parsons School of Design in New York City. Peter introduced his art to the competitive Indian Art world in the spring of 1988. Since then, he has sold a little over 1,200 masks and 900 canvases. His art has been on album covers, prominent art show posters, and numerous newspaper and magazine covers. His celebrity collectors include Ahmad and Phylicia Rashad, Ted Danson, John Bon Jovi, and Wynonna Judd.
Peter says that he is known among his Navajo people as Nahat'a Yilth Wood “One Who Delivers the Message." “ It is my Navajo name that braids many generations of prayers, symbolism, tradition, honor, knowledge, and love. I truly believe my destiny is to be a storyteller through my artist endeavors. I am always honored and respectful to represent my family name in my homeland and abroad".
"The powerful reason I create art is that my fingerprints have become ageless through enduring generations. In my Navajo language, there is a word called “linaah,” which describes the path of life. It is a journey that braids several generations into one symbol and thought. I believe this process is powerful and sincere. In this mist of this transition, there is no separation of art and life. The Creator has given all of us one breath and one soul. We receive our own symbols through prayers and giving. In return, the Creator encourages us to share our messages through stories in color."

Shirley Estes aka Whispering Wind moved to Ruidoso fifteen years ago along with her husband, Jamie. Her obvious cultural and spiritual connection with various Native American communities was an innate part of her childhood that expanded with both time and experience. Shirley’s recently released book, “Inside The Tepee Looking Up, Watching Falling Stars Until They Land In My Soul” is an intricately woven tapestry of wisdom writing and shared soulful star gazing that takes us inside the depths of our own tepee/soul. The professionally designed and published coffee-table book style has several of her charcoal illustrations interspersed throughout the writings, giving readers a proverbial palate cleansing between the full flavored text that sometimes takes time to digest. The many reviews from both her peers and people who purchased the book, has not only been an encouragement to the author, it has also spoken volumes about the book’s words carrying hope…restoring trust…and awakening faith.

Calvin Nelson Navajo/ Mescalero Apache Jeweler- Silversmith was born 1969 in Magdalena, New Mexico and now lives in Ruidoso along with his wife and large extended family.
He grew up watching and helping his mother make jewelry and learned the intricate delicacies of the process at a very young age. Calvin is a lifelong craftsman who has been creating fine pieces of jewelry with turquoise, white buffalo turquoise, spiny oyster, and other semi-precious stones in sterling silver. Calvin has become a highly collectible and sought after silversmith, who skillfully incorporates his culture and creativity into his distinct jewelry designs.

For additional info call Kathy or Lynn Tanner at (575) 257-8675