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We're excited to introduce the Desert Museum's Indigenous Artist Program. Throughout the spring and summer of 2025, we'll be hosting Indigenous Artists to display, demonstrate, and sell their work. Artists and dates vary. Saturday, April 19, 2025 featured artists:
o Elena Mendez
“My daughters and I weave Tohono O’odham horsehair baskets and Jewelry.” -Elena Mendez
o Pearl Mendez
Pearl weaves Tohono O’odham horsehair baskets and jewelry.
o Geneva Acosta
“My yucca baskets come from traditional Tohono O’odham basket weavers. The baskets were used for cooking corn and wheat. Back when willow was grown on O’odham land it was used for carrying water and keeping dry food.” -Geneva Acosta
o Kathleen Vance
Kathleen Vance is Tohono O’odham and San Carlos Apache. While preparing for her daughters coming of age ceremony, Kathleen met an elder woman and traditional potter who taught her how to harvest and process traditional clays in order to make a ceremonial pot for her daughter. This experience provided the foundational skills and knowledge that would inspire her to expand her skills set and teach others. Kathleen considers herself to be a traditional utilitarian potter, but also uses clay to make whistles and effigies.
o Valerie Francisco
“My mom, Cheryl, crochets desert turtles and cactus. I do a more contemporary take on our traditional shell necklaces and earrings.” -Valerie Francisco
o Cheryl Francisco
Cheryl Francisco crochets desert tortoises and cactus along with other items indigenous to southwest AZ. Both Cheryl and her daughter, Valerie Francisco, are self-taught artists and have been practicing and honing their craft for decades.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
2021 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ, United States, Arizona 85743
