Summer 2023 Symposium
In 2023, we successfully introduced six Navajo students to our proactive and immersive approach in Navajo silversmithing.
Discover below the key moments from our week, including our collaborations and interactions with Native artists.
Breaking Ground: Recapping Our First Symposium
Under the guidance and instruction of Lyndon and Daniel John, the week's instruction was both project focused and technique focused, they included bolo making; intermediate Navajo stamp work; tufa carving; bezel making; and stone setting. During their one-on-one instruction, each student developed and refined their artistic skill and technique at their own pace.
In addition to classroom instruction, we facilitated connections with renowned Native silversmiths who have been trained through generations, allowing our students to further develop their skills in silversmithing craftsmanship. Roger John, Navajo silversmith, welcomed our group to witness his impressive sand casting demonstration in his Gallup workshop. We traveled to Hopi land into a group circle with Roy Talahaftewa of Shungopavi, a village on Second Mesa; to lunch alongside Gerald Lomaventema (also of Shungopavi) then into his studios; and ended our trip in the home of Sonwai - Verma Neqwatewa of Hotevilla, a village on Third Mesa. Their genuine kindness, wholesome expertise, and generous encouragement instilled faith and support in each of our endeavors. It's through these intimate studio sessions and visits that our students not only acquire insight to techniques and design concepts, but they also expand their artistic perspectives and selves.
It was down to the last hours of the week, midnight to be exact, our students' dedication to complete their bolo project was successfully celebrated with burgers and fries. The jubilation was soon replaced with tearful thank you's, solid hugs, and hearty handshakes when the time came to part and lock shop. Without a doubt, our very first symposium was powerful ---- making it immeasurable. Scroll and read each of our students' testimonial in support of our foundation enriching their learning experience and strengthening their professional paths forward.
If our cause resonates with you, we encourage you to show your support through a donation.
With great pride, we introduce to you our first five native college cohorts!
Witnessing the transformation these young individuals experienced as they learned and created was deeply rewarding.
We thank Diné College and their Navajo Cultural Arts Program for allowing their students to participate. Ahéhee'
Bryan Roessel
“I thought this week was amazing. Everything about it. The food of course, but the fieldtrips, going to see the artists, that’s what was game changing for me. You see their shop set ups, what they’re working with. And hearing them compliment my work and all the other student’s work, it just made a huge impact, just being there, being present. That’s why my (bolo project) changed three times. When we met Verma Nequatewa, she told me, “Let the piece speak to you.” that’s what I did, last night I saw the dragon fly in my piece and now that’s what it became. The food was good, just everything, the company, the vibes, it was all great! I’m really excited about it (The Lyndon Foundation), this is life altering. You want to do something? Sign up!"
Dalton Arviso
"The week felt good. I liked it. I enjoyed it. I’m very thankful. What I learned, was that, to learn is to really critique your work. You have to love creating, you know. Because when you’re sitting there (at your work bench) and you’re looking at the piece you’re creating, you notice all the small, I guess mistakes --- maybe not mistakes, but there’s just something that’s not supposed to be there, you just have to sit there and fix it and fix it. While you’re doing that, you get restless. When you get restless, you could mess up a whole piece and have to start all over. That’s the thing about creating jewelry, it’s not simple. It takes time and if you really love it, you’ll go far. I enjoy doing the little things to correct and finesse a piece.”
Elissa Dineyazhie
Second year participant
“Second time was better than the first. Being here feels close to home and there’s a closeness to our (Navajo) culture. The food was even better than before. My project this week was my first-time tufa-casting. I was nervous, but with Lyndon’s help and everyone's encouragement, it turned out pretty good. On the first pour, too. It was exciting and I’m excited to work with tufa again. We visited three Hopi artists, the first two were really cool male artists; then we traveled to Verma's/Sonwai’s home. I instantly felt a connection with her. Lyndon is nice and all, haha! You know, Lyndon has helped me so far, but talking with Verma resonated with me so much that it was good to hear from a successful native jeweler, female jeweler. It encouraged me so much more.”
Ephraim Zefren Anderson
Award Winning Navajo Rug Weaver. Won the coveted Best of Show award at the Heard Museum Indian Market, the second largest, the second-best Indian Art show in the world. To receive that recognition is truly tremendous.
“I think (this stamping workshop) is awesome. To have gone through all the under-grad silversmithing classes and all the upper-advanced levels, it still doesn’t pale in comparison to the on-site experience of having Lyndon there the entire time, plus all the other silversmiths and coveted artists we visited. All of them have their own particular tips, and only through experience and talking with them and seeing their shop, do we get a better idea of how we’re doing things. Some of us are doing things exactly like they did in the 30s and 40s. There’s nothing wrong with that, we have artists out there that are doing it in a way that actually is easier and is consistent and would help us in the long run.
I’ve learned a lot here to know where I want to start working, in terms of my tools, the different ways to work with my tools. This bracelet would have taken me maybe a month to fabricate, within a week with probably about twenty-four to thirty hours into it. And its execution is something I normally wouldn’t want to do because of the amount of time, but it worked out. I didn’t really believe I would finish it in time. Now, I need to rest then begin working on my next project. We have seven weeks to Indian Market. At least here, I knocked out a whole month’s work time on an Indian Market item within a week here.”
Jeffrey John
“I feel like it’s a huge success. For me, at least. I got a lot done. I started doing tufa casting. I went to Hopi land. Never been to Hopi my whole life. I saw a lot of amazing artists. We got to be with Lyndon for a whole week. It’s like walking with a superstar. I learned a lot, a lot of it is still digesting. I’m just so thankful for this opportunity to advance my skill.
Before I met Lyndon, I was kind of in a limbo state where I was kind of just set where I was at, I wasn’t making any goals. I was just there (on the Navajo reservation). Working at a gas station. Then I went to school (Diné College), signed up for classes, and had the opportunity to attend Lyndon's silversmithing class. It changed my whole life ever since I joined his class. It really helped me grow mentally. It’s given me the ability to set goals for myself and reach them.
I started checking out jewelry and who created them, and I started stopping in at Trading Posts. I ended up on the other side of the reservation near Tuba City, Arizona, at the Cameron Trading Post and that place changed my whole life. I looked through their jewelry, I bought a ring the first time I went there. I got a job there, eventually, then moved there. It’s becoming a place I can call home now. It’s great! All because I was looking at jewelry like Lyndon suggested. All because I went to class. It’s just so amazing how it happened. It hasn’t even been a year, only a few months.”
Jeffrey lived in a traditional Navajo hogan without running water, the electrical power he did have use of came from an electrical extension cord that ran from his traditional Navajo hogan to his aunt’s home a few yards away. From working at a rural gas station to registering for classes at the college to deciding he needed structure in his life. Jeffrey is prospering from his choice to create art. We solidified his artistic creativity by having him here for the week with us. His sales position with the trading post is teaching him how to sell jewelry and art, which will greatly benefit his endeavors as an artist. He’ll grow his wings, will become an independent jeweler who will promote and sell his own work. That’s our hope.
Regina K.
A Transformative Journey of Inspiration and Artistry at the Lyndon Foundation Retreat in Gallup, New Mexico
My recent retreat to Gallup, New Mexico, hosted by the Lyndon Foundation, was an extraordinary experience that left an indelible mark on my heart and soul. The serenity of the surroundings, combined with the genuine warmth of the organizers, made it a truly immersive and enriching journey. What stood out the most, however, was the incredible group of young people attending the retreat, whose unwavering focus on learning and personal growth left me deeply inspired.
Throughout the retreat, I was amazed at how these young individuals chose to concentrate and invest their time in meaningful efforts and interactions. Never once did I see a cell phone. Their dedication to acquiring new knowledge and skills was evident in their engagement with Lyndon in the various workshops, discussions, and demonstrations with other esteemed world-class artists, and it served as a powerful reminder of the value of intentional learning and personal development.
Another highlight of the retreat was the breathtaking art created by these young people. The sheer beauty and depth of their artworks compelled me to purchase several pieces, not only to wear but to support these budding artists on their journey of creativity and self-discovery.
Beyond the art and learning experiences, what truly touched my heart were the stories shared by the young attendees about their transformational journeys with the Lyndon Foundation. They spoke with immense gratitude about how this organization had lifted them from significant disadvantages to lives filled with artistry, happiness, productivity, and fulfillment. One young person shared how they had transitioned from living without electricity or running water in a Hogan to now owning a car and holding a full-time job. Another shared how she honed her art skills to help her family. Their resilience and determination resonated deeply with me, showcasing the profound impact the Lyndon Foundation had on their lives.
In conclusion, my retreat experience with the Lyndon Foundation was nothing short of life-altering. The unwavering focus on learning, the awe-inspiring art, and the stories of transformation from the young attendees touched my heart and left me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude as well as my own personal artistic accomplishments. This retreat reminded me of the boundless potential within every individual and the power of organizations like the Lyndon Foundation to create positive change. I wholeheartedly recommend this retreat to anyone seeking inspiration and personal growth in their art and personal lives. I appreciated the chance to witness the incredible resilience and accomplishments of the young minds supported by the Lyndon Foundation. My heart is full of gratitude for the lessons I learned and the deep connections I made during this extraordinary journey, and I look forward to doing this again.
Most sincerely,
Regina K.
Private Retreat Participant
