The renowned Red Earth Festival is a vibrant celebration of Native artistry draws creatives from across the nation. This annual event is not just a showcase of amazing talent but also a competition where the finest works are awarded prestigious accolades in various categories.

    The Red Earth Festival is a remarkable platform that highlights the exceptional breadth and depth of Native artistry, honoring both traditional and contemporary forms​​.

    Photo: Grant Morris "Uktena"

    We are absolutely delighted to announce the award winners of the 2023 Red Earth Festival. This year, once again, we were astounded by the breathtaking array of artistry, creativity, and cultural significance represented in each piece.

    photo: Candace Shanholtzer winning Presidents Award

    Clothing/Textiles/Weaving

    • 1st Place

      Alberta Henderson

      “Majestic”

    • 2nd Place

      Jennifer Benally

      “Red Celestial Tree”

    • 3rd Place

      Stephen White

      “Ancestor Protection”

    Cultural Items

    • 1st Place

      Ronda Moss

      “Six Phases of the Moon”

    • 2nd Place

      Daniel Worcester

      “Crown of Deliverance”

    • 3rd Place

      Debra Keazer

      “Endurance”

    Diversified

    • 1st Place

      Daniel Worcester

      “Blue Gar”

    • 2nd Place

      Anita Caldwell Jackson

      “Bad to the Bone”

    • 3rd Place

      Gary Farris

      “Flat Top Aromatic Cedar Box”

    Drawing/Graphics/Photographs

    • 1st Place

      Dylan Cavin
      “Forget Me Not”

    • 2nd Place

      Paul Hacker

      “Glory”

    • 3rd Place

      Linda Kukuk

      “Brave”

    Traditional Jewelry

    • 1st Place

      Nelson Garcia

      “Dragonfly”

    • 2nd Place

      Abraham Begay

      “Flower Power”

    • 3rd Place

      Ray Garcia

      “Red Sea”

    Contemporary Jewelry

    • 1st Place

      Abraham Begay

      “Night Life”

    • 2nd Place

      Monica Silva Lovato

      “The First Year”

    • 3rd Place

      Rykelle Kemp

      “Orbit Ruby "Necklace”

    Painting– Oil & Acrylic

    • 1st Place

      Peterson Yazzie

      “Bear Song”

    • 2nd Place

      Adrian Redbird

      “The Last Camp”

    • 3rd Place

      Lauren Kelly

      “Thunderbird”

    Painting– Watercolor

    • 1st Place

      Jane Semple Umsted

      “Luminaries/Christians in Santa Fe”

    • 2nd Place

      Candace Shanholtzer

      “Flowers Ledger”

    • 3rd Place

      Candace Shanholtzer

      “Afternoon Lounge”

    Pottery

    • 1st Place

      Jennifer Benally

      “Celestial Crown”

    • 2nd Place

      R. Diane Martinez

      “Tohatchi”

    • 3rd Place

      Monica Silva Lovato

      "The North Star”

    Sculpture

    • 1st Place

      Grant Morris

      “Uktena”

    • 2nd Place

      Jane Semple Umsted

      “Migration Story”

    • 3rd Place

      Sam Dimmick

      “Way of the North”

    Last but certainly not least, we give special recognition to the winners of our distinguished awards

    • Dana & Terry Brown Grand Award

      Darius Charley

      “Shandiin (Sunrise)”

    • President’s Award

      Candace Shanholtzer

      “Braiding”

    • Kathleen Upshaw Award

      Adrian Redbird

      “Plains Battle Vest”

    • TOP: R. DIANE MARTINEZ

    • BOTTOM: RONDA MOSS

    • RIGHT: JANE SEMPLE UMSTED