Thank you, Sisters art patrons and community, Warms Springs members, and Oregon visitors for making our first artist show such a success during the April Art Stroll.  We were honored to have Cliff Fragua and JJ Otero here, and hope they return soon.  We will continue to offer select pieces of Cliff's work, and welcome inquires about pieces you saw in the exhibition.

Cliff Fragua

Native Pueblo sculptor, Cliff Fragua, has learned the secret of the stone through his cultural and ancestral teachings. Based in Native American themes, his work shows pride for his culture and a deep understanding of the inherent beauty and living elements stone. He has chosen stone as his medium of expression because it is a combination of the basic elements of the earth. He feels that the honesty and purity of this Earth element permits him to express himself from the heart, and reflect the heart in stones that Native people revere and honor.

Since 1974, when he created his first stone sculpture, Fragua has developed a significant body of work that keeps evolving with the artist’s new influences and new interests. His sculptures are featured in such public locations as the Albuquerque International Airport and in permanent collections throughout the country. He has been included in major invitational exhibitions and one-man shows in leading museums and galleries and has earned highest honors and awards for his sculptures.

Enjoy the link to a recent article in Cascade Arts and Entertainment, about Cliff:

http://www.cascadeae.com/raven-makes-gallery-introducing-singing-stone-studio-master-sculptor-cliff-fragua/

Po’Pay Commission

Cliff was awarded one of the most prestigious commissions for sculptors in the United States. His rendition of Po'pay was selected to represent the State of New Mexico in the National Statuary Hall in Washington, DC. The artist selection was made in December of 1999 based on a maquette (model) of Po'pay that was submitted to the New Mexico Statuary Hall Commission. The sculpture is made from Tennessee marble, and stands 7 feet tall, mounted on a 3 feet tall pedestal. The sculpture was completed in May 2005 and installed and dedicated in September of the same year. It is currently on display in Emancipation Hall in the new Capitol Building Visitor Center.

Education

•Pietrasanta Stone Workshop - Pietrasanta, Italy, 1987
•San Francisco Art Institute - San Francisco, California, 1974
•Institute of American Indian Arts - Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1973-1975