Vernon Begaye – Navajo
Vernon grew up in a traditional silversmithing family on the Navajo reservation. His parents Jimmie and Ella Mae were respected for their jewelry and weaving expertise. As a child he worked at the bench in his parents small home made shop. As a young man he studied drafting and attended courses at the Gemological Institute of America. He also studied computer aided design at Mesa Community college. He has achieved recognition for creating clean straight lines of multi colored inlay on heavy tufa cast sterling silver jewelry. This is his signature look. These innovations led to a rare and coveted Southwest American Indian Art (SWAIA) fellowship. Later recognition came from a Fortunoff fellowship in New York City. He has won multiple ribbons at the Gallup Ceremonial, the Heard Museum show and the Navajo Festival of Arts and Culture.
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