Hozhoni Art Studio and Gallery

Hozhoni Art Studio and Gallery is a non-profit visual arts program where artists with developmental disabilities create, exhibit, sell their artwork, and collaborate with other artists in the Flagstaff community. We seek to provide resources, space, and opportunities for a demographic of artists that has been historically underrepresented in the mainstream and commercial art world.

We facilitate opportunities for education and interaction within the community to heighten awareness and understanding of people with disabilities. Our Art Program includes a variety of artistic mediums including painting, ceramics, textile/fiber arts, illustration, film/new media, and more. We are constantly looking to introduce new and engaging forms of expression to encourage and develop the voices of our artists.

The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance. ~ Aristotle

Giant Mother Elephant & Baby Elephant by Robert Zappanti

Robert Zappanti is a local visionary artist here in Flagstaff. Born and raised in the southwest, Rob’s works reflect his fascination and love for animals, the occult, mysteries of the world and the magical associations he designates to them. In his words, “I bring magic to my art, the way the birds bring magic to me.” Robert has participated in group and solo art shows and is the first of our artists to exhibit internationally. He has ambitions to be exhibited in major art galleries worldwide and a major contributor to the Hozhoni Art Program.

Cookies by Bradley Shauer

Bradley Schauer showed minimal interest in producing work before starting printmaking. His art style can best be described as abstract and minimalistic. With lots of encouragement and support from his staff and peers he has made several beautiful yet simple works of art.

M & M by Richard Rapley

Richard Rapley, is a diligent worker that puts all of his passion into each piece of art he creates. Once he starts something, he pours all of his energy into it until it is to his high standards. Richard enjoys working with several different varieties of painting media. He can be seen creating several works of art based off of his favorite sweet treat, M&Ms

Words by Morgan Blackgoat

Morgan Blackgoat has been with the program since 1993 and has developed a unique style using words and abstract imagery. Morgan creates art that gives insight from his life and Navajo culture. One of the most interesting aspects to Morgan’s art is the hidden stories and humorous events he places within each painting and drawing he does. Using layering techniques and unique word structuring, Morgan builds intricate narratives and visually captivating works with secrets within.

Alien Cafe by Mark Kaiser

Mark Kaiser is a new addition to the Hozhoni Art Program and one of our up and coming artist. He has so far has a unique style influenced by pop culture, anime, sci-fi, and animation. Mark enjoys socializing with his peers and sharing his progress on his artwork. Mark is a great addition to the gallery and studios and is always a pleasure to exchange ideas with.

Untitled by Tammy Smith

Tammy Smith is Navajo woman born in Gallup, New Mexico. Though Tammy is nonverbal she is able to express herself through emotionally evocative pieces often repeating patterns and colors in such a way to give insight to her mind. She enjoys working with tactile materials as well as acrylic and colored pencils. Tammy enjoys the process of the piece with a heavy focus on lines, shapes and hues. Tammy is a prolific artist and has been showcased in several galleries and continues to grow her work and technique as an artist.

Queen by Jefferson Dorton

Jefferson Dorton is a Native American Artist who is predominantly a weaver but also a talented painter and performer. Jefferson learned weaving as a child from watching his grandmother. Often using repeating patterns and shapes in his paintings, Jeff also uses bold colors and line work in his weavings as well. As a man of few words his art speaks highly of him and his dedication to his craft.

Mother is Holding Her Baby by Miranda Delgai

Miranda is a Native American woman born in Ganado, Arizona in 1969. Miranda comes from a family of Navajo weavers, She lived in Denver, Colorado for 16 years where she attended school. In 1985, she moved back to Ganado and attended St. Michael’s. Miranda has worked in many mediums such as weaving, pottery, drawing, painting, embroidery, fabric work, batik, other silk textiles, and designing. Miranda’s close attention to detail draws her more and more into her creation, making it difficult for her to pull away from it. She has exhibited her art locally and around the world.

Snack Monster by Sharin Jonas

Sharin Jonas was born in Topeka, Kansas. She lived in and grew up in Mesa, Arizona before moving to Flagstaff. Her work is influenced by variety of media such as video games, cartoons, movies and comics. Sharin uses bright, bold colors and self taught techniques to create her own fantasy world, complete with resplendent creatures and full unique back stories. Her mediums include acrylic, colored pencils, watercolors, ceramics and modeling clay. She enjoys creating a piece that tells a story with strong ties to mythology and fantasy themes. Sharin exhibits locally and around the world.

Native American Friends by Edward Haswood

Edward Haswood is a Native American artist born near Window Rock, Arizona. He is a member of the Navajo Tribe from the Towering House Clan. Though Ed is blind in one eye and only able to use his left hand he creates detailed pieces with depth and vivid color palettes. Edward paints pictures from his past, his Navajo culture, and beautiful flora and fauna from near and far. Edward has exhibited his work locally and around the county as well as the Smithsonian Portrait gallery.