Awa Tsireh: Pueblo Painter and Metalsmith

This exhibit explores the paintings and metalworks of San Ildefonso artist Awa Tsireh (Alfonso Roybal). Born at San Ildefonso Pueblo in 1898, Awa Tsireh began his painting career in 1917 and by the early 1920s his work was exhibited nationally. Although he received accolades for his paintings throughout his lifetime, less is known about Awa Tsireh’s work in silver and copper. As early as 1930, the artist was spending summers at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post in Colorado Springs where he made whimsical silver brooches and large copper and silver trays decorated with intricate stampwork. This exhibit will chronical Awa Tsireh’s painting and metalwork career drawing from collections of the Heard Museum, art museums across the U. S., and the collection of Norman L. Sandfield. The exhibit is accompanied by a 140-page catalogue.

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Adopted animals from Awa Tsireh

Our many thanks to the individuals and organizations who helped sponsor the exhibition by adopting an “animal.” If you would like to learn more about the benefits of exhibition sponsorship, please contact Rebecca Simpson at 602.251.0245.

Adoptive “Parents”

Mythical Bird adopted by The Rob and Melani Walton Foundation

Quail adopted by Christy Vezolles
Owl adopted by Pat and Kim Messier
Parrots adopted by Judith and Stanley Getch
Roadrunner adopted by Norma Jean Coulter
Roadrunner adopted by Dino J. and Elizabeth Murfee DeConcini
Thunderbird adopted by Joyce Niederman in honor of Norman L. Sandfield
Thunderbird adopted by Linda and Peter Birnbaum in honor of Norman and the rest of the wonderful Sandfield Family