Press Release
Gail and Steve Getzwiller have been a force in the world of Navajo weaving.
In a career spanning over 50 years, the Getzwillers worked to elevate the genre from rugs to Navajo textiles to fine art.
Steve, who passed away in August 2023, did so through partnerships with the weavers, giving them time, space and financial security to create their best work. He also reintroduced churro wool, the traditional fiber used by Navajo weavers, which heightened the quality of their art.
Gail, for her part, was an invaluable member of the team, taking care of the business end of the operation while at the same time tending to ranch and family duties in Steve’s absence.
The Nizhoni Gallery, meaning “beautiful place,” showcases the couples’ commitment to both the Navajo people and their art and continues to operate in Sonoita (visitation by appointment only).
For two days only, Navajo rugs and other Native American artifacts from the gallery will be on display at the Bowman-Stradling History Center in Sonoita. The center is located in Pioneer Hall at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 3142 S. Highway 83, Sonoita.
The exhibit, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, October 12-13, will also include some of Steve’s personal effects from his life in Southern Arizona.
As a special addition to the exhibit, acclaimed Navajo weaver Elsie Bia will demonstrate the art of weaving on a loom transported from Chinle. Bia is one of the last of many generations of master weavers.
On Sunday, at 2 p.m., pianist and choral leader Christina Wilhelm will give a musical demonstration on the history center’s Wing & Sons piano. On permanent loan from Gail Getzwiller, the 1909 upright is a rarity in that its five-pedal mechanism mimics the tones of the mandolin, guitar, zither, harp, and banjo. The piano once lived in Tombstone’s Bird Cage Theater.
Admission to the Bowman-Stradling History Center is free.
For more information on the upcoming Getzwiller exhibit, contact Carrie White at carriettalumia@gmail.com.