Take A Trip To The Past:  Nizhoni Ranch Gallery
By Susan Sorg

A trip to the Nizhoni Ranch Gallery is more than a drive to Sonoita.  It’s a journey into the proud heritage and culture, reaching back centuries through timeless fiber arts.  Experience the finest in Navajo weavings, presented by a man who knows it best and is considered the country’s leading expert in this field: Steve Getzwiller with more than 40 years of experience working with the finest of Navajo weavers, he’ll guide visitors through a dazzling display of rugs, blankets and “wearable art.”

The Nizhoni Ranch Gallery collection is direct from the land of the Navajo to Sonoita, painstakingly handmade by artists whose families have followed the traditions of weavers for generations.  Now, their work, their creations made in the shadows of Monument Valley and other regions of the Navajo reservation can become part of another family’s home.

In this hilltop setting overlooking the rolling grasslands of Sonoita, one is not far from longtime cattle ranches going back to Arizona territorial days.  It’s the perfect setting for viewing antique saddle blankets and other vintage weavings.  The Nizhoni Ranch Gallery offers the finest and largest selection of historic Navajo weavings, including saddle blankets, Chief’s blankets, and other weavings dating from the late 1800s to 1940s.

Visits are always welcome, but please call ahead to reserve a time to explore this Native American art as only Steve Getzwiller and the Nizhoni Ranch Gallery can show you.  Call 520-455-5020 for times and directions, and check out some of the latest gallery finds.

Pictured: Master weavers Elsie Bis, Gloria Hardy and Cara Gorman at Canyon de Chelly with their 2014 award—winning Navajo Weavings.