Traditional Foodways & Harvesting A member of the Tohono O’odham Nation, Tanisha was taught traditional saguaro fruit harvesting by her mother, Stella Tucker — a practice central to O’odham life for hundreds of years. The fruit is harvested each June and July and processed into syrup, jam, and ceremonial wine used in the rain ceremonies … Read more
Visual Art & Cultural Documentation Known for figurative works depicting the Yaqui Deer Dancer, Mario’s paintings bridge the Sewa Ania (Flower World) and the present-day world. Raised within the community of Old Pascua, he draws on the oral stories and ceremonial life of the Kohtumbre Ya’ura (Lenten Society) and works in both traditional and contemporary … Read more
Mixed Media & Storytelling Founder of the Koru Multicultural Library, and partnered with Iskashitaa Refugee Network leading art-making in refugee community gardens — finding community across twelve languages and cultures.
Metalsmithing Apache and Navajo silversmith and micro-inlay artist sharing traditional metalsmithing and copper casting at Tucson’s Mission Garden. | Artists at Work “I’m a silversmith. I learned my artform from my dad over the course of my life. I started when I was around seven years old. I design anything from traditional Navajo jewelry to more … Read more
O’odham Pottery Tohono O’odham potter revitalizing traditional paddle-and-anvil pottery with the O’odham Haha’adam Collective for the next generation of makers. Wa:k O’odham artist, Harrison Preston is a traditional Basket weaver and potter, who creates both traditional and contemporary work, all while trying to preserve and respect the traditions therein. He was raised and currently lives on the San Xavier … Read more
Hand-built, open-fired pottery rooted in Paquimé traditions. Working with Regeneración on Tucson’s south side to introduce clay practices to La Doce neighbors. | 2026 Artists At Work Cohort Porfirio “Pilo” Mora, Mata Ortiz Potter. Tucson, AZ | 2023 Master-Apprentice Award Porfirio “Pilo” Mora is a highly respected and influential artist in the world of Mata Ortiz Pottery, … Read more
Keith Johnson, Percussionist. Phoenix, AZ | 2019 Keith Johnson was a Phoenix-based percussionist who plays rhythms from Africa and the African diaspora and builds traditional instruments and costumes. He worked with apprentice, Rohan Williams, to teach the artform of making and playing drums and other instruments. He died Dec. 21, 2024. In 2022-23, Keith was … Read more
Hopi Basket Weaver, Bacavi, AZ 2018 Master-Apprentice Awardee | 2022 Artist at Work Cohort Annetta Koruh is a Hopi basket weaver from the village of Bacavi on the Third Mesa. She represents the fourth generation of basket weavers in her family. From her mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Annetta learned to harvest and process plants … Read more