Crafting Traditions Since 1971

We’re proud to feature Carlos Pena, an artisan from Farmington, New Mexico, whose work reflects both creativity and versatility. Carlos specializes in traditional silversmithing while also exploring photography as another form of artistic expression, blending craftsmanship with a keen eye for visual storytelling. He has been creating for over 12 years and continues to evolve his skills and artistic voice.

Carlos began his journey into the arts after being inspired by his middle school art teacher, an experience that sparked a lasting passion for creating. Over time, he has developed his own approach to silversmithing, drawing from traditional techniques while adding his own personal style. Read more about Carlos in his full Artisan Spotlight blog, here.

We’re proud to feature Justin Russell Jr., an artist from the Navajo Nation based in Whitewater, Colorado. Justin specializes in both traditional Navajo-style jewelry and contemporary designs, blending heritage techniques with modern creativity. He began creating his work in 2016 and continues to grow his craft today.

Justin has also been a longtime Thunderbird Supply customer, shopping both online and at our Flagstaff location. Inspired by his father, Justin Russell Sr., along with renowned artists Darryl Begay and Charles Loloma, Justin’s work reflects a deep appreciation for tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation. Read more about Justin in his full Artisan Spotlight blog, here.

Follow him on social media:

Instagram: @mr.jrussell

Facebook: Justin G. Russell Jr.

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Our marketing team will respond at their earliest convenience with all the details about this wonderful program for our customers!

Meet Kimey Rose, a talented beadwork artist from the Navajo Nation. She is originally from Winslow, Arizona, and now resides in the beautiful city of San Diego, California.

Kimey specializes in beadwork and stringing. Although she has been professionally beading for six years, her passion for the craft began in childhood. Growing up, she noticed a lack of modern designs in traditional beadwork, which inspired her to begin her journey as a professional artist and create pieces that blend tradition with contemporary style.

You can often find Kimey at powwows and gatherings, where she sells her stunning handmade pieces. If you don’t catch her there, you can always connect with her through her social media pages or her website, where she regularly shares her work. 

Follow her on her social media!

• Instagram: Kimimilas Beadwork
• Facebook: Kimimilas Beadwork
• Website: www.kimimilasbeadwork.com

Introducing Kristian Shaye Chee, one of the talented artists featured in our Artisan Spotlight. Kristian is from the Pueblo of Laguna and specializes in beadwork. She began beading at age 11 after learning during a middle school cultural week, later continuing to develop her skills with guidance from her father and inspiration from other family artisans. With 17 years of experience, she continues to create beautiful beadwork pieces and accepts custom orders through her Etsy shop.

Instagram: @toahanicreations

Facebook: Toahani Creations

Etsy: ToahaniCreations

Alex Sanchez is a Navajo silversmith from Gallup, New Mexico, with more than 30 years of experience creating jewelry. Inspired by his brother, Myron Panteah, Alex developed a passion for the craft that grew into a lifelong career.

He specializes in petroglyph designs on silver, stamping, repoussé, old-style techniques, and traditional silverwork. His work reflects both the history of Navajo and Zuni style silversmithing and his own artistic style.

Alex often participates in shows throughout the Four Corners region, including the Heard Museum Show and the Santa Fe Indian Market. When he’s not creating jewelry, you can often find him at Thunderbird Supply in Gallup gathering materials for his next pieces.

If you can’t catch him at a show, you can follow Alex on social media to see what he’s currently creating and what pieces are available.

Instagram: alexsanchezjewelry

Facebook: Alex Sanchez Jewelry