Hopi High student wins awards at Museum of Northern Arizona's Hopi show

POLACCA, Ariz. - Hopi High art student Garryn Masawytewa won three awards at the Museum of Northern Arizona's Hopi Art Show in Flagstaff this past summer.

Masawytewa won the Director's Award for a full figure Cheveyo, first place in the arts and crafts division for his Hopi rain sash belt and second place in the katsina doll division for his full figure Niman katsina.

Masawytewa won prize money and award ribbons.

"This was important to me because this was the first time I entered or got my artwork judged," he said.

Masawytewa said his artwork is either traditional style carving or traditional style weaving. He said his older brother and his uncles taught him how to carve.

"The way I will use my art in the future is to get my artwork out in the public and to have my artwork noticed," he said. "I will also use my work to get me through my education."

Although Masawytewa is proud of his artwork he knows that he can improve.

"I will improve my artwork by taking advice from other well known artists," he said.

His favorite artists are his friend Justice Tso, older brother Darwyn Puhuyaoma, and professional artist Nick Brokesholder. The three are all Hopi artists.

Masawytewa wants to major in art in college, but he is not sure which college he wants to attend.

"I would be interested in making a career out of my artwork because I like the kind of work that I do," he said.