“I strive to capture the essence of life’s beauty that surrounds us.”
Drawing inspiration from her Native roots, Yazzie floods her canvases with vibrant contemporary portrayals of landscapes, night skies and Navajo traditions. On this Friday evening, April 25, Yazzie dotted her oil painting with stars of the Milky Way, stretching above a humble hogan, an original piece in the making that charmed the hundreds of attendees and brought in $1,650 for the CCC art program and student scholarships in a spirited live auction.
“My art represents a deep reverence for the world’s wonders,” said Yazzie, who earned her associate degree from CCC. “I strive to capture the essence of life’s beauty that surrounds us.”
Randall Wilson, also a Diné artist, completed an original painting during the event, which he, too, donated to CCC for the auction. “The gift of giving is an act we do every day,” he said. “I went to school to learn to paint here. This is my way of giving back.”
His vibrant stagecoach scene created over a canvas of old newspapers advertising a Pow Wow and rodeo was purchased by retired Coconino County Manager and former CCC Foundation Director Steve Peru. “The event is amazing,” said Peru. “It brings together local artistry and great food and benefits CCC students. It’s perfect.”
Also during the live auction, Coconino County Manager Andy Bertelsen successfully bid on a painting of the Flagstaff train depot. Jalen Whitethorne, a third-generation Native American artist, began painting at a young age, drawing inspiration and guidance from his grandfather, world-renowned artist Baje Whitethorne, Sr. Jalen honors his family’s artistic legacy through the Buddy Whitethorne Foundation, which supports young Native American artists through mentorship and resources.
Local restaurants supported the event as well, with chef-prepared appetizers and desserts. Fat Olives founder and chef John Conley captivated the crowd by handmaking authentic Italian mozzarella cheese with fresh curds and milk at his booth. Fat Olives won the award for best appetizer. The Flagstaff High School Culinary Arts program won the award for best dessert.
“We are extremely appreciative of the artists, entertainers, patrons of the arts, restaurant sponsors and volunteers who made the evening a great success,” said CCC Vice President of Advancement and Strategic Initiatives Dianna Sanchez.
Proceeds from the fundraising evening – an estimated $35,000 – will help support CCC’s art program and student artists. FBN
By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
Photo by Bonnie Stevens: Coconino County Manager Andy Bertelsen successfully bid on an original painting by artist Jalen Whitethorne, featuring the Flagstaff train depot, which he completed during the event.
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