Estella Loretto - Native American Artist

Star Dancing: An Evening of Fine Art Under the Stars

Press Release – July 2010

Artist Contact:
Estella Loretto | Studio (505) 986-8471 | Cell (505) 660-0901
estella @ estellaloretto.com | www.estellaloretto.com

Estella Loretto Fine Art & Gentle Spirit Studio Gallery Presents
Star Dancing: A Celebration of Indian Market 2010 – by Invitation

An Exhibition of Monumental Bronzes, Paintings, Mixed Media Masks and Jewelry by Internationally Renowned Native American Artist Estella Loretto
Saturday, August 21, 2010, 5pm – 9pm
At Estella Loretto Fine Art & Gentle Spirit Studio Gallery

Santa Fe, N.M.–July 21, 2010 - On Saturday, August 21, 2010, Estella Loretto Fine Art & Gentle Spirit Studio Gallery will present Star Dancing: A Celebration of Indian Market 2010, at a private artist’s reception.

Known for her deep love and appreciation of Mother Earth, Estella Loretto is showcasing her monumental bronzes, paintings and jewelry under the stars amidst the beauty of her Gentle Spirit Studio Gallery and Sculpture Garden and forego the bustling crowds of the traditional Santa Fe Indian Market held on the town plaza. Located just 10 minutes from town, this sacred space offers panoramic sunset views and a sparkling night sky. Those present will experience one of Estella’s trademarks: art that has the power to create healing environments.

This event features the return of her powerful “Peaceful Warrior’s Prayer” which has been on loan to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque for the past 2 years. Measuring 10 ft. tall, this bronze tribute to the Sacredness of Life, Peace, Harmony and the Oneness of All People, is simply too “monumental” in size to fit the scale of the downtown Indian Market.

The second Kateri in the edition commissioned by Archbishop Michael Sheehan of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe will join other monumental bronzes in her sculpture garden. Locals may be familiar with the first edition of “Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha” which is prominently and permanently installed in the front entrance to St. Francis Basilica in downtown Santa Fe.

New art by Estella Loretto will also be available and on display including bronzes, paintings and mixed media masks. “My art is inspired by nature and the beauty of life’s unfolding. It is stylized, colorful, and contemporary, rooted in but not confined by my cultural traditions”, Estella says.

The evening will also present selected works by other Native American guest artists. Pueblo hand-drummers and other Native musicians will offer traditional music.
About Estella Loretto“Creating art is an unfolding prayer”, says the deeply spiritual Estella Loretto. Artist, Carl Schuman stated, "My personal experience of her is this: sacred expression is her way of life. In her art, in her friendships, in her family life, she is expressing spirit. To know her is to be inspired... experience her sacred gifts. I, for one, am ever grateful."

Born and raised on the Pueblo of Jemez, New Mexico, Estella Loretto is currently the only Native American woman working in monumental bronze sculpting. She is recognized both nationally and internationally as one of the finest sculptors living today.

Her talents go beyond her sculptures and include paintings, mixed media masks, jewelry and other new combinations being birthed daily. She has studied and trained with mentors including her mother, her grandmother, and most notably with Native American sculptor Allen Houser-Haozous. She was his last student before his death in 1994.

Estella left her native New Mexican home at the Pueblo of Jemez at age 15 and traveled the world for eight years studying with remarkable artists in Italy, Japan, India, Nepal, Mexico, New Zealand, and Australia.

Combining her life-long artistic studies and gifts with her spiritual vision of the world and her deep love of family and traditions, she brings the spirit of life into form for all to experience and enjoy.

Location: Estella Loretto Fine Art
Gentle Spirit Studio & Sculpture Garden
34 Wildflower Way, Santa Fe, NM 87506