Four  of today's top Native American sculptors are proudly featured at River Trading Post.  Each with a distinctive style, each with a deep expression for what he or she sees and feels.  We believe that you will enjoy traveling through our outstanding and diverse collection of fine Native American sculpture.
Please click on the artist's photo to view the artist's gallery.

Cliff Fragua - Jemez Pueblo
IACA Artist of the Year, 2005

  Since 1974, when he created his first stone sculpture, Cliff Fragua has created a significant body of work that continues to evolve with the artist's new influences and new interests.  He has won many awards, including Best of Category at the Indian Arts and Crafts Association Show in Denver, Colorado (1997); First Award in Marble Category at the SWAIA Annual Indian Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico (1996); People's Choice Award at the Ray Tracey Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico (1996); and the Wheelwright Museum Award for Excellence in Sculpture at the SWAIA Annual Indian Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico (1995).His sculptures are featured in such places  as the Albuquerque International Airport and in permanent collections throughout the country.  He recently was commissioned to create a monumental sculpture that will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Cliff was named Artist of the Year for 2005 by the Indian Arts and Crafts Association, and won best of division at the 2005 Heard Museum Indian Show.

Caroline Carpio - Isleta Pueblo

Caroline Lucero-Carpio is from Isleta Pueblo, NM.  Her Tiwa name is Thud-bese, meaning Sun Tablita.

Her native culture is an articulation of prayer and celebration; expressed in her language, songs, dances, creation of art, and most importantly, her way of living.

Caroline's traditional upbringing and contemporary expression of who she is today is voiced through her artwork.  "At times, my sculptures are a reflection of my inner prayers and other times, it is the stories of our ancestors that inspire a new vision.  I would like my work to preserve a story and educate who we are many generations from now."

Among her top honors have been being selected as one of the recipients for the 2000 SWAIA Fellowship.  In 2001, Caroline was invited to do an artist-in residence for The Takeo Region International Art and Cultural Exchange Program in Takeo, Japan.

Mark Fischer - Green Bay Oneida

Mark is a contemporary sculptor and a member of the Oneida Nation of Green Bay, Turtle Clan.  He was involved in Native American education for 12 years and was instrumental in establishing several Native American scholarships for Wisconsin colleges.

Marks designs are inspired by ancient Woodland petroglyps and pictographs that celebrate nature, gender, Native art and culture.  The sculptures are hand cut cut copper that is welded in silver, then air brushed with a patina finish to enhance the copper's natural aging process.  Select pieces are imbelished with deer hide, antlers, traditionally wrapped antique trade beads and horse hair.

"It is said that ancient nations did not have a written language, but if you look, you will see they have left messages all over our nation.  It is an honor to share these non-verbal messages through my art." - Mark Fischer.
 

Gordon Tonips - Comanche / Kiowa

    " I am of the Comanche and Kiowa tribes of Oklahoma.  On my Comanche side, my great, great Grandfather, Noyabad, fought with Chief Quanah Parker at the Battle of Palo Duro Canyon and Adobe Walls.  On my Kiowa side, my Grandfather is Chief Stumblingbear, one of the chiefs to sign the peace treaty at Medicine Lodge, Kansas in 1867.

     When I began to turn my talents to Native American Art, I was encouraged by the Comanche artist and flutist, "Doc Tate Navaquaya" who guided me to follow my dreams when he told me, "If you want happiness, look in your own back yard."  Thus, I discovered these beautiful sandstone boulders, and to my surprise, they spoke to me with images of the ancient past.  When I sculpt a stone, I travel into the past a thousand years and relive the daily lives of the great people who built and lived in these sacred places.  I am inviting you to join me in exploring these places and getting to know and better understand those wonderful and noble people."

Gordon's works have taken first place awards at the Heard Museum Show (2002) and a third place award at the Santa Fe Indian Market (2003) for his Cliff Palace work.  Cliff Palace is available at River Trading Post.