Wright's Indian Art > Artist: Vernon Begaye ()

Vernon Begaye is a distinguished, younger American Indian jeweler whose individual vision sets him apart from tradition while retaining the cultural origins that inspired his talent.

His jewelery-making parents Jimmy and Ella Mae Begaye started him practicing jewelry-making techniques as a young child, just like his brother, Marco. He experimented merging Navajo tradition with contemporary design, taking his art to higher and higher levels as the years passed, Now,in his forties, he is making exceptional jewelry in a style all his own that is instantly recognizable and highly prized.

Vernon Begaye has won numerous prizes for his work, and in 1993 was awarded a coveted, and highly competitive SWAIA Fellowship Award. His work has been included in a number of books on the subject of American Indian Art.