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Shane, a man of Navajo and European descent with facial hair, smiles directly at the camera while wearing a black brimmed hat and a dark denim shirt.

Photo by Janessa Guerro.

Artists

Shane R. Hendren

Multidisciplinary Artist and Jeweler

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Shane R. Hendren is a multidisciplinary artist recognized for his intricate jewelry and metal work which honors the culture and traditions of his Navajo and European ancestors. Hendren was born into a ranching family who instilled in him a strong work ethic and appreciation for the culture and traditions of his Navajo and European ancestors, who he honors with his work. His work can be found in public and private collections around the world, including the British Museum, the Heard Museum, and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He has won numerous awards from the Southwestern Association of Indian Arts and The Heard Museum Art Market and is the only artist to be named Artist of the Year four times by the Indian Arts and Crafts Association.

Even more important to Hendren is helping others. He has served on the board of the Indian Arts and Crafts Association as well as his children's 4H Livestock committee. He has judged many shows, including the Sal Bell Design Awards in 2019. He lectures and speaks about his art, his life, and the expertise he has developed over the past thirty years as a working artist. He completed an MFA in Studio Arts at the Institute of American Indian Arts in 2023. He is humbled and aware he is the product of the prayers of his ancestors and blessed to open doors for those to come after him.

Donor -The Maxwell/Hanrahan Awards in Craft are supported by the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation.

This artist page was last updated on: 08.20.2024

<em>Lone Mountain Jacla Necklace</em> by Shane R. Hendren.

Lone Mountain Jacla Necklace by Shane R. Hendren, 2022. Natural Lone Mountain turquoise nuggets, 18-karat gold, rubies, fabricated and hand-engraved, 22 inches.

Photo by Simone Button.

<em>Nizhoni Toothpick Holder</em> by Shane R. Hendren.

Nizhoni Toothpick Holder by Shane R. Hendren, 2022. Sterling silver, 14-karat gold, sapphires, pink tourmaline, fabricated and hand-engraved, 4 × 1.5 inches. Commissioned for Elegant Vessels: A Century of Southwest Silver Boxes at the Heard Museum, Phoenix, AZ.

Photo by Simone Button.

<em>K'aalo'gii (Butterfly) Necklace</em> by Shane R. Hendren.

K'aalo'gii (Butterfly) Necklace by Shane R. Hendren, 2021. Sterling silver, blue topaz, fabricated and hand-engraved, 22 inches. Private collection.

Photo by Simone Button.