Shonto means "Sunshine Springs" or Sháá’tóhí in Navajo. Permanent springs in the area attracted early farmers and sheep herders. Shonto, Naatsis’áán (Navajo Mountain), Rainbow Bridge, and the surrounding area of rugged canyons and mountains are well-know as the stronghold for Navajo clan leaders, families, and refugees and who did not surrender to the U.S. government nor go on the infamous Long Walk (1863-1868). This historic fact continues to define the independent, some say “stubborn,” character of our people.
Shonto is located in the northwestern portion of the Navajo Nation. Present-day Shonto Chapter was added to the Nation in several sections between 1882 and 1965. Shonto was recognized as a community around 1900. It became a chapter of the Navajo Nation in 1958. Shonto extends across two states (Arizona and Utah) and three counties (Coconino and Navajo Counties in Arizona and San Juan County in Utah). Of the primary roads crossing Shonto’s 424,969 acres, 90 percent are unimproved dirt.
A professional artist since 1983, Shonto spends his time painting and speaking to audiences of all ages. His art has been shown in more than 50 shows in galleries and museums including The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian in Santa Fe, the American Indian Contemporary Arts 's museum in San Francisco and Phoenix Art Museum...
In his own words
"I have always had a love for art. From a very young age, I found excitement in the experience of drawing. To recreate facets of my universe in varying degrees has always been my life's adventure.
I was born in a hogan in Shonto, Arizona. My parents are traditional Navajo people. My father is a medicine man, and my mother weaves rugs and herds sheep.
My message is simple. Build bridges through the arts and stories of your culture, validate and share these visions and voices. Celebrate your personal identity through the arts. In my talks, I am as much a student as I am a teacher," says Shonto.
Some of Shonto's Paintings
Since Nights' Victory VI 2009
