Southwest Studio Sessions
Inlay, Texture & Form
Exploring cobblestone inlay and alternative cuttlefish texture with Alvin Yellowhorse
Date: Saturday and Sunday, June 13 + 14 ((9:00am-5:00pm))
Our exclusive Southwest Studio Sessions programming continues with a special masterclass led by Alvin Yellowhorse, a renowned Navajo artist known for his precision, innovation, and distinctive approach to stone inlay and silverwork.
Alvin Yellowhorse is an internationally recognized, award-winning silversmith based in Lupton, Arizona. A silversmith since 1987, he learned the craft from his father, Frank Yellowhorse. Known for his precision and distinctive cobblestone inlay, his work blends traditional Navajo techniques with a clean, contemporary approach, drawing influence from Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and Ancestral Puebloan traditions.
Over the course of this immersive weekend workshop, you will create your own contemporary corn maiden pendant, learning each step of the process as Alvin demonstrates and guides you through the techniques that define his work. Beginning with silver fabrication, you’ll develop form and surface, incorporating an alternative cuttlefish-inspired texture that adds depth and organic pattern to the piece.
You will then learn cobblestone (cornrow) inlay, carefully placing and refining natural stone to create a precise, dimensional surface. This process emphasizes control, patience, and a deeper understanding of how stone and metal come together in finished work.
Southwest Studio Sessions are designed as immersive workshops, creating space for focused instruction, observation, and hands-on practice. Working alongside Alvin offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with an advanced inlay technique while building confidence in both surface and form.
Techniques we will cover:
• Cobblestone (cornrow) inlay
• Silver fabrication and form development
• Alternative cuttlefish texturing techniques
• Stone placement and refinement
• Finishing and polishing
Materials we will use:
• Sterling silver
• A variety of natural stones
+++ Prior experience with soldering and basic fabrication is recommended..
You’ll leave with a finished contemporary corn maiden pendant, expanded technical precision, and meaningful time spent learning directly from master silversmith Alvin Yellowhorse.
Before registering for class, please review our cancellation policy here.
Southwest Studio Sessions
Inlay, Texture & Form
Exploring cobblestone inlay and alternative cuttlefish texture with Alvin Yellowhorse
Date: Saturday and Sunday, June 13 + 14 ((9:00am-5:00pm))
Our exclusive Southwest Studio Sessions programming continues with a special masterclass led by Alvin Yellowhorse, a renowned Navajo artist known for his precision, innovation, and distinctive approach to stone inlay and silverwork.
Alvin Yellowhorse is an internationally recognized, award-winning silversmith based in Lupton, Arizona. A silversmith since 1987, he learned the craft from his father, Frank Yellowhorse. Known for his precision and distinctive cobblestone inlay, his work blends traditional Navajo techniques with a clean, contemporary approach, drawing influence from Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and Ancestral Puebloan traditions.
Over the course of this immersive weekend workshop, you will create your own contemporary corn maiden pendant, learning each step of the process as Alvin demonstrates and guides you through the techniques that define his work. Beginning with silver fabrication, you’ll develop form and surface, incorporating an alternative cuttlefish-inspired texture that adds depth and organic pattern to the piece.
You will then learn cobblestone (cornrow) inlay, carefully placing and refining natural stone to create a precise, dimensional surface. This process emphasizes control, patience, and a deeper understanding of how stone and metal come together in finished work.
Southwest Studio Sessions are designed as immersive workshops, creating space for focused instruction, observation, and hands-on practice. Working alongside Alvin offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with an advanced inlay technique while building confidence in both surface and form.
Techniques we will cover:
• Cobblestone (cornrow) inlay
• Silver fabrication and form development
• Alternative cuttlefish texturing techniques
• Stone placement and refinement
• Finishing and polishing
Materials we will use:
• Sterling silver
• A variety of natural stones
+++ Prior experience with soldering and basic fabrication is recommended..
You’ll leave with a finished contemporary corn maiden pendant, expanded technical precision, and meaningful time spent learning directly from master silversmith Alvin Yellowhorse.
Before registering for class, please review our cancellation policy here.
Image 1 of 5
Image 2 of 5
Image 3 of 5
Image 4 of 5
Image 5 of 5