Gail Bird and Yazzie Johnson: Spring 2026

The Owings Gallery is pleased to present a new exhibition of recent work by acclaimed jewelers Gail Bird and Yazzie Johnson. Collaborating since the 1970s, their partnership stands among the most enduring and influential in contemporary Indigenous jewelry. Over decades, their shared artistic vision has developed a distinct visual language defined by precision and material sensitivity.

This spring, the exhibition brings together a focused selection of new work that advances their exploration of form, balance, and meaning. Drawing from the landscapes and histories of the American Southwest, their jewelry reflects a sustained engagement with place while addressing broader contemporary concerns.

Their latest work continues a disciplined process of experimentation. Grounded in Indigenous perspectives and informed by modern design principles, the work moves between tradition and innovation with clarity and restraint, resulting in forms that are both visually compelling and conceptually rigorous. Beyond the studio, Bird and Johnson have contributed significantly to the field through leadership, exhibitions, and curatorial initiatives, expanding the visibility and critical understanding of Indigenous jewelry.