ZUNI, NM (June 27, 2025) — May and June have been exciting months for art students at the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project. ZYEP’s three Advanced Artist Apprentices recently completed their six-month program, while the top three students in the Emerging Artist Apprenticeship showcased their Pueblo embroidery at the 14th Annual Pueblo Fiber Arts Show at the Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino near Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The three Advanced Artist Apprentices were Ryanna Waatsa-Kaskalla, 17 (watercolor painting); Janiece “Dawa” Chapella, 18 (Pueblo cooking); and Mary Peynetsa, 20 (cross-stitching). All three young people were recognized as top-three students in their respective 2024 Emerging Artist Apprenticeships, which made them eligible for the advanced program in 2025.
Their advanced apprenticeships began on Nov. 18 and concluded with the Grand Canyon Cultural Demonstration Program on May 13-15. According to Elroy Natachu Jr., ZYEP’s arts coordinator, the advanced apprenticeship program gave the three young artists valuable opportunities on multiple levels.
“They learned where their art can take them,” he explained. “They started to see possible avenues for how to earn an income. And, the program’s leadership components allowed them to become ambassadors for our community, understanding the importance of using their voices as artists. I think that was an eye-opener for them.
“They were hesitant at first, wondering if their skills and presentation were good enough,” he continued. “But they developed self-reliance, learning what they are capable of and that their artistic voices were in them all along. The program gave them courage and know-how, and they learned where they can push themselves.”
In the wake of this transformative experience, Natachu said all three students are continuing to create artwork, experimenting with styles and looking toward the future. Along the way, they will be able to use ZYEP as an ongoing resource.
“We’re always here to answer questions and take care of them,” he said. “They are welcome to use our art studio space when we’re open, even if they aren’t part of a formal program. And if we can’t help with something, we will direct them to someone in the community who can.”
The next cohort of Advanced Artist Apprentices will begin their six-month program in the fall.
ZYEP’s Emerging Artist Apprentices have been busy as well. On May 10, the top three students from the January-March embroidery apprenticeship participated in the 14th Annual Pueblo Fiber Arts Show at the Buffalo Thunder Casino Resort in the Pueblo of Pojoaque, roughly 15 miles north of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The show was hosted by the New Mexico Pueblo Fiber Arts Guild in partnership with the Poeh Cultural Center and the School for Advanced Research (home to the Indian Arts Research Center). According to Kandis Quam, ZYEP’s arts leader, this was a first-time experience for ZYEP art students.
“It was amazing,” said Quam, who co-chaperoned the trip with Liam Simplicio, a former ZYEP arts leader. “I always wanted to take kids to this show, but we didn’t have an opportunity until now.”
Quam said the three students — Kollin Chavez, 22, Vanicka Neha, 22, and Jensen Homer, 18 — worked very hard to prepare for the textile show. They put long hours and even a few all-nighters into their craft.
“They were nervous, but they pulled out all the stops,” she said. “It was worth it. They completely sold out during the show, and they were thrilled. You could see it in their faces.
“Kollin, in particular, was apprehensive,” she continued. “He was notified of his participation just a couple of weeks before the show. He was the first to sell out! He was so happy and proud.”
The three young students had plenty of opportunities to talk with customers at the textile show, sharing information about Zuni Pueblo, Zuni culture and their own creative journeys. They talked with other vendors as well, making connections and building relationships.
“They really caught the art show bug, which is always cool to see,” Quam said. “I was born into this occupation, and sometimes I forget that not everyone comes from this background. So it’s fun for me to be able to share the tips and tricks I’ve learned over my lifetime.”
In their 10-week Emerging Artist Apprenticeship program, the young art students learned how to talk with customers, find what works best for them individually, define what success means and embrace the idea that the journey is all about trial and error. Quam said she wanted the students to understand that they can make the journey their own, and they need to be willing to try new things.
“Don’t be afraid to fail,” she said. “You will, at some point. Get back up and dust yourself off. You never know what could happen unless you try, and the person who will benefit — or not — is you. I can offer the tools, but you have to do the work.”
Quam noted that the Emerging Artist Apprenticeship is a gentle way to ease young art students into the art show world, giving them opportunities to learn about the cost of materials, how to handle travel expenses and even how to make decisions like where to eat after the show. Art shows are a critical component of the experience.
The embroidery apprenticeship concluded with a showcase for all students at the Ancestral Rich Treasures of Zuni (ARTZ) Cooperative Gallery on March 28. The textile show on May 10 was a reward trip for the top three students.
“They worked so hard,” Quam reflected. “This was our way of saying, ‘Good job!’
They’ve gained so many new skills, and we’ve offered our advice on how to move forward. It’s so much fun to see their new lives as working artists!”
At press time, ZYEP’s current cohort of Emerging Artist Apprentices was midway through their 10-week apprenticeship, under the direction of Breydon Othole and Mia Sutanto. Ten students ages 14-22 are studying painting and graphic arts at Ho’n A:wan Park — and learning the skills needed to showcase and sell their own work in just a few weeks.
ZYEP launched the popular and groundbreaking Artist Apprenticeship Program in 2022 for an initial three-year run. This year, it renewed the program for a second three-year term with the support of the Bezos Family Foundation, Ancestral Rich Treasures of Zuni (ARTZ) Cooperative and First Nations Development Institute.
To learn more about the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project and its programs, and for information about making donations, partnering with ZYEP, and volunteering, call (505) 782-8000 or visit zyep.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest news and events, follow the nonprofit youth organization on Facebook (/zuniyouthenrichmentproject), Instagram (@zuniyouthenrichmentproject), YouTube (/ZuniYouth), and TikTok (/zyep09)
Founded in 2009, the nonprofit Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is dedicated to promoting resilience among Zuni youth so they will grow into strong, healthy adults who are connected with Zuni traditions. ZYEP fulfills its mission by providing positive role models, enriching programs, and nurturing spaces that contribute to the healthy development of Zuni youth. ZYEP strives to provide every child with the encouragement and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
