Rosie Yellowhair

Navajo artist Rosie Yellowhair was born April 16, 1950 in Fort Defiance, Arizona. Rosie grew up in Steamboat, Arizona which is located in a remote area of the Navajo Reservation. She completed High School at Phoenix Indian School. Rosie is a single parent of four children, three sons and a daughter. She currently resides in Upper Fruitland, New Mexico.

Rosie began sandpainting in 1983 and has taken the art of sandpaintings to spectacular heights.  Having been raised traditionally among relatives who were all Medicine Men, Rosie learned about many different sandpainting ceremonies. From recollection of these experiences came much inspiration. She credits her uncle, Leo Begay, and grandfather.

Rosie collects and grinds her own sand ranging in color from soft pastels to the more traditional earth tones. It takes her about six months to complete a large sandpainting due to the intricate designs she incorporates in each piece. This strong dedication to quality and workmanship has become her trademark.  

In 1987, Rosie was awarded Best in Class at the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup, New Mexico. This was the first time a sandpainting took top honors over all paintings (oil, watercolor, acrylic, etc.)  Her work has been featured in many publications including Arizona Highways and the book, “Enduring Traditions”.