Join us for Storytelling in the Garden.

The Olive Rush Historic Artist Home and Garden and Juan Martinez of San Ildefonso Pueblo (descendant of potter Maria Martinez) are proud to present a storytelling hour in the garden with Ruben Saufkie Sr.

Ruben is a Hopi artist of the Water (Patki) Clan who has been creating jewelry since 1988. Born and raised in the village of Shungopavi on Second Mesa, Ruben continues a celebrated family legacy — his grandfather, Paul Saufkie, was a pioneering figure in Hopi silversmithing and an instructor for the historic Veterans’ Classes of 1948, while his uncle, Lawrence Saufkie, was a renowned silversmith in his own right. Inspired by this lineage, Ruben studied jewelry making at the Hopi Guild before launching his career.

His jewelry serves not only as adornment but also as a vessel for storytelling and healing, offering glimpses into his life journey and spiritual beliefs.

Ruben will share his knowledge of symbols seen throughout painting, pottery, and jewelry in the Hopi culture and universally in indigenous cultures.

Olive Rush's bountiful garden provides a relaxing environment to listen and reflect. Juan will introduce Ruben, and open and close the storytelling session with prayer.