About

 

Formally in Navajo:

Yá’át’ééh, shi éí Tawny Atcitty yinishyé. Bít’ah’nii nishli. Kinyaa’áanii báshíshchíín. Hashtłʼishnii  da shichei. Tłʼááshcí’i da shinálí. Ákót’éego diné asdzáán nishłį́.

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My name is Tawny Townsend my maiden last name is Atcitty. I am 100% Diné born in Shiprock, NM (You can read my clans above). My mother is from Sweetwater, NM and I reside in Albuquerque, NM with my husband and 3 dogs. I'm currently enrolled at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, NM.

I am originally from Arizona before relocating to NM in 2019. Thanks to my mother I have ALWAYS been interested in the arts. She showed me so many different varieties from weaving, pottery, beading, etc. I was immersed in a lot of art forms both traditional and common. I never knew about silversmithing or metal working until a couple years prior to my move to NM in 2017. I took 1 simple 90 minute class at a studio in Phoenix, AZ and a passion was born! I have been a full-time 1st generation silversmith for 3 years now. Although, I do not have many hours in the field I hope to share my love for my culture through my jewelry.

Thank-you for giving me a beautiful 3 years in my career! I could not have done it without you all.