“SAINT KATERI” by Estella Loretto, Jemez Pueblo Sculptor Commissioned for the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe, NM

UNVEILING OF “SAINT KATERI” AT THE CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI, SANTA FE, NM Right: The Most Reverend Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, NM, presiding over the Unveiling of “Saint Kateri”, the commissioned bronze sculpture by Estella Loretto, on the steps of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in downtown Santa Fe, August 16, Estella stand to his right. Left: Archbishop Sheehan offering blessings with a traditional eagle feather and pottery bowl, surrounded by members of the Pueblos of Northern New Mexico, and other followers of Saint Kateri.

UNVEILING OF “SAINT KATERI” AT THE CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI, SANTA FE, NM Eagle Dancers and Ceremonial Drummers from Jemez Pueblo Estella Loretto with members of her family on the steps of the Cathedral. “To be able to create beauty with my hands is a gift; it is an honor for me to be an artist. My art is inspired by nature, and the beauty of life’s unfolding. My art is rooted in, but not confined by my cultural traditions. I see the making of art as a process that entails a sincere and beautiful way of communicating with the Great Spirit.” — Estella Loretto

UNVEILING OF “SAINT KATERI” AT THE CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI, SANTA FE, NM Left, Estella Loretto receiving recognition from Archbishop Michael Sheehan inside the Cathedral. Right, outdoors after the unveiling, Archbishop Sheehan, Estella, members of the Pueblos of Northern New Mexico, and other followers of Saint Kateri gather in celebration. “Saint Kateri” represents the faith of all Native American people; She stands as a symbol of intercultural harmony.

Above, Estella Loretto working on a smaller version of “Saint Kateri” in her studio in Santa Fe. She has been inspired to create smaller sculptures of Kateri, including a line of jewelry. Right, “Saint Kateri” welcomes all who visit the Cathedral. (photo courtesy of “The New Mexican”) “SAINT KATERI”

ESTELLA LORETTO Estella Loretto with Saint Kateri, the second in the edition, nearing completion at her studio in the summer of Learn more about Estella Loretto at her website: Biography Estella Loretto is currently the only Native American woman working in monumental bronze sculpting. She is recognized internationally as one of the finest sculptors living today. Estella's genuine spiritual nature defines her commitment to integrity and authenticity in her art and in her life. She studied and trained with mentors including her mother, her grandmother, and most notably with Native American sculptor Allen Houser-Haozous. She was his last student before his death in Estella left her native New Mexican home at the Pueblo of Jemez at age 15 and traveled the world for eight years studying with remarkable artists in Italy, Japan, India, Nepal, Mexico, New Zealand, and Australia. Estella's work has always reflected her highly internalized spiritual vision of the world, an intimate legacy of her Pueblo background that is manifested in her artistic creations as well as her home which is a sanctuary of beauty. Her work is held in numerous prestigious public and private art collections including: NM State Capital Art Foundation, Albuquerque Museum; All Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Museum, Institute of American Indian Arts Museum; The Heard Museum; as well as in the collections of First Lady Laura Bush, Senator Pete Dominici, NM Governor Bill Richardson, and the President Ronald Reagan Collection.