The Chorus

This mural consists of superimposed masks in shades of orange, turquoise, red-pinks, and brown. Hardin uses these overlapping, stylized faces to suggest a ritual chant. She says of her painting, "I am expressing music through color." The contemporary style of this mural is in direct contrast to the naturalistic style of the other exterior murals. The artist signs her paintings with her Tewa name, Tsa-sah-wee-eh, Little Standing Spruce, followed by a stylized tree symbol. 

The Artist

Helen Hardin (1943–1984) is the daughter of famed Pueblo artist Pablita Velarde (Santa Clara Pueblo). Helen moved away from her mother's traditionalism of depicting Pueblo life to develop her own distinctive, contemporary style. Hardin became known for her complex works that combined colorful images and symbols of her Native heritage with modern abstract art techniques. Helen studied at the Universities of New Mexico and Arizona, and had her first one-woman show at the age of 19. She received awards for her work at the Heard Art Show, Scottsdale National Indian Arts Exhibition, Philbrook Art Center, the Santa Fe Indian Market, and the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial at Gallup, New Mexico. Her work is also in many private collections.

© All murals are copyrighted, and cannot be used or duplicated without express permission from the copyright holders. You can purchase select mural images on stone magnets available exclusively through the Indian Pueblo Store. SHOP HERE