Pacific Western Traders

SCULPTORS

Sheldon Peters
Sioux/Washo/Paiute

A skilled painter in oils and watercolors for many years, more recently Sheldon has worked mostly in stone sculpture using alabaster and soapstone from California and Utah. Taught as a child that rocks are sacred and possess a spiritual teaching, he explains that is the reason rocks are used in Indian spiritual ceremonies such as sweat lodges and other healing practices.

Born in 1946 in Minnesota, Sheldon grew up on the Lower Sioux Indian Reservation there, the youngest of eight children. He attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico and the Ray-Vogue School of Design in Chicago from 1965 to 1969. Drafted into the military in 1969, he served in Vietnam and was awarded the bronze medal while there. Returning home, he worked at the Walt Disney Studios in Southern California as an artistic consultant, developed displays for the New Disney World in Florida and various Disney movie productions, and participated in numerous art shows with the Disney organization.

In 1976 he moved to Hawaii, attending the University of Hawaii. Shortly afterwards he made his television acting debut on "Sesame Street," where he was a featured actor for four years. Returning to Los Angeles, he affiliated with the American Indian Registry for Actors and participated in many of their productions. He appeared in two feature films: "Dances With Wolves" and "Son of the Morningstar," co-starred in an episode of "L.A. Law" and in "Miracle in the Wilderness." Film and television work provided him the freedom to pursue his first love -- fine art.

Sheldon's work has been presented in galleries throughout Southern California and at Pacific Western Traders in Folsom.

Pictured above: "Eagleman." Soapstone 19" x 14" $1,200.00

Click on image for larger front-back view.

Frank LaPena
Wintu-Nomtipom

See Paintings for Biography

"Sacred Dog"
Length 10 1/2" Height 7 1/2" Bronze
$1,200

John Howell

John Howell, well known for his ceramic sculptures, was born in Auburn, Placer County, California, November 8, 1951, a descendant of California pioneers. He attended Chabot College in Hayward and Sierra College in Rocklin, California. His work has been shown throughout northern California and Nevada and received numerous awards.

A specialty popular with museums and schools as well as collectors, is his distinctive interpretation of Native California subjects, reflecting the varied aspects of tribal life. A selection of these is usually available at PWT, along with other examples of his imaginative and often humorous creations, inspired by California's colorful past.

Pictured above:"Maidu Toto Dance"
Diameter 12" - 13 1/2" w/wood base - Height 6"
$300

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