KIM OBRZUT

Kim Obrzut has been casting bronze for over forty years and is among the first Hopi women to work in this medium. Her sculptures are recognized nationwide for their graceful balance of tradition and contemporary form, and for the spiritual strength they embody.

Raised within the Hopi culture, Kim’s grandfather, a respected Kachina carver, was one of her earliest and most important teachers. His patience, craftsmanship, and respect for tradition shaped the foundation of her artistic path. Kim began her career working in the traditional “scrape and smooth” method used by Hopi potters for generations before discovering bronze casting as a way to bring her culture’s stories to life in a lasting form.

A graduate of Northern Arizona University, Kim earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree Summa Cum Laude in sculpture and bronze casting. Her work reflects a deep connection to the Hopi way of life, where every piece of art holds both practical and spiritual meaning.

“My work is contemporary in form, yet steeped in spiritual and symbolic content,” Kim explains. “I draw from my memories of growing up with my grandfather, who was always persistent in quality and traditional accuracy in his carvings. Those teachings continue to guide me. Through my sculptures, I hope to capture a moment in time—one that honors the Hopi people and preserves our traditions for generations to come.”

Kim’s sculptures are included in museum collections and prestigious galleries across the United States. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, including Southwest Art, and she has received awards from national art shows and museums.

Through her art, Kim continues to share the spirit, beauty, and strength of the Hopi people, bridging ancient traditions with the timeless art of bronze.