Emerson Abeita facts for kids

Emerson Abeita (born May 19, 1957 – died February 3, 2017) was an amazing Navajo painter. He was born in Crownpoint, New Mexico. Emerson was famous for his beautiful oil paintings.

He often painted scenes of the Navajo people, nature, and animals. His older brother, Jim Abeita, was also a well-known Navajo painter. Emerson Abeita won many awards for his artwork.

Emerson went to art schools like the American Academy of Arts in Chicago. He also studied at the Evanston Art Center in Evanston, Illinois. This was in the late 1970s and early 1980s. After his studies, he started showing his art. He also entered many art competitions.

He often won prizes at big events. These included the New Mexico State Fair and the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonials. His art was displayed in places like the New Mexico State Fair Fine Arts Gallery. It was also shown at the Gallup Public Library. Sometimes, his paintings were even used to illustrate newspapers.

Emerson Abeita's Early Life and Family

Emerson Abeita was born on May 19, 1957. His hometown was Crownpoint, New Mexico. His parents were Mary C. and Howard Abeita. Emerson was a member of the Navajo tribe. The Navajo are a large Native American tribe.

Emerson grew up in a big family. He was one of 16 children! His brothers included Jim Abeita, who also became a famous painter. Other brothers were Harrison, Roger, Vern, Ernest, and Marvin. His sisters were Maryann Tracy, Vivian Hubbard, Lorena Charles, Laverne Watchman, Vaida Black, Velma, Rosita, Debra Abeita, and Sheila Levaldo.

Emerson Abeita's Art Career

'Original Navajo horse riders near sandstone cliffs' painting by Emerson Abeita

Emerson Abeita worked as a full-time oil painter. His paintings were very colorful. He loved to show his native Navajo people and their daily lives. He also painted beautiful scenes of nature and different animals.

In 1983, Emerson won several awards. These were at the New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His award-winning paintings were part of an exhibition. It was called Retrospect 1983. His art was shown alongside other talented Native American painters. One of them was Archie Blackowl.

In 1986, Emerson won even more awards. He took both first and second prizes. This was in the "Oil painting, symbolic" category. It happened at the New Mexico State Fair. A year later, he had his own art show. This exhibition was at the Gallup Public Library. His artwork was also featured in The Indian Trader newspaper.

By 1995, Emerson had shown his art in many places. He won prizes at other big events too. These included the annual Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonials. This event was held in Gallup, New Mexico and later in Church Rock, New Mexico. He also won awards at the annual Navajo Tribal Fair and Rodeo. This fair takes place in Window Rock, Arizona.

Later in his life, Emerson also worked as a heavy equipment operator.

Emerson Abeita's Personal Life

Emerson Abeita moved from his hometown of Crownpoint, New Mexico. In 1995, he lived in Gallup. In his later years, he lived in Albuquerque. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Emerson was married to Dorene Jimmie Abeita. They had three children. Their sons were Michael and Steven Abeita. They lived in Albuquerque. Their daughter was Kala Abeita. She later lived in Grants, New Mexico.

Emerson Abeita passed away on February 3, 2017. He died in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was buried in the Crownpoint Community Cemetery. His burial took place on February 9, 2017.

See also

• Jim Abeita
• Navajo
• Evanston Art Center
• New Mexico State Fair