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Percy Tsisete Sandy
Kai-Sa (Red Moon)
Kai-Sa (Percy Tsisete Sandy).jpg
Born 1918
Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico
Died 1974
Nationality Zuni, American
Known for gouache watercolor painting
Spouse(s) Peggy Mirabel

Percy Tsisete Sandy (born 1918) was a talented Zuni artist. His Zuni name was Kai-Sa, which means 'Red Moon'. He often signed his beautiful paintings with this name.

About Percy Sandy

Percy Sandy, or Kai-Sa, was born in 1918 on the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico. He began painting when he was very young. He attended Zuni Day School, where he started his artistic journey. Later, he studied art in different places. These included programs in Albuquerque, at the Sherman Institute in California, and at the Santa Fe Indian School in Santa Fe.

Family Life

Kai-Sa married Peggy Mirabel. Peggy was from Taos Pueblo, so they moved to Taos, New Mexico. Together, they had three sons and one daughter.

Art and Support

After moving to Taos, Kai-Sa met Helene Wurlitzer. She was a kind person who helped many artists in New Mexico. Helene was so impressed by Kai-Sa's art that she decided to support him. She set up a special account for him at a local art store. This allowed him to get all the supplies he needed for his paintings. In 1955, he also received a special grant from her foundation.

What He Painted

Kai-Sa's paintings often showed important ceremonies from Native communities. He painted scenes from Zuni, Taos, Apache, and Navajo cultures. He was especially known for his watercolor and gouache paintings. These often featured Kachina figures and dancers. He also created large paintings called murals. You can find his murals at the La Fonda Hotel in Taos. He also painted murals at the Black Rock School and Black Rock Hospital in New Mexico.

In 1940, Kai-Sa shared his goal as an artist. He said he wanted to show the customs of his people in an artistic and true way. He was a member of the Zuni tribe. His works showing Zuni ceremonies sometimes caused discussions within the pueblo.

In 1959, Kai-Sa was in an accident. This sometimes made it hard for him to paint. However, he kept showing his artwork to the public.

Where His Art Is Kept

Percy Sandy's artwork is displayed in many important museums. These museums keep his paintings as part of their permanent collections. Some of these places include:

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