Shane Hendren

Shane R. Hendren was born in the fall of 1970 in Gallup NM, 30 miles south of his hometown of Tohatchi on the Navajo Nation. As a three year old, his mother observed his desire and ability to draw. He drew what he was surrounded by - horses, cattle, cowboys, and indigenous people. As he matured, Shane continued to draw, paint and explore any creative avenue that was available to him.

Shane concentrated on art and agriculture while attending Moriarty High School at Moriarty NM. In the summer of 1987, the Marie Walsh Sharp Summer Art Institute at Colorado College recognized his work and dedication to the arts, so he was selected to study and improve his skills at the institute.

Shane studied at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe NM, graduating with a degree in Museum Management. In 1991, the Governor of New Mexico, Bruce King, recognized Shane for his artistic and academic accomplishments at IAIA.

Shortly after graduation, his creativity, design skills, and sensitivity to the handling and display of art and artifacts was recognized by the Smithsonian Institute's Museum of the American Indian in New York City. Shane was contracted to assist in the installation of their very first exhibit. Upon returning to New Mexico, he completed the installation of the inaugural exhibit at the new IAIA Museum.

Although still involved in the arts, the museum work did not satisfy Shane's personal creative needs. Therefore, he enrolled at the University of New Mexico where he graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts Degree in Studio Arts. Shane was simultaneously riding bulls professionally and producing jewelry. He became proficient at advanced metal smithing techniques such as marriage of metals, mokume-gane, and various forms of casting.

Shane has won countless awards at the New Mexico State Fair including Best of Show 2002. He has received awards at the juried shows at the Eitlejorg Museum's Indian Market, the Heard Museum's Indian Market, and Santa Fe Indian Market.

Shane has continued to produce winning work. However, his focus remains on his two children: his son, Cody, also an artist, and his daughters, Kateri, Casey and Kyra. Shane continues to push his art to the limits to show his children and the world what is possible. Shane is a true example of art imitating life.