Don Supplee

Hopi artist Don Supplee (b. 1965) was born in Ganado, Arizona, and grew up near the Hopi Reservation in Flagstaff, Arizona. He is a member of the Hopi Bear Clan. The son of two teachers, he was encouraged early on to pursue his ambitions, which initially led him to the Culinary Institute of America. He went on to become an accomplished chef before ultimately shifting his focus to jewelry making.

Don’s transition into the arts began while working alongside his older brother, Charles Supplee, an acclaimed silversmith. What started as assisting with polishing and stone cutting quickly developed into a deeper exploration of the craft. Over several years of working closely with his brother, Don honed his skills and began developing his own distinctive style.

His work incorporates a range of techniques including metal fabrication, inlay, stone casting, and the lost wax process. He is particularly known for his use of three-dimensional carving and his striking combinations of turquoise, coral, and diamonds set in gold. Drawing inspiration from his Hopi heritage and a deep appreciation of nature, his designs reflect a balance of symbolism, symmetry, harmony, and tradition.

Don Supplee’s talent has been widely recognized. He has received numerous awards at the Annual Intertribal Ceremonial in Gallup, New Mexico, and his work has been featured in publications such as Arizona Highways and Art of the Hopi by Jerry and Lois Jacka. His pieces are included in the National Collection in Washington, D.C., and have been exhibited in major shows including Changing Hands: Art Without Reservation at the American Craft Museum in New York and Jewels of the Southwest at the Museum of Arts and Culture in New Mexico. He has also been a featured artist at institutions such as the Gilcrease Museum, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, the Eiteljorg Museum, and the Indian Craft Shop at the U.S. Department of the Interior.