Delayne Reeves

Born May 25, 1990, Delayne Reeves is the son of acclaimed silversmith Sunshine Reeves and talented weaver Michele Laughing Reeves. His clans include Ashiihi Nishli, Nakai Diné Baaschiin, Tsinaatini Daa Shi Cheii, Hoghan Lanii Daa Shi Nali: Salt People, Mexican Navajo, Black Streak, and Many Houses.

Delayne grew up surrounded by jewelry-making traditions, often watching his father, Sunshine Reeves work in his Albuquerque shop alongside master silversmith Harry Morgan, as well as his uncles Gary Reeves, David Reeves, and Darrell Cadman. At age seven, Delayne began experimenting with copper stamping under his uncle Gary’s guidance. That same year, he entered a small concho belt in the 1997 Santa Fe Indian Market and won a Blue Ribbon in the Youth Division, launching his career at an early age.

Although he continued making pieces occasionally, Delayne shifted his focus during his teenage years to school and music, particularly guitar. After high school, he attended college briefly before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served from 2012 to 2017.

Following his military service, Delayne returned home north of Gallup, New Mexico, to pursue silversmithing full-time. Drawing inspiration and knowledge from his father and uncles, he continues to refine his stampwork style while carrying forward the celebrated legacy of the Reeves family.