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Romance & You (Articles)

People You Should Know

Janet Smith
Hozhoni Gallery
Naperville, Illinois

www.hozhonigallery.com


It was a sunny fall afternoon when I entered the Hozhoni Gallery located in downtown Naperville, Illinois. I was taking a break from work and relished the pleasure of browsing the various shops. Since I adore the arts, I stepped into the gallery to view the various pieces on display. I was enchanted!

The pottery, jewelry, and other items captured my attention. To add to the pleasant experience was the staff. Warm solicitous smiles greeted me. Meticulously making my way around the gallery, I enjoyed learning about the artists and viewing their work. I was excited about the experience and wanted to find out more about the Hozhoni Gallery.

Fate has a marvelous way of intervening in each life. My afternoon meanderings that sunny fall afternoon gave me the great opportunity to make an appointment with Janet Smith, the owner of the Hozhoni Gallery. 

Janet and I met over coffee before the holidays, and it felt like two friends coming together for a chat. Her enthusiasm and deep passion for her work is inspirational.  I invite you to share that experience as I tell you about Janet and the Hozhoni Gallery.  Enjoy!

_________________________


The Beginning

The year 1971 was a pivotal fork in the road for Janet Smith. While visiting her brother in the southwest United States, her passion for Native American culture bloomed. She partnered and opened a gallery where she spent 14 years bringing the beauty of Native American art to the Midwest. Janet fulfilled her dream and opened her first gallery in 1996 and called it Hozhoni. Located in charming downtown Naperville, Illinois, the "place of beauty" touches the heart and soul of those who visit. Janet expanded her business by opening a new gallery in Seattle, Washington in February 2003.

The Experience at the Hozhoni Gallery

Meaning of Hozhoni:
Comes from the word "Hozho" which means, "harmony." The concept of harmony is foundational in southwestern Native American culture.

Owning her own galleries have afforded Janet the opportunity to "do business in a different way." She embraced her work as "cooperative instead of competitive" which has allowed her to "do business in the Native American way" with her staff, Native American artists, and community efforts. In other words - working together as a team.  The gallery has provided Janet the unique venue of sharing the gift of Native American culture with others.

Janet knows her artists. 
The Hozhoni Gallery features sterling silver and 14-karat gold jewelry, Pueblo pottery, Hopi Katsinas, Zuni fetishes, basketry, drums, sculpture, sandpaintings, and other one-of-a-kind pieces.

Janet mentioned that she opened the Hozhoni Gallery because she wanted to provide a venue for shoppers to purchase a unique gift. In creating the perfect environment to display the many pieces her gallery sells, Janet also wanted to give visitors a place "to check out of life for a while." Shoppers feel welcome and appreciate the warm experience as the staff shares stories of the artists. Janet has often been told there is a "lightheartedness and energy" about the gallery.

Sharing Knowledge with Others

Janet is active in the community with regard to sharing her experience and knowledge of the Native American arts and culture. A lecture program entitled, "Surrounding By Beauty: My Love Affair with Indian Art" has been presented with audiences throughout the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.

Janet said that she "endeavors to make my presentations entertaining, educational, and inspiring." The purpose is to reach her audience through stories and convey "the spirit of the Native American people and learn more and support their culture and efforts." Janet believes that "our nation faces the risk of losing an important aspect of our historical culture." Her speaking engagements allow her to inspire others by sharing the rich and varied culture of Native Americans.

Other important work includes Janet’s assistance in creating the Shingoethe Center for Native American Cultures at Aurora University, Aurora, Illinois. She serves on the Native American Educational Committee at the College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Janet brings her experience with Native American culture as a director on the board for the Indian Arts and Crafts Association. She is also active with the Southwest Association on Indian Affairs and has participated as a judge at the Santa Fe Indian Market, New Mexico.*  

*For more information on the upcoming event held August 21-22, 2004, contact Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) at 505-983-5220, a not-for-profit organization established in 1922 to support and strengthen American Indian cultures.

Hozhoni Gallery -2 (Continue)