About the Artist
Ramson is the first and only full-time Hopi glassblower, as well as a traditional katsina doll carver, jeweler, published poet, and consultant. He is also an educator on several levels. Early in his career, he was a middle school and high school teacher, and for many years, served as adjunct faculty at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. Ramson currently teaches glass art for the Hopitutuqayki (The Hopi School), an arts apprenticeship program located on the Hopi reservation. Ramson earned his B.A. degree from Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont in 1981.
Hotevilla Glassworks
Who we are
Hotevilla Glassworks is the first and only Hopi owned working glass blowing studio. In addition to the unique Hopi glass artistry of Ramson Lomatewama, the showroom features Hopi katsina dolls, Third Mesa basketry, and Ramson’s sterling silver wire jewelry. Visitors who stop by will have the opportunity to watch him work, and visit with his family who are themselves, artists. Not only do they work and create on-site, they also enjoy sharing their artistic vision and their experiences as members of this ancient culture. We do recommend calling a day or two before your visit.
Educational and Cultural Programs
Hotevilla Glassworks has always stressed the importance of cross-cultural understanding, so we view ourselves as a learning center for bridging the gap that exists in today’s society. Our conversations often span a broad spectrum of ideas and individual perspectives such as world-views, history, art, and contemporary issues. To engage dialogue among students and visitors, Ramson and his family offer a variety of workshops and programs geared toward college, museum, and other groups visiting Hopi land. Each program is designed around your specific needs. Groups may opt to include a family-style catered meal prepared by the Lomatewama family. You can select one or a combination of several meals; breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Contact us for more information.
Where we're located
Hotevilla Glassworks is located one quarter mile off Highway 264, at mile 367.9. If you’re westbound, turn onto the dirt road to the left immediately after passing mile marker 368. If your eastbound, turn right onto the dirt road one-tenth of a mile before mile marker 368. Follow the dirt road for a 45 second drive until you see a corral full of sheep. Turn to the right; we’re the cluster of houses there. If you get lost, call us. Or better yet, call us before your arrival, someone can meet you at the junction.
The "Matchbox"
Since 2005, Hotevilla Glassworks has been taking the show on the road. The Matchbox (there’s a story to this) is a traveling glass blowing studio on wheels. Ramson offers on-site demos and classes for schools that do not, or cannot, offer a glass blowing experience for students. This mobile studio has traveled to many art events and schools. We have even traveled as far as Drury University in Springfield, Illinois!
The Visiting Artist program includes glass blowing demonstrations as well as on-campus class visits. These visits are not limited to art classes; they can include cultural anthropology, sociology, and other “humanities” classes. Feel free to contact me for more information.
Visitor Comments
My experience with Hotevilla Glassworks was fantastic! Ramson was an amazing host, welcoming us to his home and introducing us to his craft as though we were family.