Northern Navajo Fair Poster Represents Spiritual Heartbeat

“Spiritual Heartbeat.”

That’s how master artist Cal Nez describes his winning artistry of the Oldest and Most

Traditional Navajo Nation Fair - the Northern Navajo Fair.

Nez was selected as the poster artist winner of the 113th Annual Northern Navajo Fair,

which will be held on October 1-4, 2026 in Shiprock, New Mexico.

It must’ve been fate to get selected because he was born on October 4th here in Shiprock, New Mexico during the Northern Navajo Fair, formally Shiprock Fair.

Nez said being born on October 4th during the Northern Navajo Fair is a “life-long

personal connection.”

His traditional upbringing began in a small Navajo community called Tocito where he

was raised traditionally by his grandparents Bitonie and Mary B. Nez.

He has more than 40 years of experience as a noted graphic designer and created logos

for various departments, branches and enterprises of the Navajo Nation. Some of these designs were for the Navajo Tourism Department, Navajo Nation Fair Office, Miss Navajo Office, Legislative Branch of the Navajo Nation, Navajo Petroleum, and the Tse’hootsooi’ Medical Center.

On a national level, he also designed the official grand opening poster for the

Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

He has come full circle.

After living in Baja California, Mexico and Salt Lake City for many years, Nez said he

has returned to the Navajo reservation to begin a new journey in his life.

Today, he spends much of his time perfecting his skills as a fine artist.

His winning illustration is called “The Arrival,” which depicts a sunset scene as two

Yeiibecheiis travel across the horizon and make their way toward the ceremonial grounds in Shiprock.

It took him six hours to create his artwork, which embodies the sacred spirit of the

Yeiibicheii Ceremony.

Nez said he is inspired by his grandparents who instilled the importance of the Navajo

language and traditional Navajo teachings.

He noted that he has deep respect for the traditional way of life.

“It forms the spiritual and cultural foundation of my work,” Nez explained. “Being raised

in Tocito with traditional teachings and language guides the authentic stories, sacred themes and traditional respect I bring to the canvas.”

Nez added, “I am now focused on transitioning fully into master fine arts. Visual

communication and painting have been central to my life from an early age, grounded in ancient cultural roots.”

He said art is not merely aesthetic.

“It is a sacred responsibility to preserve the truth, memory and culture. My journey away

from the Navajo Nation to Salt Lake City and Baja California, Mexico brought me back home to New Mexico to serve our people through art.”

Nez said it is a unique honor to be the winning artist for the Northern Navajo Fair poster

because Shiprock is where it all began.

Little did he know that one day he would pay tribute to the “Oldest and Most Traditional

Navajo Fair” through his creativity.

“I am deeply honored that “The Arrival” was selected among heavy competition. I

sincerely thank the Northern Navajo Fair committee.”

The Northern Navajo Fair has a showcase of many events, however, Nez stated, “We

must never forget that the Yeiibicheii Ceremony is the spiritual heartbeat and foundation of the fair.”