Biography

Kim Seyesnem Obrzut has been casting bronze for over forty years and is the first Hopi woman to work in this medium. Her sculptures are recognized nationwide for their graceful balance of tradition and contemporary form, and for the spiritual strength they embody.
Raised within the Hopi culture, Kim’s grandfather, a respected Kachina carver, was one of her earliest and most important teachers. His patience, craftsmanship, and respect for tradition shaped the foundation of her artistic path. Kim began her career working in the traditional “scrape and smooth” method used by Hopi potters for generations before discovering bronze casting as a way to bring her culture’s stories to life in a lasting form.
A graduate of Northern Arizona University, Kim earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree Summa Cum Laude in sculpture and bronze casting. Her work reflects a deep connection to the Hopi way of life, where every piece of art holds both practical and spiritual meaning.
“My work is contemporary in form, yet steeped in spiritual and symbolic content,” Kim explains. “I draw from my memories of growing up with my grandfather, who was always persistent in quality and traditional accuracy in his carvings. Those teachings continue to guide me. Through my sculptures, I hope to capture a moment in time—one that honors the Hopi people and preserves our traditions for generations to come.”
Kim’s sculptures are included in museum collections and prestigious galleries across the United States. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, including Southwest Art, and she has received awards from national art shows and museums.
Through her art, Kim continues to share the spirit, beauty, and strength of the Hopi people, bridging ancient traditions with the timeless art of bronze.
Awards
Best of Fine Art – Castle Rock Art Fest, Castle Rock, CO
Best in Sculpture – La Quinta Art Festival, La Quinta, CA
Artist to Watch – Santa Fe Indian Market, Santa Fe, NM
Best in Show – La Encantada Fine Art Festival, Tucson, AZ
Best in Show – Tubac Center of the Arts Festival, Tubac, AZ

Gallery Representation
Exposures International Gallery – Sedona, AZ
Bronze Coast Gallery – Cannon Beach, OR
Sorrel Sky Gallery – Santa Fe, NM

Selected Exhibitions & Art Festivals
Castle Rock Art Fest – Castle Rock, CO
La Quinta Art Festival – La Quinta, CA
Tubac Center of the Arts Festival – Tubac, AZ
La Encantada Fine Art Festival – Tucson, AZ
Santa Fe Indian Market – Santa Fe, NM
Fountain Hills Festival of Arts & Crafts – Fountain Hills, AZ
St. George Art Festival – St. George, UT
Oro Valley Festival of the Arts – Oro Valley, AZ
High Street Fine Art Show – Phoenix, AZ