Leona Caldwell was a noted figure in Arizona’s modernist craft movement. Based in Scottsdale, her work celebrated cultural themes and graphics of the southwest. Born Leona Holly on May 31, 1912 - on a farm near Peoria, Arizona - she was the first of five children born to Bob and Bessie Holly. Leona married Ralph W. Caldwell, Jr. in 1933. During WWII she attended the Arizona State Teachers College, located in Tempe, to study art. Following her husband's death in 1954, Leona established a ceramic studio in Phoenix, which she later expanded.

 

Leona Caldwell Originals, her retail shop, was opened in the respected Kiva Craft Center on Fifth Avenue in Scottsdale. Leona Caldwell became a central figure in the Scottsdale modern craft movement - which included Lloyd Kiva, Charles Loloma, Paolo Soleri, and many others. She created ceramic jewelry and garments silkscreened with original designs inspired by Hohokam artifacts, animals, and plants of the Southwestern desert. Leona Caldwell retired in 1978, and died April 19, 2003.  This exhibition and sale features work from the Leona Caldwell Family Archives. 

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Demion Clinco, 2019

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Leona Caldwell • from the Family Archives

Opening Reception: Friday, October 4, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Exhibition runs October 5 – November 17, 2019

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Sunshine Shop Tucson works in Partnership with Patrica Konomos - Leona's daughter - in offering Leona Caldwell Original Ceramic Jewelry and Silkscreen Fabric Fashions & Goods for sale. Currently available in Sunshine Shop's storefront, and soon to be offered on our online store.  

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