Mitchell Sockyma Jr.

Mitchell is  member of the Bear Clan of the Hopi Native People. He was born and raised in the village of Mishongnovi. Mishongnovi is located on the second of the Hopi's Three Mesas, northeast of Flagstaff. 

​

Coming from an artist family, including his father Mitchell Sockyma Sr. who is well known for his overlay jewelry, Mitchell started his artistic journey at a young age. Becoming a tuhisa (artist) Hopi in grade school, Mitchell grew up painting, carving, and jewelry making. He has been inspired and encouraged by the community of artists around him.

​

Mitchell put his art career on hold upon graduating high school and joining the Marines and resumed his art after leaving the Marines in 2014. For the past 7 years Mitchell has been crafting his beautiful gourds, which he sources from a gourd farm in Casa Grande, AZ.