Navajo artist Chester Kahn, 72, is a humble man, says his niece Seowah Kahn, someone who is "not in the habit of elevating himself” -- except perhaps to climb a scaffold to paint one of his renowned murals.


Chester Kahn - Photo courtesy Gallup Independent Mr. Kahn a long-time Baha'i, worked for seven years on a mural that adorns the walls of the Ellis Tanner Trading Company in Gallup, N.M., one reason why he recently received the 2008 Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial Living Treasure award.

Called “Circle of Light,” the mural is composed of 65 portraits that vividly portray past and present Navajo notables -- visual and performing artists, writers, politicians and leaders (including Mr. Kahn, at Mr. Tanner’s insistence) -- plus the unsung heroes of the Navajo community.

Mr. Kahn “has created a life’s work that has probably been seen and enjoyed by more Navajos and Native Americans than any other artist’s work of his generation,” says the Gallup Independent.

The portraits, which required Mr. Kahn to do extensive research, inspired the Circle of Light Navajo Educational Project (CLNEP), which aims to educate Navajo young people about the history, culture and positive contributions of the Navajo people.

Being an artist and a Baha'i go hand in hand, Ms. Kahn says, as “the Faith counts working in the arts, sciences and crafts as worship." This double purpose pleases Mr. Kahn’s niece, who says her uncle’s Navajo name, Tso Yazzy, means “one who is a born leader.” 

Mr. Kahn displayed his artistic talents early on by illustrating pieces of cardboard and canyon walls while herding sheep. He eventually was commissioned to create works and teach at Indian schools.

The father of six distinguished himself by being not only a professional illustrator, but also a painter (including signs and billboards), fabric designer and silversmith. Among the books he has illustrated are: Warriors of the Rainbow; Strange Journey: The Vision Life of a Psychic Indian Woman; and The Winds Erase your Footprints.


Chester Kahn (front row, right) was a member of the National Spiritual
Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States from 1982 to 1989 Mr. Kahn and his extended family are active members of the Baha'i Faith. He served on the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States from 1982 to 1989. He was key in the establishment of the Native American Baha'i Institute near his home in Houck, Ariz., and has lectured on the Faith throughout the world.