Janet Keeler Wilcox
Contributing writer
Robert and Joan Hosler have developed close friendships with Ute and Navajo artists throughout San Juan County. When Mr. and Mrs. Hosler moved to Blanding in 1966, Bob was initially hired by Bruce Shumway as a social worker.
Shortly thereafter, he began teaching silversmithing at San Juan High School. From his 1981 to his 1996 he taught for 15 years and was an adviser to the India Club as well as a general counselor to the students in his class. They talked with him on all different topics. He enjoyed sharing information and solving their problems and problems.
Bob learned both silversmithing and goldsmithing by study and practice. He also became proficient in the art of lapidary, developing the ability to cut and shape turquoise and other semi-precious stones.
He taught many students at SJHS these early stages of silversmithing. Many of them went on to develop skills that would eventually bring them income.
Students enjoy attending his classes, he spends many lunch hours and after school hours, and on birthdays, Christmas, and other special occasions students can come and complete their projects. I made it possible.
They enjoyed the process of planning and completing each project knowing they could seek out and obtain the support and training they needed to complete the project.
As his son Brett explains: He always chose seniors to help younger students learn skills and keep the class orderly.
“I’ve had many great seniors over the years, but one that comes to mind is my current teacher, Mike Bowers.”
Bob and Lee Smith were usually responsible for cooking dutch oven dishes for their teachers’ year-end parties. They did that for most of the years he worked there.
Bob and Joan have never met a stranger. Over the years they have remembered your name, where you are from and what kind of art you like.
Bob was fluent in four languages: Navajo, Ute, German, and English, and knew many words in several other languages. Before he joined Branding in 1966, he managed several trading posts for the Hoots and Tanner families in or near Gallup, New Mexico.
Thin Bear Indian Arts started shortly after Bob and Joan moved to Blanding. People contacted Bob asking if they could get rugs, baskets, sand paintings, rings, and other jewelry.
At first all requests and art were kept in the bedroom, but eventually Joan asked Bob not to keep the art in the bedroom anymore. Crowded!
Bob’s solution was to open his first small store in front of his home at 445 West 200 South in Branding. In 1972 he opened the current location of Simbea Indian Arts at 1944 South Main Street.
The Hoslers were able to provide a place at Thin Bear for the more than 40 silversmiths Bob trained and hired to make his jewelry.
Other local artists exhibited at Thin Bear include Rose Keith (Navajo rug and blanket weaver), Mary Black and the Family (weaving wedding baskets), and Harry Warren (buckskin paintings, paintings). , jewelry) and sand paintings by David Mays.
The hardest part of running a small business is securing enough capital to keep the business running. There were times when sales were strong, and other times when we had long periods of drought with little income.
But the best part is meeting and making so many great friends locally and around the world.
“We love our Native American friends, the Navajo, the Hopi, and the Ute. Did.
Another great Shin Bear tradition that continues today is delivering bags of oranges and grapefruits before Christmas. This effort began in 1974 after an art show in Arizona.
Being a true trader, Bob negotiated with the Orange Patch owner. The orange and grapefruit were so delicious and an instant hit with the kids. The following year he took it home to sell and trade.
People loved them and talked about having them next year. Thus, the annual orange deliveries have continued him for nearly 50 years.
The Thin Bear business is closed, but once a year the doors are opened for Christmas gifts from Hosler to Branding.