Kachinas handcarved by Mike Aguirre

Posted by: Toni Hopper

DUNCAN, Okla. - Mike Aguirre is a kachina doll carver, knife crafter and jewelry maker. The exhibition at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center features 14 of his kachinas, plus one authentic Hopi kachina that was gifted to him by Marlon Huma. Aguirre, who is now 72, has been carving kachinas from the root of cottonwood trees, since he first became fascinated with them in the 1980s after a trip to Santa Fe, NM. He also uses deer antlers to carve knife handles and peace pipes and has created numerous pieces of jewelry with turquoise and other stones.

This is Toni Hopper's first exhibit to oversee. She is a PR & Marketing Coordinator and digital curator for the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center. Hopper is the photographer for the museum and has carefully photographed each kachina and display.

Aguirre's artist reception, which is free to the public, will be 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015. The exhibition opened Jan. 9 and will be open daily until March 13, 2015.