Kolb Studio, Grand Canyon National Park

November 13, 2009, through February 17, 2010

When she was a child, fascinating imagery literally came up out of the ground around Sally Hall’s feet in the form of tantalizing remnants of “the Ancients” who had known the Grand Canyon before her.


The lines and patterns on these ancient ceramics serve as “maps” into the way an ancient culture looked at its world. Sally Hall’s paintings draw from these elements, reflecting her experiences of the Southwest and those of an ancient past.

About Sally Hall: Inspiration for this exhibit sparked a long time ago. When Sally Hall was a child, imagery literally came up out of the ground around her feet. As “assistant” to her father during research trips on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Hall often came across the tantalizing remnants of “the Ancients” who had known the North Rim before her. It might be a potsherd found along the edge of a trail, on the ground near the family’s tent or somewhere along a remote fire road on the Walhalla Plateau These people and their mysterious lives were a profound, silent presence throughout her childhood.

For Sally Hall, the lines and patterns decorating these ancient ceramics serve as “maps” into the way an ancient culture looked at its world. Intricate design elements form patterns surrounding the vessel, yet mere fractions are strong enough to stand alone. Even fragments evoke strength, confidence, and power—or gentleness, grace, and quiet contemplation.

These ceramics were formed from the earth under the huge skies and shifting clouds of the desert southwest, the soft colors of daybreak, or the dramatic power of a thunderstorm approaching across the desert. The power of earth and sky are reflected in the designs painted on the ancient ceramics.

Paintings featured in the exhibit are for sale with some of the proceeds going to the Grand Canyon Association.