Argeanas Southwest Arts - About the Artists

Karen Dressler Argeanas ~ Karen grew up in rural Southern Indiana as the youngest of three siblings and the daughter of a Lutheran minister. She received a BFA in Graphic Design from Indiana State University, where she attended with the four year Indiana State University Talent Grant. She then worked as a graphic designer in St. Louis and Indianapolis for eight years. In 1994, she was drawn to New Mexico by the beauty, light, and color of the vast western landscape and sky. At this time, she changed her focus in art to find more personal expression in painting. This transition was also a time of personal reflection, growth, and exploration. Karen received her master’s degree in Special Education from the University of New Mexico in 1998 and holds an endorsement in gifted education. She currently teaches in the Moriarty-Edgewood School District.

Karen is married to Mike Argeanas and is the mother of Zeke Argeanas. Karen and Mike have been married for twenty-five years. Their family was made complete when they adopted Zeke. As parents, they have encouraged Zeke on his journey to connect with his Diné (Navajo) culture, language, and traditions. Their family resides near Moriarty, New Mexico.

Karen's art is represented by La Galeria at The Shaffer in Mountainair, NM and the Abiquiu Inn.

Mike Argeanas ~ Mike was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico as part of a large family that enjoys continuing traditions of Greek culture. He has pursued a dedication to music, playing both guitar and bass in diverse genres through the decades since the 1980s. He is currently the bass player for Sunburnt Stone. Mike has retired from a career in maintenance for the Moriarty-Edgewood Public Schools. He enjoys trout fishing and hiking. Mike creates artwork from metal, wood, and is beginning to express himself with painting. His artwork is inspired by folk art and his love for the outdoors.

Zeke Argeanas ~ (b. January 2001) Zeke is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who continues the tradition of Diné (Navajo) bead craft. His heritage is from Chinle, Arizona. Around various parts of the Navajo Nation, he is known as Hastiin Yoołgaii Ts'ósí (Slim White Shell Man), Hastiin Biyoo' Łání Hólǫ́nii (Man With The Many Beads) or Hastiin Yoo' Sání (Man of Old Beads). He is known to be one of the few Diné who still carry on the old tradition of using pump drills and hand tools. Zeke began his journey in bead making when he was twelve. He uses mostly natural materials in his work, although occasionally incorporates stabilized materials as well. Zeke’s influence comes from traditional ceremonies, old pictures, museum items, and hearing oral stories that mention the “beautiful soft and hard goods such as clothing, animals, and precious stones and shells".

Zeke is an emerging artist, who studied at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe. He completed an internship at Shiprock Santa Fe. Zeke has participated in the Festival of the Americas in Ivins, UT and the 2021 Eiteljorg Indian Market (virtual).

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