For the 30th year, Bill and Judy Countess, owners of The Mud Creek Hogan outside of Mancos, opened up their gift shop for the season. The Hogan specializes in Native American art.
“We’ve been doing this for 30 years,” Judy said with a smile on Monday.
Judy and Bill reopened the shop after the winter on Friday. And the warm weather brought out some good business the couple said.
The place is best known for the oversized tepees and arrows out front.
“We’ve been written about in several national magazines as a roadside attraction,” Judy said. “They bring in a lot of people.”
Judy says she hopes they will get around to repainting the arrows this season.
“I just need to find someone that can go up that high,” she said with a laugh.
Judy and Bill said the best part about their job is meeting the Native American artists. They buy from them year-round and get to know them real well.
For example, Larry Nathaniel is known for his weaving. One of his small rugs is worth $2,800.
“He raises his own sheep, and all these colors in this rug are the colors of his sheep. He is very famous,” Judy said.
There is nearly 200 artists represented at the Mud Creek Hogan, Judy said.
“Come on in and look around,” she said.