Clara Early Gilbert

Clara Early Gilbert, age 45, was born in Cottonwood, Arizona on November 6, 1969, the daughter of the late Valencia Cutter and Allen Early Sr. She spent most of her life in the Flagstaff area. She loved Flagstaff making most of her childhood memories. While moving back to the San Carlos area she attended Globe high School which she graduated from. Clara met her husband Dale Gilbert in the later part of the 90’s and were married. They had been married for 25 years. They raised three boys; Monacco Allen, Keanu Cliff and Micah Gilbert. Three granddaughters Alley, Kris and Mia which she dearly loved. Clara enjoyed reading, spending time in bookstores, watching movies and listening to Powwow music. She really enjoyed sitting near a Southern Drum and sing. She also was a seamstress, Apache singer and a bead artist. Her beaded bags, pillows, moccasins, other bags, jewelry, dresses and crowns are all in private galleries and museum collections. On the day of her death, she still called and requested for her bead work were still being made. Clara always informed collectors my time are very valuable because it takes away from my family especially my children. So my main concern are my children first, then my art. It may take some time but when I make a piece, it will have a part of me also. Every piece Clara made there was never a duplicate copy. Each piece made was an original, just like the owner to be. Her work has been shown at the Heard Museum, Juried Show Litchfield and Santa Fe Art show. Her work has been seen and featured in Cowboy and Indian Magazines, Southwest Art and Nature Peoples Magazine. Clara has shown her work to many celebrities such as, Forrest Whitaker, Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dan Johnson and Kristi Alley. She has been called to do private shows for Diplomatic Heads of State of foreign countries. One call she remembers was when the Queen of the Ukraine was passing thru Arizona, the Queen requested for her to come and show her bead work. Her work has been seen on actress and singer Vanessa Williams. Also seen in movies such as “Geronimo”. Universal Studios requested for her to design pieces for natives in T.V. shows. As quoted by a private collector, “Clara is truly a living treasure that will be missed. She leaves a path of her foot-steps behind in the way of her beadwork.” Wake will be Friday, April 3, 2015 at 4:00 P.M. at Allen Early residence in San Carlos, AZ Funeral services will on Sat. April 4, 2015 at 10:00 at Apache Independent Church. Interment will be at Lower Peridot Cemetery – San Carlos, AZ Assisting the family; Lamont Mortuary of Globe.