With deep Prescott roots and decades of experience in Native American art, Jeff Ogg and his grandson are carrying on a family tradition that began in 1949.
Prescott born and raised, Ogg has deep roots in Arizona. His grandparents opened the original Ogg’s Hogan in Wickenburg in 1949, sparking his lifelong appreciation for Native American artistry. That early exposure inspired him to pursue a degree in anthropology from the University of Arizona.
In 1998, after a long career with the Fred Harvey Company at the Grand Canyon, Ogg returned to his hometown and opened a second Ogg’s Hogan in Prescott. The newest shop, located on North Cortez Street, continues to reflect his family’s long-standing connection to Native American arts.
“My father was a Yavapai County Superior Court judge in Prescott until he was elected to the Arizona Court of Appeals, serving alongside Judge Sandra Day O’Connor.”
That sense of legacy extended into his work. Ogg answered a newspaper ad while visiting Winslow and was hired by the Fred Harvey Company. He spent 25 years as head of retail and buyer at the Grand Canyon. His wife, Karen, taught at the Grand Canyon School during the same period.
To honor those years, Ogg curated a special display in his shop featuring handcrafted Navajo jewelry dating from 1920 to 1950. “I’m proud to be a part of Fred Harvey history,” he said. “I wanted to showcase the kind of work we sold during that era.”
After running his first store for 26 years, Ogg retired, briefly. “After seven months, my grandson, Denver Baer, expressed interest in the business so I said, ‘OK,’ and opened our new store.”
Baer, who previously worked as an audio technician in San Diego, has fond memories of summers working in his grandfather’s store. “I like learning about the art and history of Native American art,” he said. “I decided to come to Prescott to learn retail so I can eventually take over the store.”
Baer is already bringing fresh energy to the business, including the introduction of an “Artist of the Month” series starting this month. The first honoree is Zuni Pueblo carver Ricky Laahty, known for his whimsical frog fetishes made from stone and shell.
“I really like meeting the artists,” said Baer. “We’re trying to develop interest on this side of town,” said Ogg.
Longtime friend Darrel McIntosh, who has known Ogg since they attended Lincoln School together in 1957, calls him a premier expert in Native American jewelry, rugs, basketry and culture. “When his grandparents owned Ogg’s Hogan, Jeff would go with them to visit the skilled artists available at that time and he got to learn a tremendous amount about Native American art and culture. While working for Fred Harvey Company, he bought tremendous amounts of jewelry and rugs and got to know all the big guys in the industry. That’s why he’s so successful today.”
Ogg’s cousin, Charlie Favour, co-owner of Main Street Studios in Camp Verde, agrees. “He’s probably one of the most knowledgeable people when it comes to Native American antiquities. Our grandparents were in the business and we grew up around it. Jeff has a great collection, and he knows how to buy the good stuff.” QCBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN
Ogg’s Hogan is located at 212 N. Cortez St., Prescott. For more information, visit www.oggshogan.com or call 928-379-6846.
Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Jeff Ogg, owner of Ogg’s Hogan in Prescott, brings decades of experience and a lifelong passion for Native American art to his store on Cortez Street.
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