The 2025 Shemer Honors dinner gala was held Friday, November 14 and this year, for the 10th Anniversary of the event, the Shemer Art Center honored the Patania Family.
The Patania family’s legacy spans four generations of artistry and resilience. It began with Frank Patania Sr., born in Messina, Italy, who immigrated to the U.S. through Ellis Island. Together with his wife Aurora, he established the foundation for a century-long tradition of silversmithing excellence. Frank Patania Jr. inherited his father’s skills and creative drive, expanding the family’s reputation with deep ties to the Southwest in Tuscon and Santa Fe, with church commissions and global influences gained through extensive travel. The third generation, led by Sam Patania, modernized the family’s vision, blending craftsmanship with innovation to expand its reach while preserving its values. Recognized within the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery, each of these three generations now holds a place among America’s finest artists.
Today, the fourth generation, led by Marco Patania, carries this tradition forward, honoring the past while creating timeless, contemporary designs that embody the Patania family’s enduring spirit. With a century behind them and a new generation leading the way, The Patania Family continues to build its legacy, with the same determination that brought Frank Sr. across the ocean: to build, create and inspire.
This year’s event was attended by 117 people who enjoyed a wonderful reception with live music by Anna Current and dinner catered by Creative Hands Cuisine. A video was shown during dinner and then a short program followed featuring the Patanias and a proclamation by Mayor Kate Gallego read out loud by former Mayor Terry Goddard, decreeing Friday, November 14, 2025 in recognition of the Patania Family, urging all Phoenicians to join Mayor Gallego in celebrating their artistic contributions to Arizona.
Marco Patania (fourth generation honoree), Shemer President & Executive Director Shonna James, and Sam Patania (third generation honoree).
Honorary chairs Kathleen and Mark Sublette from Medicine Man Gallery in Tucson.
Shonna and Chloe Patania preparing to model the beautiful Patania jewelry.
It was a beautiful evening under the stars with catering by Creative Hands Cuisine, wine from Page Springs Cellars, a video presentation about the Patania Family and their artwork, a live auction, and more!
Marco and Sam Patania with honorary chair Mark Sublette discussing their process and artist philosophy.
Former Mayor Terry Goddard sharing stories about the Patania family and reading the Mayor’s proclamation.
Board member Jay Jennings and his table guests.
Photos by David James, DMJames Photography
Click here to see more photos from this year’s event.
