Post by Totems4jt on Jul 7, 2008 9:46:58 GMT -5
Nov 16, 07 - 5:13 PM
By Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program
18th Annual Rug Show--A Mother's Legacy, The Male Weavers
Every year our Rug Show committee puts on a “party” for a handful of our weavers in the Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program in Park City. These Elders travel many hours and long distances to come to Deer Valley. At their age, traveling becomes a challenge, and yet, they eagerly come so that we, the volunteers, are able to honor them and celebrate their hands and what they represent through their weavings. It is important for us to learn from our Elders. They are so gentle, graceful, wise, and sweet-spirited. This is what their hands weave into their rugs. It takes many, many hours sitting at a loom to complete a rug. When you see, touch, and feel a finished rug, a part of you understands and connects with the weaver.
It is known that Spider Woman showed the People how to set up a loom and the art of weaving. These artists don’t draw out their designs beforehand. They weave from a vision they form inside their mind. When the warp threads are set up on the loom, the weaving has a set length and set width size, which makes Navajo weaving harder than any other form of weaving. Navajo weaving doesn’t have fringed edges.
The weavers in our program are in their 80’s, 90’s, and 100’s. Most have been weaving all their life. This year our theme, A Mother’s Legacy, The Male Weavers, was inspired by one mother who taught her sons to weave. Not only did they truly want to learn this art, but now they are passing down this tradition to their children. Male weavers are becoming more well-known throughout the reservation. There have been many men who before who learned to love to weave. To prepare for this Rug Show, our Rug Show committee read a book about a famous male weaver, Hostiin Clah.
Our four male weavers that came this year did very well. Their rugs have a uniquely male spirit about them that draws you in for a closer look and to feel the woven wool in the rug.
This was our smoothest show that we’ve had! Over 500 rugs were sold by weavers in our program who didn’t come to the Rug Show, that’s in addition to the rugs that were sold for those weavers who came to the show. Monday morning, Linda wrote out many, many checks to all those who came.
Each year we have Giveaways the volunteers give to the Elders. This year, on Thursday afternoon, we had a Purse Party for the Elders. It’s like musical chairs, only the purses move, which were filled with the Giveaways, in a circle, while the Elders get to sit down. When a purse stops in front of them, the Elders can either choose to keep it or go another round until they get one they like. Everyone who was a part of this loved it!
Thursday evening at the Grub Steak Restaurant, we were honored to have accompanying Jay two of his Jaybirds, Running Red Fox and Raven Hawk. It was so generous of these two beautiful women to fly across the country to support and honor Jay and, also, to volunteer the entire weekend. I heard, after the Rug Show, that they were a little nervous about working with the yarn bundles and approaching people. But they soon found that because they were doing something they both believed in, that everything felt natural and easy.
During the dinner Thursday evening, it was decided that since last year Jay honored each of the grandmother’s with pictures and by spending time with each of them that this year they each wanted to honor him with their own Giveaway. One by one, each Elder came up to Jay a placed their Giveaway either in a ceremonial basket Jay was holding or around his neck. Watching Jay become speechless, then to feeling humbly honored, was in his own way another way of giving a gift to these Elders. It was a special event to be a part of for everyone in the room.
Before the Rug Show, I had the honor of being in contact with another Jaybird from Holland, Rosita. She had painted her own interpretation of this year’s theme using acrylic paints and canvas. If any of you have been to Monument Valley, or seen pictures, then you know the famous “mittens” or the famous rock formations photographed there. Rosita had painted these rocks to resemble a loom with a rug on it next to a weaving comb and the other had the face of an Elder with a beautiful blanket wrapped around. In the sky, was painted a portrait of a young Navajo boy. It was very striking to see it in person. We all loved it.
Rosita’s painting was paired with the items Jay brought for this year’s Friday night auction. Another Jaybird, who also flew across the country to honor Jay, bought this package. Diane’s bid was the highest bid for the entire auction. To Diane, a sincere, heartfelt “thank you.” This year’s auction was our highest selling auction ever.
Jay, Running Red Fox, Raven Hawk, and Diane it was such a pleasure to have you all at this year’s Rug Show. You truly each have wonderfully generous, sweet, and beautiful spirits. Thank you and hugs to you all. During and after the show, we were thrilled by the tears you shed in honor of the Elders. This is a sign that the weekend meant something to you. It meant so much to have you all attend.
Rosita, thank you again for your contribution. We really did feel honored to have a beautiful artist from far away giving the best kind of Giveaway to the Elders—something from your hands to the hands of the Elders.
On the www.anelder.org website there is a link on the front page from the Salt Lake Tribune about the Rug Show. Please take a look when you get a chance. Next year, hopefully we will see you all come again with more Jaybirds. Also, if any of you want to go on a Foodrun, it is a truly amazing experience that can only be felt in person. Thank you all.
In Blessings,
Celeste Williams
Linda Myers, Director
The Rug Show Committee
The Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program
Your Location: Utah
______________________________________________________
Running Red Fox (Forum Hostess)
Hi Celeste and everyone,
Celeste, thank you for posting and for giving more detail and history to the theme of the Rug Show, the Elders, and the Male Weavers.
I can't say enough how much I enjoyed being a part of this amazing event. I look forward to sharing many more special times with the Elders and AANE.
RRF
Forum Hostess
______________________________________________________
Shay
Thanks for more information regarding this year's rug show, I love the theme! I'm sure it was something to behold. Thanks again.
Shay
______________________________________________________
Blackangel250/Malaika
Thank you for explaining the history and significance of this year's rug show. All of the accounts have been so touching and I agree with site-sister Shay that this must have been something to behold.
______________________________________________________
Shawn
Warmth, Happiness and Blessings to all:
Our Elders, Our weavers - Male and Female, Jay-the one that is a star in many eyes, the many wonderful committee chairs, food run coordinator, the excellant volunteers (Jay Birds, now too) and to all of our supporters (Jay's Fans, too) who have donated money and time from their heart to make a difference during the whole year.
Many Hands from across the lands have made another successful Rug Show and Sale, Food Runs to the land, Shoes to the School Children, Christmas Stockings to the young and old. People who so freely feel the spirit of love and giving. Made it happen - again.
Yes it is possible for all of us to come from all directions and to soar together, live in harmony as one community.
I have had the privilege to see and feel the spirit of the elders and the program help me soar as high as I can. It is so wonderful to watch the people give so much. The purchase of a ornament with a picture of an elder in need of food and wood to make it to the next season. People are good and giving. May we all give in spirit, body or soul to those in need and those around us every day.
Thank you to everyone for giving me a lift.
Hugs to everyone, Shawn
______________________________________________________
Running Red Fox (Forum Hostess)
Hi Shawn, thank you for stopping by and posting that beautiful message. It made my night. It was nice to meet you and looking forward to seeing you and everyone again soon.
Peace and love.
RRF
Forum Hostess
______________________________________________________
Windsong
WoW!! i just went to the website link, what beautiful works of art indeed. The spirit and pride they take in their creations really comes thru in their work. It's no wonder Jay joins them evey year, I would love nothing more than to be able to attend one of these events someday. Truly, Truly wonderful creations. The website is so informative and inviting, thanks so much for this post, i just wish i could of seen Rositas artwork as well, the way you all describe it, makes it sound like a breathtaking piece of art. Pictures anybody?
Happy Holidays to all,
Windsong
______________________________________________________
Barbara
Sounds the Park City Rug Show was a fine event all the way around. RRF! I`m so glad you got to go and participate! The only rug show I`ve been close to was passing the Crown Point Elem school when one was in progress. I felt my wallet whimper. These shows are such a great way to keep the tradition of weaving on-going not only for the benefits it brings to the community but for the beauty these rugs and their weavers give to us all.
______________________________________________________
Running Red Fox (Forum Hostess)
Painting by Rosita for AANE Auction
Hello again everyone, here is the beautiful painting by Rosita from Holland for the AANE Auction.
Thank you again Rosita. Your are one talented lady.
RRF
Forum Hostess
______________________________________________________
Seania
Thank you RRF for sharing the picture with us. And WOW!!!! Rosita. An awesome painting indeed.
______________________________________________________
Kelly
What a great painting! Great concept and design. Congratulation to all the Jaybirds involved. Wow.
______________________________________________________
Windsong
WoW!!! Beautiful Painting indeed!!! Great Job Rosita!!
______________________________________________________
Running Red Fox (Forum Hostess)
Happy New Year to everyone @ AANE. Wishing much more success in 2008 and looking forward to being a part of it.
RRF
Forum Hostess
______________________________________________________
Rosita
Sacred Weavers (painting of the ANE) and Birthday reactions from Rosita
Hello everyone, I’m so sorry for my late reaction but I ‘m so busy with my daylight work and my night work (making paintings) that I couldn’t not reacting earlier…
I have seen all the reactions of my painting ‘’Sacred Weavers’’ that I have made for the Adopt a Native Elder Program and also of my birthday reactions I have seen them and the messages where all so awesome. Thank you so much!!!
I want also to thank Diane for buying Jay’s package. I hope that the painting gives you much Joy and Happiness. Running Red Fox!!! Thank you for placing the picture of Sacred Weavers on the Form, you’re awesome!!!
And I want an especially Thanks to Jay and Celeste for what the have done for me!!!!!!
And again I’m so sorry for my late reaction.
Greetings to you all from Holland, and see you all on this Fan Form
With Love, Jaybird Rosita.
_____________________________________________________
Posted by Shay
Jan 20th, 2008 - 6:40 PM
Re: Sacred Weavers (painting of the ANE) and Birthday reactions from Rosita
Hi Rosita , no thanks needed you do awesome work! I'm glad your gift was able to be shared for a wonderful cause. Hope to see you more on the forum.
Shay
_____________________________________________________
Posted by Lisa C.
Jan 21st, 2008 - 1:16 PM
Re: Sacred Weavers (painting of the ANE) and Birthday reactions from Rosita
Hi Rosita!
I just viewed your artwork last week on the ANE sight and was truly taken aback. Your work was so beautiful, I have shown it to everyone here in my office and it was unanimous. You have a wonderful gift and insight that I hope you will continue to do beautiful things with your work. Jay was very fortunate to have this amazing painting for there for the show.
Blessings to your day!
Lisa
_____________________________________________________
Posted by Running Red Fox (Forum Hostess)
Jan 22nd, 2008 - 4:30 AM
Sacred Weavers (painting of the ANE) and Birthday reactions from Rosita
Hello Rosita, you are welcome on both accounts.
Wishing you much more success with your art.
RRF
Forum Hostess
_____________________________________________________
Posted by lovablegypsy
Jan 23rd, 2008 - 2:15 AM
Re: Sacred Weavers (painting of the ANE) and Birthday reactions from Rosita
You art Blessed with a unique gift. Thank you for your generosity!
____________________________________________________
Running Red Fox (Forum Hostess)
Jan 28th, 2008 - 11:28 AM RE:18th Annual Rug Show--A Mother's Legacy, The Male Weavers
Hello in Jayland,
There is an article about the ANE Story Telling Night of the Rug Show in the Salt Lake Tribune.
Here is the link
www.sltrib.com/ci_8096898
Thank you Celeste for informing us.
Happy reading everyone.
RRF
Forum Hostess
By Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program
18th Annual Rug Show--A Mother's Legacy, The Male Weavers
Every year our Rug Show committee puts on a “party” for a handful of our weavers in the Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program in Park City. These Elders travel many hours and long distances to come to Deer Valley. At their age, traveling becomes a challenge, and yet, they eagerly come so that we, the volunteers, are able to honor them and celebrate their hands and what they represent through their weavings. It is important for us to learn from our Elders. They are so gentle, graceful, wise, and sweet-spirited. This is what their hands weave into their rugs. It takes many, many hours sitting at a loom to complete a rug. When you see, touch, and feel a finished rug, a part of you understands and connects with the weaver.
It is known that Spider Woman showed the People how to set up a loom and the art of weaving. These artists don’t draw out their designs beforehand. They weave from a vision they form inside their mind. When the warp threads are set up on the loom, the weaving has a set length and set width size, which makes Navajo weaving harder than any other form of weaving. Navajo weaving doesn’t have fringed edges.
The weavers in our program are in their 80’s, 90’s, and 100’s. Most have been weaving all their life. This year our theme, A Mother’s Legacy, The Male Weavers, was inspired by one mother who taught her sons to weave. Not only did they truly want to learn this art, but now they are passing down this tradition to their children. Male weavers are becoming more well-known throughout the reservation. There have been many men who before who learned to love to weave. To prepare for this Rug Show, our Rug Show committee read a book about a famous male weaver, Hostiin Clah.
Our four male weavers that came this year did very well. Their rugs have a uniquely male spirit about them that draws you in for a closer look and to feel the woven wool in the rug.
This was our smoothest show that we’ve had! Over 500 rugs were sold by weavers in our program who didn’t come to the Rug Show, that’s in addition to the rugs that were sold for those weavers who came to the show. Monday morning, Linda wrote out many, many checks to all those who came.
Each year we have Giveaways the volunteers give to the Elders. This year, on Thursday afternoon, we had a Purse Party for the Elders. It’s like musical chairs, only the purses move, which were filled with the Giveaways, in a circle, while the Elders get to sit down. When a purse stops in front of them, the Elders can either choose to keep it or go another round until they get one they like. Everyone who was a part of this loved it!
Thursday evening at the Grub Steak Restaurant, we were honored to have accompanying Jay two of his Jaybirds, Running Red Fox and Raven Hawk. It was so generous of these two beautiful women to fly across the country to support and honor Jay and, also, to volunteer the entire weekend. I heard, after the Rug Show, that they were a little nervous about working with the yarn bundles and approaching people. But they soon found that because they were doing something they both believed in, that everything felt natural and easy.
During the dinner Thursday evening, it was decided that since last year Jay honored each of the grandmother’s with pictures and by spending time with each of them that this year they each wanted to honor him with their own Giveaway. One by one, each Elder came up to Jay a placed their Giveaway either in a ceremonial basket Jay was holding or around his neck. Watching Jay become speechless, then to feeling humbly honored, was in his own way another way of giving a gift to these Elders. It was a special event to be a part of for everyone in the room.
Before the Rug Show, I had the honor of being in contact with another Jaybird from Holland, Rosita. She had painted her own interpretation of this year’s theme using acrylic paints and canvas. If any of you have been to Monument Valley, or seen pictures, then you know the famous “mittens” or the famous rock formations photographed there. Rosita had painted these rocks to resemble a loom with a rug on it next to a weaving comb and the other had the face of an Elder with a beautiful blanket wrapped around. In the sky, was painted a portrait of a young Navajo boy. It was very striking to see it in person. We all loved it.
Rosita’s painting was paired with the items Jay brought for this year’s Friday night auction. Another Jaybird, who also flew across the country to honor Jay, bought this package. Diane’s bid was the highest bid for the entire auction. To Diane, a sincere, heartfelt “thank you.” This year’s auction was our highest selling auction ever.
Jay, Running Red Fox, Raven Hawk, and Diane it was such a pleasure to have you all at this year’s Rug Show. You truly each have wonderfully generous, sweet, and beautiful spirits. Thank you and hugs to you all. During and after the show, we were thrilled by the tears you shed in honor of the Elders. This is a sign that the weekend meant something to you. It meant so much to have you all attend.
Rosita, thank you again for your contribution. We really did feel honored to have a beautiful artist from far away giving the best kind of Giveaway to the Elders—something from your hands to the hands of the Elders.
On the www.anelder.org website there is a link on the front page from the Salt Lake Tribune about the Rug Show. Please take a look when you get a chance. Next year, hopefully we will see you all come again with more Jaybirds. Also, if any of you want to go on a Foodrun, it is a truly amazing experience that can only be felt in person. Thank you all.
In Blessings,
Celeste Williams
Linda Myers, Director
The Rug Show Committee
The Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program
Your Location: Utah
______________________________________________________
Running Red Fox (Forum Hostess)
Hi Celeste and everyone,
Celeste, thank you for posting and for giving more detail and history to the theme of the Rug Show, the Elders, and the Male Weavers.
I can't say enough how much I enjoyed being a part of this amazing event. I look forward to sharing many more special times with the Elders and AANE.
RRF
Forum Hostess
______________________________________________________
Shay
Thanks for more information regarding this year's rug show, I love the theme! I'm sure it was something to behold. Thanks again.
Shay
______________________________________________________
Blackangel250/Malaika
Thank you for explaining the history and significance of this year's rug show. All of the accounts have been so touching and I agree with site-sister Shay that this must have been something to behold.
______________________________________________________
Shawn
Warmth, Happiness and Blessings to all:
Our Elders, Our weavers - Male and Female, Jay-the one that is a star in many eyes, the many wonderful committee chairs, food run coordinator, the excellant volunteers (Jay Birds, now too) and to all of our supporters (Jay's Fans, too) who have donated money and time from their heart to make a difference during the whole year.
Many Hands from across the lands have made another successful Rug Show and Sale, Food Runs to the land, Shoes to the School Children, Christmas Stockings to the young and old. People who so freely feel the spirit of love and giving. Made it happen - again.
Yes it is possible for all of us to come from all directions and to soar together, live in harmony as one community.
I have had the privilege to see and feel the spirit of the elders and the program help me soar as high as I can. It is so wonderful to watch the people give so much. The purchase of a ornament with a picture of an elder in need of food and wood to make it to the next season. People are good and giving. May we all give in spirit, body or soul to those in need and those around us every day.
Thank you to everyone for giving me a lift.
Hugs to everyone, Shawn
______________________________________________________
Running Red Fox (Forum Hostess)
Hi Shawn, thank you for stopping by and posting that beautiful message. It made my night. It was nice to meet you and looking forward to seeing you and everyone again soon.
Peace and love.
RRF
Forum Hostess
______________________________________________________
Windsong
WoW!! i just went to the website link, what beautiful works of art indeed. The spirit and pride they take in their creations really comes thru in their work. It's no wonder Jay joins them evey year, I would love nothing more than to be able to attend one of these events someday. Truly, Truly wonderful creations. The website is so informative and inviting, thanks so much for this post, i just wish i could of seen Rositas artwork as well, the way you all describe it, makes it sound like a breathtaking piece of art. Pictures anybody?
Happy Holidays to all,
Windsong
______________________________________________________
Barbara
Sounds the Park City Rug Show was a fine event all the way around. RRF! I`m so glad you got to go and participate! The only rug show I`ve been close to was passing the Crown Point Elem school when one was in progress. I felt my wallet whimper. These shows are such a great way to keep the tradition of weaving on-going not only for the benefits it brings to the community but for the beauty these rugs and their weavers give to us all.
______________________________________________________
Running Red Fox (Forum Hostess)
Painting by Rosita for AANE Auction
Hello again everyone, here is the beautiful painting by Rosita from Holland for the AANE Auction.
Thank you again Rosita. Your are one talented lady.
RRF
Forum Hostess
______________________________________________________
Seania
Thank you RRF for sharing the picture with us. And WOW!!!! Rosita. An awesome painting indeed.
______________________________________________________
Kelly
What a great painting! Great concept and design. Congratulation to all the Jaybirds involved. Wow.
______________________________________________________
Windsong
WoW!!! Beautiful Painting indeed!!! Great Job Rosita!!
______________________________________________________
Running Red Fox (Forum Hostess)
Happy New Year to everyone @ AANE. Wishing much more success in 2008 and looking forward to being a part of it.
RRF
Forum Hostess
______________________________________________________
Rosita
Sacred Weavers (painting of the ANE) and Birthday reactions from Rosita
Hello everyone, I’m so sorry for my late reaction but I ‘m so busy with my daylight work and my night work (making paintings) that I couldn’t not reacting earlier…
I have seen all the reactions of my painting ‘’Sacred Weavers’’ that I have made for the Adopt a Native Elder Program and also of my birthday reactions I have seen them and the messages where all so awesome. Thank you so much!!!
I want also to thank Diane for buying Jay’s package. I hope that the painting gives you much Joy and Happiness. Running Red Fox!!! Thank you for placing the picture of Sacred Weavers on the Form, you’re awesome!!!
And I want an especially Thanks to Jay and Celeste for what the have done for me!!!!!!
And again I’m so sorry for my late reaction.
Greetings to you all from Holland, and see you all on this Fan Form
With Love, Jaybird Rosita.
_____________________________________________________
Posted by Shay
Jan 20th, 2008 - 6:40 PM
Re: Sacred Weavers (painting of the ANE) and Birthday reactions from Rosita
Hi Rosita , no thanks needed you do awesome work! I'm glad your gift was able to be shared for a wonderful cause. Hope to see you more on the forum.
Shay
_____________________________________________________
Posted by Lisa C.
Jan 21st, 2008 - 1:16 PM
Re: Sacred Weavers (painting of the ANE) and Birthday reactions from Rosita
Hi Rosita!
I just viewed your artwork last week on the ANE sight and was truly taken aback. Your work was so beautiful, I have shown it to everyone here in my office and it was unanimous. You have a wonderful gift and insight that I hope you will continue to do beautiful things with your work. Jay was very fortunate to have this amazing painting for there for the show.
Blessings to your day!
Lisa
_____________________________________________________
Posted by Running Red Fox (Forum Hostess)
Jan 22nd, 2008 - 4:30 AM
Sacred Weavers (painting of the ANE) and Birthday reactions from Rosita
Hello Rosita, you are welcome on both accounts.
Wishing you much more success with your art.
RRF
Forum Hostess
_____________________________________________________
Posted by lovablegypsy
Jan 23rd, 2008 - 2:15 AM
Re: Sacred Weavers (painting of the ANE) and Birthday reactions from Rosita
You art Blessed with a unique gift. Thank you for your generosity!
____________________________________________________
Running Red Fox (Forum Hostess)
Jan 28th, 2008 - 11:28 AM RE:18th Annual Rug Show--A Mother's Legacy, The Male Weavers
Hello in Jayland,
There is an article about the ANE Story Telling Night of the Rug Show in the Salt Lake Tribune.
Here is the link
www.sltrib.com/ci_8096898
Thank you Celeste for informing us.
Happy reading everyone.
RRF
Forum Hostess