This week we are volunteering with Adopt-A-Native-Elder for their annual fundraiser Rug Show at Deer Valley. This is an amazing organization that has been helping the Navajo People of the 4 Corners and surrounding areas since 1986.
These people are some of the most amazing artists, weavers, jewelers, basket makers that you will ever meet. We have been involved with them since the mid-90's. ANE supports these people by sending food, clothing and medical supplies to the reservation. It also gives them a venue to sell their art to people who would have no other way to see it. People come from all over the world to see and purchase rugs and jewelry at this show and volunteer as well.
Many of the weavers live in houses with no electricity or running water. It is almost like a third world country within the U.S. but I don't believe most people are even aware of it. The weavers, predominantly women many in their 70's -90's live by themselves, herd sheep and cattle and live off the land. They shear, spin dye and weave the wool themselves mostly by candle or firelight.
When they come to Deer Valley each year they see friends and relatives from the other ends of the reservation that they haven't seen for sometimes since the last Rug Show. It is a gathering to relax, chat and see old friends. The art they sell here will support them thru the winter months and is generally their only income. The program sends down food boxes and supplies as well as Christmas stockings and support. In the spring and fall their are food runs to many areas on the Res., a caravan of caring.
This is such an amazing group of people to be a part of to watch the generosity of people and the delight in a different form of art.
These people are some of the most amazing artists, weavers, jewelers, basket makers that you will ever meet. We have been involved with them since the mid-90's. ANE supports these people by sending food, clothing and medical supplies to the reservation. It also gives them a venue to sell their art to people who would have no other way to see it. People come from all over the world to see and purchase rugs and jewelry at this show and volunteer as well.
Many of the weavers live in houses with no electricity or running water. It is almost like a third world country within the U.S. but I don't believe most people are even aware of it. The weavers, predominantly women many in their 70's -90's live by themselves, herd sheep and cattle and live off the land. They shear, spin dye and weave the wool themselves mostly by candle or firelight.
When they come to Deer Valley each year they see friends and relatives from the other ends of the reservation that they haven't seen for sometimes since the last Rug Show. It is a gathering to relax, chat and see old friends. The art they sell here will support them thru the winter months and is generally their only income. The program sends down food boxes and supplies as well as Christmas stockings and support. In the spring and fall their are food runs to many areas on the Res., a caravan of caring.
This is such an amazing group of people to be a part of to watch the generosity of people and the delight in a different form of art.