The Native American Center and School of Arts & Humanities have been awarded a $40,000 grant through Evergreen State College’s Supporting Indigenous Arts Mastery (SIAM) Foundation
$40,000 Grant Awarded to Support Navajo Rug Weaving
Fund were given to develop Hózhó – Past Threads, Future Woven, a nine-month Navajo rug weaving apprenticeship to preserve traditional weaving knowledge.
The project begins September 8, 2026, and continues through May 31, 2027. During that time, four apprentice weavers will work closely with Navajo artist and weaver Zefren-M, who will serve as the project’s primary artist in residence.
Continuing a Tradition Through the Next Generation
The region is home to the Diné (Navajo), Hopi, Ute, Jicarilla Apache and Zuni Nations, and Indigenous art, language, traditions and community events remain an important part of everyday life.
Navajo rug weaving carries a particularly strong connection to family and community. For generations, Diné weavers have passed techniques, stories and knowledge from one generation to the next.
“This project is about honoring the knowledge that has been carried forward by generations of Diné weavers while creating opportunities for our emerging artists to shape what comes next,” said Brandon Ashley, director of the SJC Native American Center. “Weaving is connected to family, community, identity and cultural knowledge. Supporting these apprentices means supporting not only four individual artists, but the families and communities connected to them and the future of this tradition.”
Taking Navajo Weaving Beyond the Studio
The Hózhó project embraces this tradition of knowledge-sharing by connecting experienced artist and weaver, Zefren-M, with four carefully selected apprentice weavers who have completed Navajo Rug Weaving I and II at SJC.
Zefren-M will provide individualized mentorship and group instruction throughout the nine-month residency, guiding the apprentices as they advance their skills and develop original works of their own.
The learning will not take place entirely inside the classroom.
SJC will provide dedicated studio space in its Black Box Theatre so the apprentices can work on campus throughout the residency. The Makerspace will provide space for loom and tool construction, while Connie Gotsch Theatre will host panel discussions featuring artists and apprentices as they discuss weaving, Indigenous art and the role of traditional art forms in contemporary society.
The apprentices will also visit Zefren-M’s studio in Shiprock, where they can see his work and learn more about his studio practice. Additional field trips will include the Shiprock Fair, where participants can observe sheep demonstrations, and Aztec Ruins in Aztec, New Mexico.
These experiences will help connect the technical practice of weaving with the history, landscape and communities of the Four Corners Region.
An Exhibition That Brings the Arts Together
The project will culminate in a public exhibition at the SJC Art Gallery in May 2027.
Visitors will see the four apprentice weavings and learn about the stories, techniques and decisions behind each piece.
Local Navajo musician Delbert Anderson will create an original musical composition inspired by weaving. Indigenous artist Venaya Yazzie will create a painting representing Navajo weaving. Both works will premiere during the exhibition.
“Community arts programming allows us to bring people together around stories, culture and creative expression,” said Margaret Clair, SJC director of Public Arts Events. “This project allows the community to experience Navajo weaving not simply as an art form, but as a living tradition that continues to grow and evolve.”
Preserving the Past While Creating the Future
Hózhó reminds us that preserving a tradition is not simply about looking backward. It is about making sure the knowledge, skill and creativity of the past have a place in the future.
SJC hopes the impact will continue after the residency ends through future Navajo weaving classes, workshops and studio opportunities.
The first program made possible by the House of Welcome Cultural Arts Center grant is a Navajo Weaving Workshop on Tuesday, October 20 from 12 – 1 p.m. in the Suns Room (across from Mary’s Kitchen). This workshop is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Lunch will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Come learn more about Navajo weaving from Zefren-M.
