Diné (Navajo) weavers developed complex multicolor textiles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This exuberant style — often called “Transitional” or “Germantown” weaving — was the focus of a recent exhibition appropriately titled Color Riot or Nidaashch’ąą’ Deesdǫǫh in Diné.

The exhibition explored weavers' creative agency and the social contexts of this active textile practice in the past and present. It was developed by the Heard Museum in Phoenix and was on display at the Montclair Art Museum in 2021.

Through a virtual tour moderated by Laura Allen, weaver Velma Kee Craig, one of the three Diné curators of the original exhibition, will speak closely to the stunning textiles selected and the exhibition's themes. Larissa Nez (Diné), a contributing curator for the Montclair installation, will share additional community and artistic perspectives on weaving. 

Speakers

Velma Kee Craig, assistant curator, Heard Museum

Larissa Nez, M.A. student, Brown University

Laura J. Allen, curator of Native American art, Montclair Art Museum (moderator)

How to Participate

This program will take place on Zoom. To participate, please register online, and we will email you a link and instructions for joining. Simply follow that link at the time the program starts (11 a.m. EDT / 8 a.m. PDT). When you register, you can also request to receive a reminder email one day before the program with the link included. 

About Rug and Textile Appreciation Mornings

Collectors and experts discuss textile topics and display examples from their personal holdings. This series is named in honor of late Textile Museum trustee emeritus, Harold M. Keshishian. Browse upcoming programs.