Courtesy/ZYEP
ZYEP News:
ZUNI — On Thursday, March 27, 10 Emerging Artist Apprentices from the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project will showcase and sell their work during a public event at Ho’n A:wan Park. The showcase is scheduled for 5–7:30 p.m., and community members are encouraged to attend and support the next generation of Pueblo weavers. Cash and credit card payments will be accepted.
The showcase wraps up a 10-week apprenticeship focused on Pueblo weaving, made possible with support from the Bezos Family Foundation and First Nations Development Institute. The students, ages 15 to 24, have spent the last two months learning foundational techniques, strengthening their skills and deepening their understanding of the cultural significance of the art form.
Led by ZYEP Arts Coordinator Elroy Natachu Jr. and co-instructor Chasady Simplicio — a graduate of the youth project’s Emerging and Advanced Artist Apprenticeships — the class began with simple plain-weave projects, including leg ties, hair ties and belts, before progressing to more complex double-float designs.
“We focused on the setup first, making sure the tension was right and the weave was consistent in the main body and edges,” Natachu said. “With a plain weave, you can see that more clearly as you build fine motor skills and muscle memory.”
By the midpoint of the apprenticeship, students were tackling pattern belts using a more advanced method that emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving. According to Natachu, this more challenging method ultimately saves time.
“There are a lot of variables, and with this method, they’re dealing with fixing mistakes and back-tracking along the way,” he explained. “It becomes second nature.”
The learning curve has been one of the most meaningful aspects of the experience. Several students said they entered the program thinking Pueblo weaving would be easier than it is, only to discover it requires far more focus, patience and skill than expected.
“It takes a lot of time and dedication, but it’s also fun to learn,” apprentice Trinyce Siutza said. “Weaving means a lot to me, and it’s something I want to continue and encourage others to try.”
“Pueblo weaving has been so much fun, because this is a new topic for me,” added apprentice Kaitlynn Natachu. “The most surprising thing has been learning the history of weaving and how it started.”
Apprentice Jerone Shelendewa had an unexpected challenge right at the beginning, one that turned into a surprise.
“I found out that I did a hard design before an easy belt,” he shared.
As their skills have grown, so has their appreciation for the weavers in their own families and community. Apprentice Virginia “Gina” Sanchez said she’s looking forward to taking her place in that intergenerational line of Zuni weavers, passing along what she has learned.
“I’ve been wanting to do this for so long, to finally get this chance to learn this art form,” she explained. “I’m looking forward to teaching my nieces and nephews the art so it’s carried on in my family and the community.”
Apprentice Ethan Lowsayatee considers it a blessing to learn how to make his own traditional attire, as well as how to make belts for family members and friends. He said he is proud of his belts and leg ties.
“They mean a lot to me because I was able to make them myself,” he said.
Throughout the apprenticeship, students also took part in “circle talks,” where they share knowledge about weaving techniques, materials, cultural practices and personal experiences. Natachu said those conversations often extend beyond the classroom.
“We have open channels of communication with each other and our families,” he said. “Students bring their family knowledge into the space, and we learn from each other. Not everyone does this the same way, and that’s important.
“I love when they ask questions and have discussions, because it allows us to see behind the curtain,” he continued. “We get to see how their minds work.”
For Simplicio, returning to ZYEP as an instructor has meant a lot.
“I’ve seen students build confidence in their work and help each other out,” they said. “I’m really excited to see them use their selling skills — and for the community to see our new weavers.”
At the showcase, each apprentice will present completed and in-progress pieces, including belts and accessories created on looms up to 6 feet tall. Many students will have items available for purchase at the event.
In the days leading up to the event, instructors have been helping students prepare not only their work, but also how to talk about it with the public.
“They’re excited but also a little nervous,” Natachu said. “We’re giving them our tips and tricks to help break the ice and engage in conversation. It’s pretty cool to see how they lean on one another.”
Apprentice Kaleb Leekity is preparing to show his full design belt and two small belts, and he said he’s grateful for the opportunities the apprenticeship has given him.
“Looking back, the most rewarding parts have been getting to know my instructors, learning a new skill, meeting each week and getting out of my shell to socialize with my peers,” he said. “I liked facing the challenges. I built confidence, became talkative and made the commitment to show up, and now I know I can do a real design thanks to our patient instructors.”
Following the showcase, the apprenticeship’s top four students will travel to Grand Canyon National Park from March 31 to April 3. There, they will share their artwork and weaving knowledge with visitors through the Grand Canyon Cultural Demonstration Program.
“They’ll take part in the demonstration program for two days, and then they’ll have opportunities to hike the trails and meet with National Park Service staff,” Natachu said. “These trips to the Grand Canyon are important because they expose our young adults to our place of creation and, through our migration stories, to our people’s adaptations and the difficulties they faced.”
Launched in January 2022, ZYEP’s Emerging Artist Apprenticeship provides opportunities for young adults to learn directly from artists in their own community. Each apprenticeship combines technical instruction, mentorship, cultural learning and art-show training to grow the next generation of Zuni artists and culture bearers.
To learn more about the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project and its programs, and for information about making donations, partnering with ZYEP, and volunteering, call 505.782.8000 or visit zyep.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest news and events, follow the nonprofit youth organization on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
Founded in 2009, the nonprofit Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is dedicated to promoting resilience among Zuni youth so they will grow into strong, healthy adults who are connected with Zuni traditions. ZYEP fulfills its mission by providing positive role models, enriching programs, and nurturing spaces that contribute to the healthy development of Zuni youth. ZYEP strives to provide every child with the encouragement and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
Courtesy/ZYEP
Courtesy/ZYEP
Courtesy/ZYEP