Artist Profile | Nalaga O'Brien

Avis Nalaga O’Brien, a Haida/Kwakwakw’wakw artist, was born in Alert Bay, British Columbia. She belongs to the Kaa’was Staa’stas Eagle Clan from Kiusta Village in Haida Gwaii and the Geegilgum Clam of the Likwiolk people of Cape Mudge. Nalaga’s introduction to the treasures of the Northwest Coast started when she learned to weave from her older sister, Meghann O’Brien. This was the beginning of her journey to where she is now, embracing the richness of her cultural heritage and creating jewelry and artwork that reflects the beauty of Northwest Coast Native design.

Melissa Cody: Weaving Street Art

I'm in Arizona now, gearing up for the 53rd Annual Heard Indian Market and I came across this article about awesome Navajo weaver Melissa Cody:

("The Edge of No Water" by Melissa Cody. Image courtesy of Melissa Cody)

Weaver Melissa Cody on Native Rugs, New Style, and the Heard's 53rd Annual Indian Market
By Jessica VanZalen

​This Saturday and Sunday, the Heard Museum will host it's 53rd Annual Guild Indian Fair and Market, which showcases modern and traditional forms of American Indian art and culture.

The event features work from more than 700 of the nation's upcoming and established artists who create one-of-a-kind jewelry, pottery, textiles, and more.

Flagstaff artist Melissa Cody, previous winner of the event's Conrad House Award, will be in attendance this year with her bright woven rugs.

Designer Profile | Margaret Roach Wheeler

Margaret Roach Wheeler (Choctaw/Chickasaw) worked in fiber arts for several years before creating her first hand-woven garment, which was something to wear to an art opening. This garment was the beginning of her line of unique clothing designs, called Mahota Handwovens.

Merging her fine arts education with her native heritage she weaves contemporary garments based on American Indian costumes. In the 1990s, Wheeler focused her work on creating visionary woven sculptures, effectively combining wearable garments with fabric art to create a unique form of wearable art. She has also created “The Mohotans,” an imaginary tribe where each member is adorned in handwoven robes.