The Rug Show Is Coming Soon

by John Aldrich

In just three weeks our annual rug show and sale will begin. We're excited to be offering the 25th anniversary of this event and to use the occasion to honor those weavers who have made it all possible. Many of the Elders attending the show have a part of the event since its inception. At last year's show we took a photograph of all our weavers and have used this as the centerpiece for our poster this year.

The poster itself can be seen here.

For a special theme this year, weavers were given the opportunity to create a rug showing themselves at their loom weaving. Most found this to be quite a challenge. These special rugs will be offered for sale at the opening of the show on Friday evening November 7th.

During the live auction that evening two of these rugs will be offered. The first, woven by Rena Robertson, shows herself at her loom.

The second, also woven by Rena, honors her mother who was one of the original group of weavers who came to the show 25 years ago. It shows her standing by her loom on which is depicted her final rug which was uncompleted when she died. The rug was completed by another family member and will also be auctioned that night.

There will be many other enticing packages in the live auction as well. Richard O'Keefe will once more be our auctioneer, and he conducts a very entertaining and fast-paced event.

Many other special events will occur during the show which will include the annual Shi Yazhi Princess Pageant, weaving demonstrations, the popular Navajo Grandma Idol Contest, the moving Veterans Ceremony, and the closing Pow Wow featuring many Native dancers. A complete list of events and times can be found on the rug show page of our web site.

The Adopt-A-Native-Elder rug show is perhaps the largest event of its kind in the country. There will be hundreds of rugs available for purchase as well as a large selection of jewelry and other crafts. At the show you have the opportunity to meet with and purchase directly from the artists who create these beautiful objects. The Snow Park Lodge at Deer Valley is transformed during the event into a dazzling display of Navajo culture.

 A special logo was designed for this 25th year celebration by Rodger Williams.

This is available  embroidered on special edition tee shirts and hats which can be purchased through our web site.

All are cordially invited to attend the show which will take place from Friday evening November 7th through Sunday afternoon November 9th.

We also encourage anyone interested to consider volunteering at the show. This can be a very rewarding experience offering the opportunity to help our Elders as well as learn about Navajo culture. The rug show page of our site provides more information as well as the link to our simple online application process for becoming a volunteer.

Whether you come as a volunteer or spectator, we look forward to seeing you at the show!