Navajo weaving exhibit at Morrill Hall looks to educate spectators

For some University of Nebraska-Lincoln students, Morrill Hall is simply a building that holds memories of elementary school field trips. Since then, time has passed by the museum with no interest in returning to the exhibits.

With the Textile Society of America Symposium coming to Lincoln in early October, the University of Nebraska State Museum in Morrill Hall will be hosting an exhibit at the Cooper Gallery, one that will imbue that perception of place. "A Turning Point: Navajo Weaving in the Late 20th Century" is an exhibit that will showcase contemporary Navajo textiles and reflect on a culture that is redefining perceptions of this craft.

"A Turning Point" highlights the changing artistic views of weavers, collectors and dealers as these Native American textiles have become recognized as fine art, going beyond the origins of traditional craft. The collection includes 34 pieces from more than 30 artists, all of which were created during the past 25 years. It was during this time that Navajo weaving became a respected form of fine art and viewed formally in artistic displays, said Ann Hedlund, curator of the exhibit.

"What's unique about this exhibit is that we are able to look back and document the beginnings of this trend," Hedlund said. "We are commenting on the phenomenon of Navajo weaving as it has become considered an art form."

The 34-piece collection will offer a window into many regional styles of Native American weaving, along with weavings that show the artist's twist on traditional cultural styles.

"What's important is that many of these styles are interpreted in unique ways by these individual artists," Hedlund said. "They're not just reproducing their community's style but are adding their own special aesthetic influences and markers."

This exhibit will not only offer a display that allows museum-goers to learn about this transitional period in Navajo weaving, but it is also providing opportunities for first-hand learning.

"What's also interesting is we're going to have three weavers come into the museum — a mother, daughter and grandmother — who will demonstrate their methods of weaving," said Wendy Weiss, coordinator of the exhibit and textiles professor at UNL.

Melissa Cody, Lola Cody and Martha Schultz represent three generations of a Navajo family from Arizona. From Oct. 7 to 9, these three women will be outside Cooper Gallery during regular museum hours to demonstrate their work and interact with visitors.

"We hope to bring in a wide range of the community to see the show," Weiss said, "including Native American youth, UNL students, elementary school students as well as the general public."

The exhibit opens Oct. 1 and will remain on display through Nov. 30. General museum admission will be charged to the exhibit as well as interactive events.

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