TUCSON, ARIZONA.- Since the 1960s contemporary Navajo weavers represent some of the finest artistry in the American Southwest. Their work builds on centuries-old traditions, yet continually breaks new ground. They transform native sheep's wool, store-bought yarns, plant dyes, and synthetic colors into textiles of beauty and sophistication. Navajo rugs and wall hangings emerge from rural communities such as Two Grey Hills, New Mexico, and Wide Ruins, Arizona, to compete successfully with artwork in museums and galleries worldwide.

Families generally provide continuity for Native weaving. Navajo weaving is traditionally passed on from grandmother to mother to granddaughter. When a mother isn't available, many weavers learn from other relatives. Related weavers often share designs and colors as well as tools and techniques with each other.

Three generations of Navajo weavers descending from Barbara Ornelas' grandmother, Susie Tom from Two Grey Hills, New Mexico, are featured in Arizona State Museum's newest exhibition, Navajo Weaving at Arizona State Museum: 19th Century Blankets/20th Century Rugs/21st Century Views. Sisters Ruth Teller and Margaret Yazzie represent the older generation of experienced craftswomen. Their daughters - Barbara Teller Ornelas, Linda Teller Pete, and Ramona Yazzie - pursue weaving as a fine art form. Barbara's daughter, Sierra Ornelas, and son, Michael Ornelas, recognize Navajo weaving as an important part of their heritage and, while hardworking college students, they are also excellent weavers. Each of these talented weavers appreciates their work's important connections to the land and their sheep, to their family and community, to the marketplace, and to the art world.

This exhibition and related programs are co-sponsored by the Gloria F. Ross Center for Tapestry Studies and made possible through support from Arizona Commission on the Art, National Endowment for the Arts, the University of Arizona Foundation, the R.C. and S.B. Ernst Foundation, Antique Tribal Art Dealers Association, Dr. & Mrs. Daniel E. Albrecht, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Collett, Susan Brown McGreevy, Edgar O. Smith, Dr. J. Mark Sublette, Medicine Man Gallery, Mr. &. Mrs. H. A. Thompson, and many other generous friends.