VENANCIO ARAGON (NAVAJO)

Raised in Farmington, New Mexico, and from the Water Flows Together Clan of the Navajo, Venancio Aragon is descendent from a long line of weavers, and he first learned his art from his mother, Iverta. Aragon has degrees in cultural anthropology and Native American and Indigenous studies, and he has studied historic and prehistoric Indigenous textiles, which have largely influenced his weavings. He uses a hybrid of less-practiced weaving styles, including twills, double-weaves and tufted styles, many of which are in danger of being forgotten, and his textiles are hand spun and naturally dyed. “Indian Market is an important opportunity for Native peoples to celebrate our diversity and show the world our ancient cultures can continue in the modern age,” Aragon says.