ZUNI, NM (July 29, 2024) — The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project’s summer cohort of Emerging Artist Apprentices are preparing to show their work at ARTZ (Ancestral Rich Treasures of Zuni) Cooperative Gallery at 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2. The cohort’s top three students will go on to the 102nd Annual Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Red Rock Park on Aug. 9-10.
Eight young artists are participating in this summer’s apprenticeship program, which started on May 28 and concludes with the ARTZ gallery showcase on Aug. 2. They are Claire Booqua, 15; Rydell Laiteyse, 15; Makayla Tsethlikai, 15; Reina Chimoni-Zunie, 15; Sydney Kanesta, 16; Sienna Quam, 16; Mary Peynetsa, 19; and Tiyana Haloo, 22.
Made possible with support from the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) Social and Economic Development Strategies Grant and led by instructors Pamela Tsadiasi and Tori Zunie, this summer’s apprenticeship focuses on two separate art forms: crochet and cross-stitch. The students began their apprenticeships learning about the history and evaluation of Pueblo textiles and the adoption of European techniques.
“Through our resilience, the Zuni people have learned to adapt and adopt various methods for convenience or preservation,” explained Elroy Natachu Jr., ZYEP’s arts coordinator.
He noted that European missionaries taught crochet to the Pueblo people in 1600-1700; this technique replaced the traditional method of looping and twining, which was used in 1100-1300 CE (Pueblo III). Cross-stitching became popular in the 20th century, when Pueblo people began to incorporate cultural designs into household items such as aprons and napkins.
The art apprentices’ first projects were fingerless gloves and a beanie. They learned to use crochet needles and crochet looms, and once they knew the basics, they could expand their designs and color combinations.
For their second project, the students learned the fundamentals of cross-stitching. Each apprentice worked on a variety of stitches and styles, using different cross-stitch styles to embroider a waist apron.
“They learned the toughness of each art form, and through their perseverance, they met the challenge,” Natachu said.
As work wraps up for the summer apprenticeship, all eyes are turning toward the local art showcase on Aug. 2. Shows like this are an important part of the apprenticeship program.
At ARTZ, students are able to display their work in their home community, practicing skills such as customer service, pricing and financial literacy along the way. The top three students then will build upon that experience at “The Ceremonial” in Gallup.
ZYEP launched its Emerging Artist Apprenticeship program in January 2021, with support from ANA and ARTZ. To date, 92 students have completed the Emerging Artist Apprenticeship, and six students have gone on to complete an intensive Advanced Artist Apprenticeship with the youth project.
Together, ZYEP and its partners are seeking to empower the next generation of Zuni artists so they can pursue careers in the arts as well as help strengthen the Pueblo of Zuni’s arts economy.
To learn more about the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project and its programs, and for information about making donations, partnering with ZYEP, and volunteering, call (505) 782-8000 or visit zyep.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest news and events, follow the nonprofit youth organization on Facebook (/zuniyouthenrichmentproject), Instagram (@zuniyouthenrichmentproject), YouTube (/ZuniYouth), and TikTok (/zyep09)
Founded in 2009, the nonprofit Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is dedicated to promoting resilience among Zuni youth so they will grow into strong, healthy adults who are connected with Zuni traditions. ZYEP fulfills its mission by providing positive role models, enriching programs, and nurturing spaces that contribute to the healthy development of Zuni youth. ZYEP strives to provide every child with the encouragement and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
