Ashkii Bida' Moccasin and Art: Trip to the Heard Museum

Brent Toadlena

Emerging Artisan, 2017-18 Cohort

Greetings Friends and Relatives! My name is Brent Toadlena and I am a member of the 2017-2018 cohort of the Navajo Cultural Arts Certificate Program at Diné College in Tsaile, AZ. I am Naashgali (Mescalero Apache) Clan and my Dad is Ashiihi  (Salt) Clan. I am an experienced Moccasin Maker - I have even run moccasin making workshops for NCAP in the past. But coming into the program as a student I decided to switch things up a bit and I enrolled in the basket making cohort. It has been a great experience being in the program. I have become exposed to so much more about Navajo arts than I thought I ever would. Every experience has contributed to my development as an artist in astounding ways.

One of my favorite experiences has been going to the Phoenix Heard Museum Indian Market. On the weekend of March 2, 3, & 4, I traveled with my peers to Phoenix. Although I have traveled to Phoenix a  lot and even occasionally visited the museum, I had never really attended the Indian Market until this year. Around 1986 or 1987, when the market was in its infancy, I came to one of the first events that eventually became the Indian Market today. Back then, the event was very small and Native Americans did not have to pay admission to attend. So when we were told we were attending this year’s event, I was anxiously anticipating the event.
          

To say that the Market had grown is an understatement! Never having seen the enormity of the event that is held nowadays was overwhelming. Sheryl, the NCAP Assistant, had a whole agenda for us. The first evening we attending the Best of Show reception where we got to mingle with people. I got to reunite with an old friend from San Felipe Pueblo who is a potter. We had not seen each other since 1998 so we were able to catch each other up. The best of show exhibit was amazing! I particularly liked the photography and will make plans on entering the show in that category in the future.
            

Saturday I went to all the booths and made some good connections with certain artists such as Joe Cajero, Jr of Jemez Pueblo, Eric Fender of San Ildefonso Pueblo, and Sally Black, world famous Navajo basket maker. One of the best things I saw was a young teenager splitting feathers to make arrow fletching! His skill was mesmerizing! Another contact who is important to mention is Sarah Greenfield, who I found out is one of the board members of the museum. She was my Jr. High School Counselor. I’d like to talk with her about helping me get a moccasin making demonstration set up at the museum - so keep an eye open for that. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. I liked that our NCAP family was able to spend this time together and have a great time. I definitely have some ideas about how I will get into this venue!

If you have time during the Navajo Cultural Arts Week, swing by Monday evening to the RC Gorman Room on the second floor of the NHC from 5-8pm. I'll be hosting a Sumac Splitting Workshop there! AND stop by the NHC Museum to vote for your favorite pieces. The winner will receive the "Community Choice Award."

Sumac Splitting Workshop - Monday 5-8pm RC Gorman Room, Kinyaa'anii Library

My two entries: Brother and Sister, waterjugs