About the Series
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T'áá awołí bee: What does it mean?
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The main title of this series, T'áá awołí bee, has the sense of "try very hard." Stonger than yéego, T'áá awołí bee encapsulates the broad essence of how Navajo artists work to gain success (creatively, commercially, culturally, economically, etc.). Through the T'áá awołí bee Series, Navajo artists will share the challenges and successes that they have encountered in their the pursuits of their arts. In this fashion, this lecture series is dedicated to understanding how Navajo art, through the lens of Navajo visual sovereignty, is created, interpreted, and perpetuated. The Navajo Cultural Arts Program's goal is not only to re-present past understandings of what Navajo art is in a culturally and historical context, but also to create pathways for the Navajo people to decipher how our art today can help us to proceed into the future.
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Archived Lectures
Check out our Navajo Cultural Arts Program YouTube page in addition to this NCAP Lecture Series page for archived lectures that are part of the virtual lecture series and the Navajo Cultural Arts Week lectures.
T'áá awołí bee: 2021 Spring Archive
Shane Hendren (Silversmith): "Art and Ranching"
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Lecture Date: February 3rd, 2021
Lecture Time: 3:00pm (Navajo Nation Time) Lecture Topic: Born into a ranching family in New Mexico, Shane Hendren's family instilled as strong work ethic and appreciation for the culture and traditions of his fore bearers. Shane has dedicated the last 21 years into developing skills as a metal smith, focusing his production on jewelry. Over the years his work has matured and imported to the point that it is his primary vocation and how he provides for his family. Join us for this Spring semester opening of T'áá awołí bee as we learn more about Shane's inspirations. This segment of TABS was partially funded by Art Place America Grant |
Peterson Yazzie (Painter): "Converging of Intuition, Experimentation, and Culture"
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Lecture Date: February 17th, 2021
Lecture Time: 3:00pm (Navajo Nation Time) Lecture Topic: Peterson Yazzie is a contemporary artist and educator from Greasewood Spring, Arizona. Through his paintings and carvings, he invites those who experience his work into his creative process of intuition, experimentation, and cultural influence. Join us for a conversation with Peterson as we learn about his ventures in the world of art shows and higher education as a two dimensional art instructor at Northland Pioneer College. |
Emmi Whitehorse (Painter and Print Maker): "Painting, Print Making and Navajo Philosophy."
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Lecture Date: March 3rd, 2021
Lecture Time: 3:00pm (Navajo Nation Time) Lecture Topic: Emmi Whitehorse is one of many artists who has spent the pandemic in a field of creation. The results of this self-reflection and re-balancing period can be viewed through her latest exhibit entitled, Sanctum. Join us for a conversation with the acclaimed Navajo painter and print maker, who is also a native to Crownpoint, NM, as we learn more about her use of contemporary art forms to exude the natural and supernatural of Navajo ways of knowing. |
JT Willie (Beader and Silversmith): "Bead and Silver: Behind the NN Division of Economic Development"
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Lecture Date: March 17th, 2021
Lecture Time: 3:00pm (Navajo Nation Time) Lecture Topic: Many are familiar with JT Willie as the current Executive Director for the Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development and the former Director of Sales and Marketing at Navajo Arts and Craft Enterprise. However, it is JT's identity as a third generation Navajo artist that brings him to the Navajo Cultural Arts Program's T'áá awołí bee series . Born of the Tábááhá and Táchiinii of Twin Lakes, New Mexico, JT specializes in unique combinations of beadwork, silver, natural stones, and quartzites. Join us we learn more about his successes and challenges as an artist and an advocator of Navajo economic self determination and self-sufficiency. |
Teddy Draper Jr. (Painter and Silversmith): "Up Your Game: Basketball, Painting, Silversmithing"
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Lecture Date: April 7th, 2021
Lecture Time: 3:00pm (Navajo Nation Time) Lecture Topic: Teddy Draper Jr is known throughout the world for his abstract pastel landscape paintings. But Navajo community members know him as a basketball coach, a mentor for Navajo youth, and an advocate of sobriety and traditional health. His desire to contribute to community brought him to Diné College as a silversmithing instructor. Join us as we talk to Teddy about his philosophies in art, business, basketball, and maybe a little bit of bullriding. |
Hoł'į́ní: Navajo Cultural Arts Bests of Show Panel
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Lecture Date: April 21st, 2021
Lecture Time: 3:00pm (Navajo Nation Time) Lecture Topic: NCAP Alumni Carlon P. Ami II, Heather Williams, Brent Toadlena and Brandon Dinae come together to discuss their experiences taking home the Navajo Cultural Arts Program exhibit Best of Show awards. Join as as we reflect on their experiences in the program and where the cultural arts have taken them since their graduations. Immediately following this conversation will also be the announcement of this year's 2021 Diné College Ned Hatathli Navajo Cultural Arts Virtual Exhibit! |
T'áá awołí bee: 2020 Fall Archive
Bahe Whitethorne (Painter): "Folding Chair: The Work of a Master Painter"
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Lecture Date: October 7th, 2020
Lecture Time: 3:00pm (Navajo Nation Time) Lecture Topic: Join us as Bahe Whitethorne kick starts our fall series of T’áá awołí bee with his stories of struggles and successes as a Navajo Painter. His work, which intertwines landscapes and cultural nuances, is known well beyond the United States southwest. Our conversation with this Western Heritage Wrangler Award recipient will reflect upon his inspirations as well as his well-known approachability as a supporter of emerging Navajo artists. This segment of TABS was partially funded by Art Place America Grant. |
William Wilson (Photographer): "Tintype: A Response to America's Fixed Consciousness of Native Americans"
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Lecture Date: October 21st, 2020
Lecture Time: 3:00pm (Navajo Nation Time) Lecture Topic: William Wilson, a Navajo Photographer and MFA Graduate from the University of New Mexico, is known for his appreciation and critique of photographic depictions of Native Americans. His work utilizes tintype, a historic photographing process, as a manner of response to American’s fixed consciousness of what Native Americans are supposed to look like. Join us as we sit down with William to discuss the creative tensions that his work addresses from political and socio-cultural realms. This segment of TABS was partially funded by Art Place America Grant. |
Nonibah Chacon (Muralist): Murals and Feminisms
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Lecture Date: November 4th, 2020
Lecture Time: 3:00pm (Navajo Nation Time) Lecture Topic: Growing up between Corrales, NM and Chinle, Az, Nonibah (Noni) Chacon started her work as a graffiti writer. Transitioning from street graffiti to oil painting, Chacon earned her Bachelor’s in Art Education from the University of New Mexico. Join us as we talk with this SWAIA ribbon winning artist to discuss her large scale murals that encompass both traditional and modern native feminisms. This segment of TABS was partially funded by Art Place America Grant. |
Beads, Buffing, and the Becks: A Conversation with Victor and Nanibaa Beck
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Lecture Date: November 18th, 2020
Lecture Time: 3:00pm (Navajo Nation Time) Lecture Topic: The daughter of world renowned silversmith Victor Beck has certainly made a space for herself within the Fine Arts realm of metalwork. With appreciation for her father's work and teachings, Nanibaa Beck joins us for a conversation about her definition of success and how language, land, stones, and metal have converged for her as she perpetuates the Navajo art of silversmithing. |
Sarah, Tahnibaa and Winter Rose Naataanii: "3 Generations of Weavers Rooted at Table Mesa"
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Lecture Date: December 2nd, 2020
Lecture Time: 3:00pm (Navajo Nation Time) Lecture Topic: Sarah and Tahnibaa Naataanii are weavers from Table Mesa. Neither is a stranger to the fine arts arena of textiles. They have garnered awards from the Heard Indian Market, SWAIA, and the Native Arts and Cultural Foundation. However, the pinnacle of their careers may be found in the welcoming of Tahnibaa's daughter to the loom. Join us for a conversation with Sarah, Tahnibaa, and Winter Rose as we explore the significance of continuing intergenerational cultural arts knowledge and skills. |
Kayla Jackson: "Lighting Provided by Morning Blessings"
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Lecture Date: December 16th, 2020
Lecture Time: 3:00pm (Navajo Nation Time) Lecture Topic: Raised in Round Rock, Kayla Jackson learned early life lessons about hard work, good ethics, creativity, and Navajo values on horseback, among her livestock, and from her father. These lessons paved way for her fine arts explorations. Kalya was the first Fine Arts B.F.A. graduate from Diné College and is currently a MFA student at Colorado State University. Bringing together her journeys both in academia and from the dirt of Round Rock, she keeps one teaching in particular at heart - the best lighting comes from the morning’s blessings. Join us for a conversation with Kayla as she discusses her paintings, photography, and the role of happiness in her work. This segment of TABS was partially funded by Art Place America Grant. |
T'áá awołí bee: 2020 Summer Archive
Jared and Darrell Tso (Potters): "Pottery Making in the 21st Century"
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Lecture Date: APRIL 14th, 2020
Lecture Time: 3:00pm (Navajo Nation Time) Lecture Topic: In this lecture, father and son Navajo potters, Darrell and Jared Tso will provide insight on the challenges and successes that they have faced in the areas of ceramics and Navajo pottery making as well as how they foresee their work developing in the future. 
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Lyndon Tsosie (Silversmith): "Bring on the Wrecking Ball"
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Lecture Date: APRIL 28th, 2020
Lecture Time: 3:00pm (Navajo Nation Time) Lecture Topic: From stories of sobriety to the managing of The House of Stamps, Master Silvermith, Lyndon Tsosie, shares his experiences as a silversmith, business man, and community figure. Internationally known as the Heard Museum's 2018 Indian Fair & Market Best of Category winner, Lyndon explains how his philosophy of giving back to his community holds more value than ribbons. 
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Marlow Katoney (Weaver): "Weaving as Language"
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Lecture Date: May 12th, 2020
Lecture Time: 3:00pm (Navajo Nation Time) Lecture Topic: Marlowe Katoney's introduction to contemporary art was through painting - or so he thought. Join us as this former School of Advanced Research fellow discusses the challenges and successes he has experienced as a contemporary Navajo weaver, including his understanding of weaving as a colloquialism of language. 
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Beverly Blacksheep (Painter): "Traditional Contemporary: Looking Back, Moving Forward"
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Lecture Date: May 26th, 2020
Lecture Time: 3:00pm (Navajo Nation Time) Lecture Topic: Navajo painter, Beverly Blacksheep's illustrations and paintings are well-known throughout Navajo country and abroad. Many of her portrayals of Navajo women, motherhood, and traditional life ways have garnered accolades at the southwest Indian markets, including the coveted Intertribal Indian Ceremonial poster centerpiece in 1994. Join us as Beverly discusses her rise to fame, including her inspirations, challenges and the significance of her latest pieces. 
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Corey Begay (Graphic Designer): "Bear Wearing Glasses"
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Lecture Date: June 9th, 2020
Lecture Time: 3:00pm (Navajo Nation Time) Lecture Topic: If you have passed through Downtown Flagstaff's mural district, opened a creation from Salina Bookshelf Publishing, or have worn Ginew's new line "Naasgó", you have probably seen this Cedar Spring native's work! Join us as we discuss the contemporary challenges that Navajo Graphic Designer, Corey Begay, has overcome to bring his messages of Navajo beauty and resilience to public sphere via murals, illustrations, logos, and canvas paintings. 
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Hulleah Tsinhnahjinnie (Photographer): "Visual Sovereignty: Weapons of Expression"
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Lecture Date: June 23th, 2020
Lecture Time: 3:00pm (Navajo Nation Time) Lecture Topic: Daughter of a Santa Fe Studio Style Artist, Hulleah Tsinhnahjinnie has had a lifelong relationship with the fine arts. Her experiences with painting and photography coupled with her unique retooling of photographs and post cards have also allowed for Hulleah to work with art as weapons of visual sovereignty. Join us as this UC Davis Professor discusses the challenges she has faced as a photographer and as an academic. 
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Barbara Teller Ornelas and Lynda Teller Pete (Weavers): "Nizhónígo dóó Hózhóogo éí Átł'ó Bee Nihidziil"
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Lecture Date: July 14th, 2020
Lecture Time: 3:00pm (Navajo Nation Time) Lecture Topic: Join us as sisters, Barbara Teller Ornelas and Lynda Teller Pete, from Two Grey Hills, New Mexico discuss their weaving lives from their modest beginnings to their inspiring work with the Heard Museum. In this talk with these 5th Generation Diné Weavers we will also gain insight to their literary projects such as "Spider Woman's Children, Navajo Weavers Today" (2018) and their up and coming instructional text, "How to Weave a Navajo Rug and Other Lessons from Spider Woman" (October, 2020). 
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Rapheal Begay (Photographer): "Navajo Photography: A Vernacular Response"
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Lecture Date: July 28th, 2020
Lecture Time: 3:00pm (Navajo Nation Time) Lecture Topic: Join photographer and curator Rapheal Begay as he presents images from his ongoing photography series of the Navajo Nation. As a form of contemporary storytelling, A Vernacular Response is a (re)collection of intimate moments tied to understanding and the relationship to one’s surroundings. In line with self-determination and visual sovereignty, the work intends to activate Indigenous imagination and contribute to a never-ending Diné past, present, and future. |
Tony Abeyta (Painter/Silversmith): "Metal and Paint: A Navajo Contemporary Artist"
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Lecture Date: August 10th, 2020
Lecture Time: 3:00pm (Navajo Nation Time) Lecture Topic: Son of Santa Fe Studio Artist, Narcisco Abeyta, Tony Abeyta has produced his own acclaim to the fine arts world, garnering prestigious awards and ribbons throughout his career, including the title of "living treasure" by Santa Fe's Museum of Indian Arts & Culture at the 2012 Native Treasures Indian Arts Festival. Join us as we learn more about the silversmith and mix media painter through a video presentation of his up and coming exhibit, followed by a discussion of the challenges that he has overcome as a Navajo Artist. 
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Don Whitesinger (Painter/2D Artist): "The Scent of Wet Sage: Teaching the Fine Arts"
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Lecture Date: August 25th, 2020
Lecture Time: 3:00pm (Navajo Nation Time) Lecture Topic: Graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, Navajo painter Don Whitesinger did not stay away from his Spider Rock home for too long. This Diné College Associate professor returned to the Navajo Nation to instill art awareness infused with Diné social values in those who join him in his Painting, 2-D Design and Color Theory classes. Join us for a conversation with Don as he discusses the challenges of balancing careers as an art instructor and a professional artist. 
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NCAP Spring 2019 Lecture
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April 16, 2019
NHC Museum Sally Black
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NCAP Spring 2018 Lecture
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April 18, 2018
NHC Museum Teddy Draper, Jr.
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NCAP Winter 2018 Lecture
Wilson Aronilth, Jr. - "Celebrating 50 Years of Cultural Arts Teaching: Silversmithing with Wilson"
The Navajo Cultural Arts Program (NCAP) hosted a unique exhibit that focused on the works and teachings of silversmith, Wilson Aronilth Jr. Not only did Wilson create a unique bridle set for this exhibit to remain on permanent DC exhibit but 21 of Wilson's silversmithing students from over 40 years of silversmith education at Diné College accompanied his work. Below is a lecture that opened this exhibit along with videos of him working in his classroom and his home workshop.
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NCAP Silversmithing With Wilson
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50 Years of Cultural Arts Teaching: Silversmithing
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NCAP Fall 2017 Lecture
Avery Denny and Bryan Taylor
The Navajo Cultural Arts Program (NCAP) hosted lectures on Navajo Bow Making with Avery Denny and Bryan Taylor. Listen to their philosophical and practical stories about the Navajo bow and its creation. Below is a glimpse into the Bow Making Workshop hosted by Bryan Taylor.
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NCAP Spring 2017 Lecture
Theresa Hatathlie
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Regent Hatalthie recollects her mother's philosophies and teachings of the cultural arts that have impacted her life as a leader, a weaver, and a Diné woman.
Theresa Hatathlie Heirlooms
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NCAP Fall 2016 Lecture
Roy Kady
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Renowned Navajo Artisan Roy Kady (Master Weaver) and Master Youth Fiber Artisans, Kevin Aspaas, Ephraim Anderson and Eliseo Curley, share their skills and knowledge of woven horse implements to Diné College community members .
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NCAP Fall 2016 Lecture
The Spider Rock Girls: Three Generations of Family Tradition and Innovation in Navajo Weaving
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Emily Malone (Master Weaver), from Spider Rock, Arizona, offers a lecture about the inter-generational weaving teachings of her family. Joined by her mother and her two daughters, she highlights the unique characteristics of the Spider Rock Girls, including their hallmarks, growing up in Canyon de Chelly, and life lessons learned from weaving.
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NCAP Spring 2016 Lecture
Dr. Wilson Aronilth Jr.
"Introduction to Navajo Cultural Arts Philosophy"
April 20, 2016
"Introduction to Navajo Cultural Arts Philosophy"
April 20, 2016
The 1st Navajo Cultural Arts Week at Dine College culminated with a Lecture and Museum Exhibit Reception on April 20, 2016. The inspiring Invocation from Dr. Henry Fowler, words of encouragement from Board of Regents President, Greg Bigman, heartfelt explanations of NCAP logo by Corey Begay and beautiful benediction offered by Marie Etsitty-Nez contributed to the positive atmosphere of not only the evening but the journey ahead of the NCAP. All of these happening surrounded our keynote speaker, Dr. Wilson Aronilth, Jr., who took the time and patience to introduce Navajo Cultural Arts Philosophy to the more than 40 attendees. Introduced by our gracious Mistress of Ceremonies, Miss Navajo Nation 2014, McKeon Dempsey, Wilson spoke for an hour on significance of silverwork and weaving to the Navajo people. His shared stories, songs, and prayers that helped to provide a frame for what the Navajo Cultural Arts Program stands for: Intergenerational teachings of skills, philosophies, and ways of life that are promoted through and by Navajo cultural arts.
Navajo Oral History Project
The following documentaries from the collaborative Diné College and Winona State University Navajo Oral History Project highlight the lives and the work of Navajo Master Artisans, Nita Nez (weaver), Jake Livingston (silversmith), and Baje Whitethorne (painter).
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