Spinning Wool with a Navajo Spindle with Venancio Aragon (Sunday, June 4)
THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL. Email flagwool.workshops@gmail.com to be added to the wait list.
In this workshop participants will learn the basic mechanics and techniques of using a spindle of Indigenous origin from the American Southwest. Students will learn the history of Navajo wool processing and its importance to the cultural landscape of the region. Instruction will include using hand carders to make rolags for spinning, spinning from commercially processed roving, and how to ply using the Navajo spindle. Techniques of spinning will be covered that include long draw, short draw, worsted, woolen). Finally, students will learn how to unwind their skeins from the spindle and how to finish their spun yarns.
This workshop will also be offered on Saturday, June 3rd from 9 am to 12 pm.
Date & Time
Sunday, June 4th from 9 am to 12 pm
Skill Level
Beginner
Material Fee
A $15.00 material fee for raw wool and roving is included in the workshop registration fee.
If students do not have their own Navajo spindle, the instructor will have handcrafted spindles available for direct purchase for $45.00 at the beginning of the workshop. If you would like to purchase a spindle, please make a note in the comments section of the checkout form to ensure enough spindles are available.
About the Instructor
Venancio Aragón is a Diné textile artist and holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees: one in Cultural Anthropology from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and the other in Native American Studies from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Prior to becoming a full-time artist, Venancio worked for the National Park Service as an interpretive ranger in various parks and monuments throughout the Southwest. His interest in archaeology, anthropology, and art has led him on a journey of researching and reviving portions of the Diné weaving repertoire that are in danger of being lost. Venancio was the 2020 Rollin and Mary Ella King Native Artist Fellow at the School for Advanced Research (SAR) in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His work at SAR centered on documenting and recreating lesser known and uncommon Diné weaving techniques. He lives and works in Farmington, New Mexico, where he continues to educate and promote Diné weaving as a form of decolonial expression. Venancio’s textiles were part of the exhibitions Color Riot! How Color Changed Navajo Textiles, COLOR: The Beauty and Science of Color, and Tangible/Intangible.
Learn more about Venancio at www.venancioaragon.com.
Workshop Refund & Cancellation Policy
Questions? Email us at flagwool.workshops@gmail.com.