Gilbert Begay at the recent Heard Museum Guild Indian Market

Tempe, AZ   Happy Birthday(!) to one of the most talented, kind and generous people I know: weaver Gilbert Begay.  In addition to working full-time at Safeway, Gil is an accomplished weaver who just finished demonstrating twill saddle blanket weaving at the opening of They Wove for Horses: Diné Saddle Blankets.   The exhibit contains examples of Navajo saddle blanket weaving from 1860 to 2002 and is on long-term display at The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, 710-708 Camino Lejo, off Old Santa Fe Trail on Museum Hill in Santa Fe.

You can see Gilbert with some of the work that he showed at the recent Heard Museum Indian Market and there is almost always something by Gilbert in the Weaving in Beauty Mercantile.   Gilbert is very innovative and he has developed a knack for coming up with pieces that blend contemporary utilitarianism with traditional patterns.  His purses are very popular and also has also added horse cinches and most recently scarves to his offerings.  The scarves  are worn like a liturgical stole or are draped over one shoulder.  It’s easy to imagine  his weaving as part of a high-end fashion portfolio.   It would look great on the catwalk!  

Have a great day, Gilbert!   Happy, happy birthday shi(my) buddy.  

Hagoshíí (so long for now)

Mary Walker