Diné College’s NCAP program is hosting a virtual art exhibit until May 31 which features 40 art pieces from the graduating cohort of the Navajo Cultural Arts Certificate program. The online exhibit features 40 student pieces, spotlighting work from the 2021 Navajo Cultural Arts Certificate graduating cohort including Triston Black, Ryan Dodson, Valene Hatalthlie and Willis Tsosie. “Work from current NCAP students and alumni will also be included,” said Program director and faculty Dr. Christine Ami. “Their work demonstrates the self-determination of students, faculty and staff to perpetuate cultural arts teachings even while battling a global pandemic.” The exhibit will run now through May 31 and can be accessed through the Navajo Cultural Arts Program’s Native American Art Magazine Online gallery link. “Last year we postponed the exhibit because of COVID-19,” said Dr. Ami. “But this year we decided to put it online and we were able to work with Native American Art Magazine who posted it on their online gallery link.” NCAP will also resume preparation for its Navajo Cultural Arts Week – all in a virtual format. Events will include student led workshops, a Best of Show Panel featuring the top award winners from all previous NCAP exhibits, and the return of the Ned Hatathli Navajo Cultural Arts Exhibit. Diné College’s Navajo Cultural Art Program (NCAP) was established in 2016 with the intent to revitalize and enhance Navajo cultural arts teachings in the areas of moccasin making, basketry, silversmithing, weaving, and pottery. Since its inception, the NCAP has hosted Navajo Cultural Arts Week, an annual spring community event associated with a juried exhibit featuring student creations. Since the program’s inception, 25 students have earned certificates. “We are also asking all viewers of the NCAP exhibit to take a survey and select their favorite piece,” said Dr. Ami. “The piece with the most votes at the end of the exhibit run will win the Community Choice Award Ribbon which comes with prize money.” The link to the survey is https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P6CQ9V3.
