An authentic Navajo rug woven by renowned artist Charlene Laughing will be coming up for auction later this month. NPC Friends and Family, an organization that facilitates student scholarships for those attending Northland Pioneer College, will be auctioning the rug on eBay from Nov. 27-Dec. 15. The rug will be on display in the Cinder Block Court hallway at the historic La Posada Hotel, located at 303 E. Second St. in Winslow from now through Dec. 15. In an unusual “sampler” style, it combines four distinctive rugs into one large, complete piece, measuring 44” x 68.5”. The donor acquired the rug at the New Mexico State Fair, where it had won a blue ribbon. It is mounted on a hand-carved New Mexican hanger, suitable for display on a wall. Proceeds from the auction will be added to the Pres Winslow Memorial Scholarship, which provides $1,000 per semester to graduates of Winslow High School who are enrolled at NPC. While Laughing works in many colors, including vibrant reds and blues, she prefers natural dyes that she makes herself from vegetable sources including onion skins, teas and coffee. She has sold her work worldwide, and shown her rugs at venues such as the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Heard Museum, and the Arizona State Museum’s Southwest Indian Art Fair, where she received two awards of excellence in 2009 for her “Germantown Men’s Wearing Blanket” and her “Crystal Rug.” Learn more about the auction, or the Pres Winslow Memorial Scholarship, including how to donate or apply by contacting Wilson at betsy.wilson@npc.edu or (928) 536-6245.
