OPENS: CCNA: Restoring the Breath

This September, the Center for Contemporary Native Art CCNA gallery will showcase the revitalization of Coast Salish fiber weaving. Master weaver Susan Pavel will co-create the exhibition to demonstrate 40 years of Coast Salish weaving through master and apprentice relationships. “The call to weave resonates from a spiritual dimension that honors the quest to create,” Pavel says—and that call also requires that the knowledge be passed on. Trained by late master Subiyay (Bruce Miller), Pavel has trained several women who now also apprentice others. Through the hands of only a few, the art practice of Salish weaving is now a thriving cultural art form, having just celebrated its first international convening in February.

September 3 Demonstrations

Drop in to watch and chat with Coast Salish Master weavers as they demonstrate and discuss traditional weaving techniques represented in the exhibition.

Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Janice George and Willard “Buddy” Joseph

1:30 – 3 p.m.
Misty Kalama-Archer

This exhibition is about restoring the breath of an ancient art form and honors the sacred relationship between humans and the natural world and between master and apprentice in the world of Coast Salish weaving. Four accomplished Salish weavers—Chepximiya Siyam (Janice M. George), Skwetsimeltxw (Willard “Buddy” Joseph), quhla-ay-hlup (Misty Kalama-Archer), and sa’hLa mitSa (Susan Pavel)—have come together to honor their master teacher subiyay (Gerald Bruce Miller), known to his students as “Uncle.”

Learn more about the Exhibition