Aric Chopito

Aric Chopito is one of the few weavers practicing in Zuni Pueblo today. As a result, he strongly believes in perfecting his weaving techniques and passing on his knowledge to future generations. According to Aric, “Weaving is my footprint impressions I leave for my Native People to follow. I am a self-taught weaver, learning from the footsteps my forefathers left for me.”

At SAR, Aric will be working on a project to create a kilt using a semi-brocade technique. This will allow the whole kilt fabric and design to be woven together. Aric intends to research textiles in the IARC collection as inspiration for his kilt. In explaining his motivations for applying for the fellowship, he said:

My main desire for applying for this fellowship is to market my weaving abilities to my people using the vast resources of this organization… I hope to spark embers to create a flame. My desire is that with the lighting of a flame, we will attract moths to create a huge flame of weavers. My experience has led me to understand that it takes but one individual to make a change. If that one individual desires to learn and carry on the art, we are one more fiber stronger.

Aric received his AFA in Museum Studies from the Institute of American Indian Art. He has served as a weaving instructor at the A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center in Zuni Pueblo and is a frequent demonstrator at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In addition, Aric was formerly an IARC intern where he completed an internship in Pueblo textiles. His work can be found in the collections of the Salinas Pueblo Mission National Monument in Mountainair, NM; Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, NM; and many others.

Aric will be in residence from September 1–December 1, 2010.