Leah Mata Fragua is a Northern Chumash artist and practitioner of traditional arts. Her work is primarily utilitarian, however, she sees her work as an extension of place and uses her art to spread awareness about the devastating effects of climate change. As a member of a coastal Indigenous community, she has witnessed severe environmental degradation firsthand as it has substantially diminished the resources that her community relies on. While in residence at SAR, Fragua will create a traditional Chumash dance dress. This dress will visually represent rising ocean levels and the increasing severity of wildfires. Fragua will be in residence from March 2, 2020, to May 31, 2020.

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Oglala Lakota artist Mikayla Patton is an early career artist and a recent graduate of the institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA). She  utilizes her passion and skills as both a papermaker and printmaker to collage Lakota line designs and symbols as a way to continue traditional art forms such as quillwork and beadwork. She explains that in her practice, she works to navigate traditional forms using new materials just as “modern Natives are forced to adapt to a forever changing environment.” Patton’s work is influenced by cultural healing, Native wellness, and feminine strength. She will be in residence from June 15, 2020, to August 15, 2020.

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Venancio Aragon’s (Navajo) interest in weaving centers on learning and understanding the structures of lesser known and rarely practiced techniques. While at SAR, Aragon will research the IARC’s textile collection to create a series of textiles that will represent several distinct variations of twill structures and uncommon weaving techniques. Aragon says, “I look forward to the opportunity to challenge my art and research skills while at SAR and to return to my community with knowledge important to the survival of our cultural arts. I view the IARC fellowship as a means to create a generative project of public service that engages with community–centered needs through art and education.”

Aragon will be in residence from September 1, 2020, to December 1, 2020.

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