Both Mary and Grace, mother and daughter are well-known weavers in the Ganado and surrounding areas, known for their expertise in Navajo weaving and feature in many publications.
Recently through a partnership with US based mill, American Dakota, Mary has given permission for one of her master weavings to be re-interpreted into their machine-made version. This new interpretation now allows homeowners an affordable option when bringing a Mary Henderson Begay rug into their home. The American Dakota rug is called Blue Ribbon – Multi in honor of an original weaving that won a first-place ribbon for its fine detail and color.
American Dakota splits the profits they make 50/50 with which each Native artist they partner with. This partnership allows weavers who may live in remote areas to create streams of income.
“We delight in writing checks to artists each month, it truly warms our hearts to know an artist can continue to make passive income from an original design that might have taken them 6 months to weave. Through our partnerships artists make money long after the original rug is sold."
––American Dakota owner Mark Ford.
Now, Gloria has partnered with American Dakota and is debuting three machine-made versions of her rug designs this Spring at the Heard Indian Fair and Market. This partnership allows Gloria to make a continual stream of income from an original handwoven rug that took months to create. Gloria says of her partnership with American Dakota, “It’s exciting to see our weavings in another dynamic as these Navajo patterns are trending in pop culture such as fashion, tattoos, entertainment, arts and social media as the craft itself continues to evolve.”
Gloria’s and Mary’s rugs will be available in 7 sizes. Visit www.americandakota.com for more info and a list of authorized dealers.