Irene Clark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Irene Clark
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| Born |
Irene Hardy
1934 Navajo Nation at Crystal, New Mexico, USA
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| Nationality | Navajo |
| Education | Special Program for Navajos in Chilocco, Oklahoma |
| Known for | weaving, educating others in traditional Navajo weaving and fiber arts |
| Spouse(s) | Jimmy Clark Teesto |
| Awards | Women's Caucus for Art Lifetime Achievement Award 1995 numerous first place awards from the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial, the Navajo Nation Fiar, and the Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff |
Irene Hardy Clark is a very talented Navajo weaver. She was born in 1934 in Crystal, New Mexico, which is part of the Navajo Nation.
In the Navajo culture, families are often described by their clans. Irene's mother's clan is Tabaahi, which means "water's edge people." Her father's clan is Honagha nii, meaning "he walks around one people." Irene learned to weave mostly by herself, mixing old traditions with new ideas in her art.
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How Irene Creates Her Weavings
Irene learned many traditional weaving skills from her mother, Glenebah Hardy. She starts with wool from sheep. First, she washes and cleans the wool. Then, she prepares it by carding (combing it) and hand spinning it into yarn.
After spinning, Irene dyes the yarn using natural colors from plants and lichen. Finally, she uses a tall, strong steel loom to weave the yarn into beautiful designs. Her finished weavings are truly special.
A Film About Her Art
Irene Clark's amazing work has been shown in many places. In 1991, a film called Weavers was made about her. This film helped more people learn about her traditional art.
Sharing Her Knowledge
Irene is also a dedicated teacher. She has shared her knowledge of weaving with many younger people. She helps keep the traditional Navajo weaving techniques alive for future generations.
Where You Can See Her Art
Irene Clark's weavings have been displayed in many important places.
- The Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff has shown her work.
- The Kennedy Museum of Art at Ohio University also has her art.
Traveling Exhibitions
Some of Irene's weavings were part of a special traveling art show. This show started at the Denver Art Museum. It was called Contemporary Navajo Weaving: The Gloria F. Ross Collection of the Denver Art Museum.
The exhibition then traveled to several other museums:
- The Heard Museum in Phoenix.
- The Renwick Gallery in Washington, D.C.
- The Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha.
- The National Museum of the American Indian in New York City.
Irene's art has also been shown in other art galleries, like Gallery 10 in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Where Her Art is Kept
Irene Clark's artwork is part of important collections. The Denver Art Museum owns some of her pieces. Her work is also in many other public and private collections. For example, some of her art is in the Edwin L. and Ruth E. Kennedy Southwest Native American collection at Ohio University.
Special Projects and Awards
In 1990, Irene received a special request from Gloria F. Ross Tapestries in New York City. She was asked to weave a piece called Nááts 'ííllid, which means "Rainbow." She also created tapestries based on the paintings of American artist Kenneth Noland.
Awards and Honors
Irene Clark has received many awards for her incredible weaving.
- In 1995, she received the Women's Caucus for Art Lifetime Achievement Award. This award celebrates artists who have made a big impact over their careers.
- She has also won many first-place awards at important events like the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial, the Navajo Nation Fair, and shows at the Museum of Northern Arizona.
