Cultural Community: Omaha/Nez Perce
Artform: Cornhusk weaving
Residence: North Central Idaho

Bio: Jenny was born and raised on the Nez Perce Reservation. Initially a self-taught weaver, she furthered her skills by studying with master weavers from around the northwest. Weaving has been her passion for over 15 years. Jenny believes it is of critical importance to pass on this tradition, since most cornhusk weavings are now only seen in museums. Jenny has been a featured weaver at the Northwest Weaver's Conference and was featured in the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian magazine, where one of her baskets is on display. She also enjoys weaving with pine needles, cedar bark, bear grass and other traditional grasses of the Plateau area. Along with her husband Dwight and their grandchildren, she spends the summer months gathering and preparing the natural materials for weaving. She took on her granddaughter Lydia Skahan as an apprentice in 2009. Jenny is a wonderful instructor with a deep love and dedication for this traditional artform.

Honors/Awards: 2009, Master, Idaho Commission on the Arts Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program

For Services Offered, Availability and Costs, please contact the artist

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