Poetry Workshops & Classes

PDF Download “Saad ak’e’elchi”

This compilation of original poetry works by 21st century culturally diverse children showcases how they , the new generation, see the world. The goal of these writing is to allow readers to tangibly see in word form of how these children hear the language, speak it.

There is no word in the Navajo dialogue for the term “poetry.”  The closest translation is literal and would describe the action of poetry using the verb sense.  The Navajo term to describe poetry is,”Saad ak’e’elchi” which is loosely translated in English to “words or (talk) that is fancy.”

When translating Navajo terms into English the expression changes into completely descriptive and does not always give justice to the core meaning or expression of the Navajo phrase.

Navajo Artist/Poet, Venaya Yazzie was born in Shiprock, New Mexico into the Many Hogans and Bitterwater clans, the Waters Flow Together clan and the Hopi Nation.

This collection was sponsored by the Witter Bynner Foundation in 2006.

PDF Download “Saad ak’e’elchi”

2019 Poster Art by Yazzie

Official Poster

Congratulations to NWNMAC board member, contemporary Diné – Hopi Artist, Venaya Yazzie whose art has been selected as the official poster for the 98th Annual Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial.

“Dawn Mist Girl” is a mixed media piece on Arches archival paper. The painting is rooted in the stories of Dine’ (Navajo) story of emergence and migration of the People in the time before the Fourth World existence.

Separatortanaya winder, venaya, layli longsoldier and tacey atsitty Tanaya winder, venaya, layli longsoldier and tacey atsitty
Tanaya Winder, Venaya, Layli Longsoldier and Tacey Atsitty

SPONSORED BY THE NORTHWEST NEW MEXICO ARTS COUNCIL AND FARMINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

POETRY READING

12.11.10
Saturday 3:00-4:30 pm
Farmington Public Library
Multi-Purpose Room
2101 Farmington Avenue
Farmington, NM