November is Native American Cultural Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to feature the Pomo Weavers Society in the front window of the Corner Gallery.
Silver Galleto, a founding member of the group, is very excited about these public outreach opportunities. He wants to let people know that the Pomo weavers are very active and are trying to re-establish many of the traditions that haven’t been fully practiced for decades, especially basket-making.
The show showcases a variety of contemporary baskets made by Pomo artists from three counties: Mendocino, Lake and Sonoma. Additionally, there are other woven items such as dowry bags and photographs of both the collecting process and his PWS members restoring this piece of their rich heritage.
Silver is a teacher who is passionate about pomo weaving. He is always looking for more Pomo students to teach people traditional skills so that they can be taught by others.In the past three years, Pomo his weavers his society has grown into many He has produced mentors and is now actively teaching his skills to others. “This is my dream. One person can’t do it all.”
Our growing group of mentors represents a wide range of ages…the youngest is in their pre-teens and there are some elders.Silver affirms it’s never too late to learn . “I wish I had taught it sooner, but it took me a while to get started.” Now he’s been doing it for decades. Silver’s enthusiasm is contagious, he says. Hundreds of weavers hope to maintain their traditional greatness. ’” he continues. He believes that reviving traditional ways not only strengthens a nation, but makes one’s ancestors proud in the process. “
Corine Pearce also has many of the baskets featured in the show. She started weaving around the same time Silver started weaving when she was nine years old. When they finally met, they both thought they were alone, so they were surprised to learn that someone else was weaving.
The Pomo Weavers Society is a new group launched in 2019, just before the pandemic. The group, which he met in person only twice before the pandemic hit, was all closed. “Out of necessity,” explains her Corine. “Somehow we survived and now look forward to moving forward with more members committed to preserving our legacy, this beautiful art form.”
Artists participating in the show are Robin Mealy, Martina Morgan, Melody Williams, Katie Williams Elliot, Meyo Malfo, Patricia Franklin, Buffy Schmidt, Silver Garrett and Corinne Pierce.
The show’s first Friday opening ceremony will take place on November 4th from 5-8pm at the Corner Gallery at 201 S. State St. in Ukiah. Live flute music is played in the evenings.
