Traditional skill/art/craft: Umatilla Cornhusk False Embroidery Years Awarded: 2012 Contact Information:                 Phone: (541)566-3122                  Email: m.ray.j@yahoo.com

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Michael Johnson was born and raised in Umatilla County. He is a weaver by trade, participating in numerous cultural exchanges, and has taught weaving classes at institutions including Blue Mountain Community College and Eastern Oregon University. His work has also been featured at the Oregon Tribal Celebration and Columbia River Tribal Fish Commission among others.

He originally learned cornhusk twining when attending culture camp on the Warm Springs Reservation. Encouraged to continue weaving by his aunt, he was later sent to Idaho to study with several master weavers. He also assisted his grandmother in teaching weaving classes. Very few today still practice the technique of false embroidery twining. Like his grandmother, Michael actively works to pass this rich tradition to those willing to learn.

APPRENTICE BIOGRAPHY - MELINDA BRONCHEAU 2012

Melinda Broncheau is a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla, she grew up seeing the importance of traditional basket and hat weaving from both yarn and corn husk for her culture. She learned to weave yarn baskets from her grandmother, but after her passing, did not continue the tradition until later in life. She also makes traditional bead pieces, Pendleton coats, makes traditional outfits for her two dancing children, and jewelry making. She learned how to weave corn husk hats with the technique called false embroidery twining with Michael Johnson. After learning how to weave corn husk hats, she wishes to make them for her family and extend her knowledge into baskets and bags for other members of her tribe.

Q+A WITH THE MENTOR ARTIST