2024 National Heritage Fellowships

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Table of Contents

• Structure Bookmarks -1
• Document 1
• Article 1
• Figure 1
• 2024NationalHeritage Fellowships 1
• 2024NationalHeritage Fellowships 1
• 2024NationalHeritage Fellowships 1
• Figure 1
• Figure 2
• Remnants of Today, 2
• Remnants of Today, 2
• Remnants of Today, 2
• 2
• Cara de Vaga Series 2
• 2
• by Fabian Debora 2
• Photo by Eddie Ruvalcaba 2
• Photo by Eddie Ruvalcaba 2
• COVER: 2
• COVER: 2
• COVER: 2
• Star Among the Shunka 2
• Wakaan quilt by Susan Hudson 2
• Photo courtesy of the artist 2
• Photo courtesy of the artist 2
• 2024National Heritage Fellowships 3
• Figure 3
• Figure 4
• Crown by Sochietah Ung 4
• Crown by Sochietah Ung 4
• Crown by Sochietah Ung 4
• Photo by Pat Jarrett 4
• Photo by Pat Jarrett 4
• 4
• of the Virginia Folklife Program 4
• Contents 5
• Contents 5
• Message from the President of the United States 5
• Message from the President of the United States 5
• Message from the President of the United States 5
• ............................................. 5
• 2 5
• Message from the NEA Chair 5
• Message from the NEA Chair 5
• .................................................................................. 5
• 3 5
• 2024 5
• 2024 5
• NEA National Heritage Fellows 5
• Bril Barrett 5
• Bril Barrett 5
• ............................................................... 5
• 4 5
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• TAP DANCER 5
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• | 5
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• Chicago, Illinois 5
• Fabian Debora 5
• Fabian Debora 5
• ........................................................ 5
• 6 5
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• CHICANO MURALIST 5
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• | 5
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• Los Angeles, California 5
• Rosie Flores 5
• Rosie Flores 5
• ............................................................. 5
• 8 5
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• ROCKABILLY AND COUNTRY MUSICIAN 5
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• | 5
• 5
• Austin, Texas 5
• Trimble Gilbert 5
• Trimble Gilbert 5
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• Gwich’in 5
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• ............................. 5
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• GWICH’IN FIDDLER 5
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• Arctic Village, Alaska 5
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• Todd Goings 5
• Todd Goings 5
• ............................................................ 5
• 12 5
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• CAROUSEL CARVER AND RESTORATIONIST 5
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• | 5
• 5
• Marion, Ohio 5
• Susan Hudson 5
• Susan Hudson 5
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• Navajo/Diné 5
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• ......................... 5
• 14 5
• QUILTER 5
• 5
• | 5
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• Sheep Springs, New Mexico 5
• June Kuramoto 5
• June Kuramoto 5
• ................................................. 5
• 16 5
• KOTO MUSICIAN 5
• 5
• | 5
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• Alhambra, California 5
• Sochietah Ung 5
• Sochietah Ung 5
• ................................................ 5
• 18 5
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• CAMBODIAN COSTUME MAKER AND DANCER 5
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• | 5
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• Washington, DC 5
• Zuni Olla Maidens 5
• Zuni Olla Maidens 5
• ............................................... 5
• 20 5
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• ZUNI TRADITIONAL DANCERS 5
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• | 5
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• Zuni, New Mexico 5
• Pat Johnson 5
• Pat Johnson 5
• ....................................................... 5
• 22 5
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• COMMUNITY ACTIVIST AND ORGANIZER 5
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• | 5
• 5
• Pocahontas, Arkansas 5
• Acknowledgments 5
• Acknowledgments 5
• .................................................................................................... 5
• 24 5
• Film Screening and Discussion Credits 5
• Film Screening and Discussion Credits 5
• ............................................................. 5
• 25 5
• National Heritage Fellows 1982-2023 5
• National Heritage Fellows 1982-2023 5
• ................................................................ 5
• 26 5
• Submit an NEA National Heritage Fellowship Nomination 5
• Submit an NEA National Heritage Fellowship Nomination 5
• ........................ 5
• 37 5
• About the NEA 5
• About the NEA 5
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• 38 5
• Figure 6
• Message from the Chair 7
• Message from the Chair 7
• Message from the Chair 7
• n behalf of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), I am delighted to congratulate the recipients of the 2024 National Heritage Fellowship, the nation’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts. These distinguished artists and culture bearers continue to sustain and elevate the vibrant cultural legacy of their respective art forms and communities, enriching our entire nation. 7
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• The artistic and creative expressions of the 2024 Heritage Fellows allow us to experience and engage our different cultures and histories with an open curiosity while building bridges to embrace our shared humanity as Americans and global citizens. We see this in the work of Indigenous artists like Rev. Dr. Trimble Gilbert (Gwich’in)’s preservation of Gwich’in fiddle music, the Zuni Olla Maiden (Zuni Pueblo)’s stewardship of traditional drumming, singing, and dance, and Susan Hudson (Navajo/Diné)’s quilting 7
• Mindful of the past, informed by the present, and with an eye towards the sustainability of their art form, Heritage Fellows create opportunities to reimagine artful practices for generations to come. June Kuramoto has forged a genre-transcending career for herself, fusing traditional Japanese koto with contemporary music as a member of the Asian American band, Hiroshima. Another innovator, Rosie Flores, has preserved and extended the legacies of Texan musicians in the blues, western swing, and Tejano music 7
• In addition to capturing our histories and blazing new trails, culture bearers often serve our communities as teachers, helping us explore our creative capacity. They inspire us to discover moments of meaning, remembrance, joy, and transformation. This is evident in Bril Barrett’s integration of history into his instruction of the West African “ring shout” tap dancing tradition, Sochietah Ung’s dedication to Cambodian dance and costume making, Todd Goings’s trainings for artisans, technicians, and engineers 7
• Since the program’s inception in 1982, the NEA has honored the vital and dynamic role of culture bearers in preserving and sharing their artistry, traditions, languages, and histories. We are proud to pay tribute to these exceptional fellows who stand as pillars of culture, upholding and exemplifying a broad range of heritage and artistic expression that forms the American story. Thank you for joining us as we celebrate the lifetime dedication of our 2024 fellows! 7
• Figure 7
• Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD 7
• Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD 7
• Chair, National Endowment for the Arts 7
• Chair, National Endowment for the Arts 7
• Figure 7
• Photo by Aaron Jay Young 7
• Photo by Aaron Jay Young 7
• Photo by Aaron Jay Young 7
• Bril Barrett 8
• Bril Barrett 8
• TAP DANCER 8
• Chicago, Illinois 8
• ril Barrett is a Chicago tap dancer, teacher, and historian. Born and raised in North Lawndale on the West Side and now based in the South Side’s Bronzeville, his four-decade career is rooted in place and crosses time. 8
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• Tap was created by enslaved Black people who, when drums were made illegal due to the instrument’s role in resistance, communicated by making rhythms with their bodies instead. These rhythms were passed on in clandestine improvisation circles known as “shouts” or “ring shout,” one of the few West African prayer practices to survive the Middle Passage. It is in this tradition that Barrett learns and teaches. 8
• Barrett fell in love with tap at age four thanks to a program offered by his first teacher, Carlton Smith. After the program ended, Barrett’s mother committed to continuing the lessons, riding with him two hours on the Red Line each way—where Barrett met his primary mentor, Ayrie “Mr. Taps” King. 8
• Barrett joined a long line of dancers who came up “shedding wood” on street corners. After winning grand prize in 1988’s Search for Chicago’s Tap Dance Kid, he toured with companies such as Riverdance and Aaron Tolson’s Imagine Tap. During that time, he learned from several early 20th-century legends of tap, including Dr. Jimmy Slyde, Dr. Bunny Briggs, and Dr. Leonard Reed. 8
• Barrett soon realized that many audiences didn’t know tap the way he had learned it. They might know Shirley Temple or Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, but did they know Robinson’s teacher, Alice Whitman? Did they know about tap as resilience, or resistance? He began to include a history lesson in every class he taught, recounting stories given by his teachers in turn. 8
• With co-founders Jumaane Taylor and Martin ‘Tre’ Dumas III, Barrett created the Making A Difference Dancing Rhythms Organization (M.A.D.D. Rhythms) in 2001 to provide a place for young people to learn and grow. M.A.D.D. Rhythms is now a leading tap collective worldwide, developing a partnership with Bronzeville’s historic Harold Washington Cultural Center to provide affordable arts education and mentorship to Chicago youth. 8
• In 2020, Barrett was awarded the Chicago Dancemakers Forum’s Lab Artist Fellowship, and in 2022 he received the Helen Coburn Meier and Tim Meier Foundation for the Arts Achievement Award. M.A.D.D. Rhythms is a part of the International Association of Blacks in Dance’s 2023-24 FRWD cohort, as well as the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project’s 2023-24 cohort. 8
• Barrett’s pedagogy of shared improvisation for social-emotional learning shows his students that their lives and selves matter. His circles weave past, present, and future to pass on our history in the way it was created—in the rhythm of our breath, and bodies, and feet. 8
• By Yul Ailea Stites, Making A Difference Dancing Rhythms Organization 8
• Figure 9
• Photo by Maia Rosenfield 9
• Photo by Maia Rosenfield 9
• Photo by Maia Rosenfield 9
• Fabian Debora 10
• Fabian Debora 10
• CHICANO MURALIST 10
• Los Angeles, California 10
• abian “Spade” Debora’s artistic cultural work breaks our hearts, softens us, and leads us to move beyond the ideas we have about gang members and formerly incarcerated individuals. It works on us in ways to which we are little accustomed. A former incarcerated gang member, Debora’s artwork interprets a broad view of life experiences, which is aptly symbolized by his signature wide-rimmed shades. Through which, he sees tenderness and inclusivity, where low-riders transport love to places where love has not y 10
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• In his birthplace of El Paso, Texas, and childhood community of East Los Angeles’ Boyle Heights, Debora was surrounded by the Chicano art movement’s groundbreaking cultural heritage work, which became visibly impactful in his muralism. This public art and its reflection on Chicano collective history, cultural identity, and social justice provided significant meaning in his Mexican American culture in Los Angeles. As a unique form of American art, it infused Debora’s imagination with hope during his oppresse 10
• As a first-generation Mexican American child with an incarcerated father, Debora was forced to flee to the street gang of his neighborhood for survival after being expelled from the Catholic parish school following an incident of violence. Eventually, Debora’s gang lifestyle and graffiti art resulted in adolescent detention. Through his years of subsequent incarceration, struggles with substance abuse, and its impact on his mental health, Debora continued to use art as an outlet. Self-taught, his early penc 10
• Upon release as a young man, Debora walked into the doors of Los Angeles’ Homeboy Industries, the world’s largest gang rehabilitation program. After completing the non-profit’s rehabilitation program, he went on to create the organization’s substance abuse program and served as a drug counselor and art class facilitator. His talents evolved as a healing arts educator committed to sharing his gifts by teaching others with similar lived experience. 10
• In 2019, as recipient of the Homeboy Hero Award, Debora founded the Homeboy Art Academy. As a culture bearer of the Chicano movement’s visual heritage, his trauma-informed vision led to his 2020 Hilton Humanitarian Fellowship. His art accompanies Gregory Boyle’s award-winning book Forgive Everyone Everything. His public murals and paintings are showcased throughout the United States and abroad. Above all, his work gives us hope. 10
• By Gregory Boyle, S.J., Founder of Homeboy Industries and Laura Miera, Art Therapist 10
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• Photo by Eddie Ruvalcaba 11
• Photo by Eddie Ruvalcaba 11
• Photo by Eddie Ruvalcaba 11
• Rosie Flores 12
• Rosie Flores 12
• ROCKABILLY AND COUNTRY MUSICIAN 12
• Austin, Texas 12
• osie Flores, triple-threat Texas musician, has never allowed the challenge of navigating the male-centric worlds of rock and country music slow her down. In fact, she often drew upon those challenges as source material in sharply observed songs she not only wrote and sang with authority and passion, but also brought to life musically as a widely respected lead guitarist in a string of notable bands. 12
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• A daughter of San Antonio whose musical journey also has included quality time in Austin, Los Angeles, and Nashville, Flores has adroitly absorbed, helped preserve, and extended the musical legacies of influential Texas musicians as varied as country music’s King of Western Swing Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys, blues guitar master T-Bone Walker, and Tex Mex innovator Doug Sahm. 12
• In the 1970s, she became one of the most celebrated performers on the “cowpunk” circuit (a hybrid of punk rock and country), alongside such other rising stars as Dwight Yoakam, Lucinda Williams, Rank & File, and Los Lobos (2021 NEA National Heritage Fellows). The release of her 1987 debut solo album Rosie Flores proved her to be a singer and songwriter of the first rank, and helped lay the foundation for what coalesced into the alt country movement. 12
• music scene, including the annual South by Southwest Conference, the city has proclaimed Rosie Flores Day in 2006.Flores has remained a spark plug live performer for more than five decades, a goosebump-inducing electric guitarist and songwriter as well as champion of the trailblazers who preceded her. Notably, she lured pioneering rockabilly heroines Wanda Jackson (2005 NEA National Heritage Fellow) and Janis Martin (“the female Elvis”) back into recording studios and onto concert stages for lauded late-car 12
• Flores became the first Latina to crack Billboard’s country music chart. For her enthusiastic participation in and ongoing promotion of Austin’s deep and wide 12
• Figure 13
• Photo by Leslie Campbell 13
• Photo by Leslie Campbell 13
• Photo by Leslie Campbell 13
• Trimble Gilbert (Gwich’in) 14
• Trimble Gilbert (Gwich’in) 14
• GWICH’IN FIDDLER 14
• Arctic Village, Alaska 14
• rimble Gilbert is traditional chief and reverend of the Neets’ąįį Gwich’in people from Vashrąįį K’oo, Alaska. The Gwich’in are among the furthest north of the American Indian people in North America, living in remote isolated villages. They live a subsistence lifestyle with traditions that date back more than 10,000 years. 14
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• Gilbert is a master Gwich’in fiddler and highly esteemed culture bearer. Few people possess the depth of cultural, spiritual, and intellectual knowledge and share it so extensively and with such humility as does Chief Gilbert. His life is a walking testament to the cultural values, practices, traditions, and knowledge of the Gwich’in people. 14
• European contact with the Gwich’in began in 1840 through French Canadian fur traders, who brought with them the fiddle, jig, and square dances. The Gwich’in took fondly to the new music and quickly adapted it to have Indigenous names and style, defining a unique genre of folk fiddle sound, Gwich’in fiddle music. 14
• Gilbert was born in 1935 to James and Maggie Gilbert in Vashrąįį K’oo. At the time, the Neets’ąįį Gwich’in lived a nomadic lifestyle, traversing vast wilderness, following the changing seasons and migration of animals they depended on for their survival. There was no school in the village, so Gilbert’s education was on the land, learning from his parents and elders the ways of arctic survival. From his earliest years, he was an avid, self-driven learner. By seven years old he was already working on making h 14
• During the holidays the Gwich’in would gather in the village, returning from remote hunting and trapping grounds, to celebrate together. These celebrations included Gwich’in fiddle dances, which extended an entire week into the New Year. As a young boy, Gilbert remembers being captivated by the sounds of the fiddle and exuberance of the dances. 14
• In 1953, the Neets’ąįį Gwich’in began to settle more permanently into the village and Gilbert ordered a fiddle from the Sears Roebuck catalogue. He learned to play the fiddle in the same way he learned other facets of Gwich’in cultural and traditional knowledge: through watching, listening, and diligent practice. By the 1970s, he was able to listen to Gwich’in fiddle music coming over the airwaves from Canada on a transistor radio. This helped him to further refine his repertoire of songs and unique style. 14
• Rev. Dr. Chief Trimble Gilbert’s intellectual, cultural, and artistic contributions to Alaska were recognized by the University of Alaska Fairbanks with an honorary doctorate in 2016. He has dedicated much of his life to teaching others through programs such as Dancing with the Spirit, which brings fiddle music into schools. His knowledge is a national treasure, only rivaled by his willingness to share and teach others. 14
• By Evon Peter (Neets’ąįį Gwich’in), Senior Research Scientist, University of Alaska Fairbanks 14
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• Photo by Alex Troutman 15
• Photo by Alex Troutman 15
• Photo by Alex Troutman 15
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• of Channel Films 15
• Todd Goings 16
• Todd Goings 16
• CAROUSEL CARVER AND RESTORATIONIST 16
• Marion, Ohio 16
• aster carousel carver and restorationist Todd Goings has worked for 35 years to keep the art of American carved wooden carousels alive. Built in a handful of master artisan workshops from the 1880s to the 1930s, wooden carousels are participatory folk-art environments that set whimsical carved animals to music and movement in custom-built mechanical frames. Of America’s several-thousand original wooden carousels, just 150 remain. Goings has worked on many of them, and, along the way, has revived the America 16
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• Raised in the rural village of Caledonia in North Central Ohio, Goings came to carousels through an early passion for woodworking, with jobs in cabinetry, millwork, patternmaking, and eventually, woodcarving. By the 1980s, the sad state of America’s wooden carousels had sparked a revival of carousel conservation across America which, in turn, demanded a rebirth of traditional carousel arts. Goings’ wide-ranging woodworking training was destiny. “It chose me,” he said. “Everything I personally learned, the o 16
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• Goings opened Carousels and Carvings—a full-service artisan carousel workshop—in Marion, Ohio, in the 1990s. A century separated from master carousel artists like W.H. Dentzel, Charles I.D. Looff, William F. Mangels, & Marcus Illions, Goings trained himself as a carousel carver through years of restoring the masters’ work. Goings is quick to note that a carousel is more, however, than just a frame for carved menageries: it is an “interactive, rideable piece of art” that keeps a century-old leisure experienc 16
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• Carousels and Carvings provides training and livelihoods to artisans, craftspeople, engineers, and technicians from across North Central Ohio. But Goings’ work doesn’t stop in the shop: every spring, he and his team crisscross the country’s zoos, amusement parks, and fairgrounds for the annual pre-season carousel check-ups that earned him the nickname “the carousel doctor.” For his tireless dedication to keeping carousel traditions alive, Goings’ peers have called him “genius” and “the best in the business. 16
• By Jess Lamar Reece Holler, Folklorist, Marion Voices Folklife & Oral History 16
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• Photo by Kyle C. Goings for 17
• Photo by Kyle C. Goings for 17
• Photo by Kyle C. Goings for 17
• Carousel and Carvings, Inc. 17
• Susan Hudson (Navajo/Diné) 18
• Susan Hudson (Navajo/Diné) 18
• QUILTERSheep Springs, New Mexico 18
• usan Hudson is a multidimensional artist and skilled quilter, who has tapped into her personal struggles and the struggles of her people through her art. Born in East Los Angeles, California, she now lives in Sheep Springs, New Mexico. A member of the Navajo Nation, Hudson’s clans are Towering House People, Apache People, Water Edge People, and Mexican People. 18
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• Hudson’s mother, Dorothy Woods, as well as her grandmothers, were forced to learn sewing in boarding schools where there was little tolerance for mistakes. When Hudson was nine years of age, her mother taught her how to sew out of necessity, as they were quite poor and couldn’t afford to buy clothes. Hudson learned to alter donated clothes and made quilts out of the scraps. 18
• Hudson’s quilting became an income stream when she began making Star Quilts for Indian pow wows and giveaways at the request of Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a former U.S. Senator from Colorado. Senator Campbell encouraged her to break away from making traditional star quilts and she soon developed her own artistic voice with contemporary ledger art quilts. 18
• Ledger art is a type of narrative drawing or painting on animal hides, primarily practiced by Plains Indians in the 1860s. Hudson uses a crossover style inspired by ledger art, recounting history through her quilts. She has taken her quilting to a whole new level, serving as an activist storyteller. Her pictorial quilts honor her ancestors and illustrate the proud history of the Navajo people. 18
• Through quilting, Hudson chronicles the sacrifices and strengths of her family and remembers their hardships. Important pieces in her work include the quilts she has named Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Since 1492 and Walk of My Ancestors: Coming Home, depicting the return from the Long Walk of the Navajos. Hudson also creates quilts that depict the trauma of the boarding schools. 18
• Hudson is a co-founder of the Navajo Quilt Project, which donates fabric to elders all across the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Quilt Project engages with the community, makes quilts for giveaways and traditional ceremonies, and empowers others to start their own businesses. 18
• Hudson’s quilts have been acquired for collection by the International Quilt Museum, Heard Museum, Autry Western Museum, Riverside Museum, and National Museum of the American Indian. Other acquisitions include the Gochman Collection, the John and Susan Horseman Foundation, and many private collectors. 18
• No longer silenced, the voices of her Indigenous relatives can now be heard through Hudson’s quilt exhibitions around the country. In competition, her quilts have garnered 29 First Place awards, 16 Second Place awards, 6 Third Place awards, 4 Special awards, 12 Best of Division awards, Jackie Autry Purchase, Idyllwild Imagination Art Award, and 5 Best of Show awards. 18
• By Ben Nighthorse Campbell (Northern Cheyenne), U.S. Senator – Retired 18
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• Figure 19
• Photo courtesy of the artist 19
• Photo courtesy of the artist 19
• Photo courtesy of the artist 19
• June Kuramoto 20
• June Kuramoto 20
• KOTO MUSICIAN 20
• Alhambra, California 20
• une Kuramoto came to the U.S. by boat as a child from Japan as an immigrant in the 1950s. She was raised in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Crenshaw, home to many Black artists, including Ray Charles, Tina Turner, and Natalie Cole, was one of the few neighborhoods where Japanese did not face discrimination and were allowed to freely live. As a young child, when she heard Kazue Kudo, a virtuoso koto player from Japan, perform. Kuramoto knew the koto, a 13-string Japanese instrument, would be he 20
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• A big fan of rock-and-roll and soul, Kuramoto wanted to adapt the song “Duke of Earl” that she heard on the radio for the koto. Her teacher told her that this would be difficult to do. This challenge only catalyzed her desire and determination to experiment combining the traditional Japanese koto with contemporary music. This led her to the creation of Hiroshima, a pioneering Grammy-nominated Asian American band that blended the sounds of the koto with keyboards, sax, drums, guitar, bass, and vocals. 20
• Through Hiroshima she not only fulfilled her dream, but Kuramoto also became a mentor and role model to young Japanese American women who now had a sense of pride in their culture and identity. A pivotal moment for Kuramoto came in the early 1980s when Hiroshima performed their first tour outside of California. At a Howard University performance, Kuramoto recalls the rousing standing ovation she received for her solo and credits this performance as the start of many years of undying support for her music by 20
• Her recording credits for television, film, and stage include Heroes, The Last Samurai, and the musical Sansei. Kuramoto has been recognized with many awards both as an individual and as a co-founder of Hiroshima. The Smithsonian, U.S. Congress, State of California, and City and County of Los Angeles have honored her work. Kuramoto served twice as an artist-in-residence at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center. She served as president of the Koto String Society, a nonprofit group that produced 20
• Today she gives of her time freely to teach a group of seniors and to mentor up-and-coming koto artists. Kuramoto is an in-demand solo artist at community events like the annual Day of Remembrance which is a time to reflect upon the years of suffering by our ancestors during the war. 20
• By Janice D. Tanaka, Filmmaker and writer 20
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• Photo by Jaimee Itagaki 21
• Photo by Jaimee Itagaki 21
• Photo by Jaimee Itagaki 21
• Sochietah Ung 22
• Sochietah Ung 22
• CAMBODIAN COSTUME MAKER AND DANCER 22
• Washington, DC 22
• ochietah Ung is a multitalented costume maker, dancer, teacher, choreographer, playwright, and producer with a passion for sharing his skills across and beyond Cambodian communities nationwide. He is particularly known for his costume and crown making. Ung’s crowns are the favored throughout the United States and internationally, including by Princess Bopha Devi who came to the U.S. to perform in 1985. The Princess was so impressed that she told him, “You have fate. You were born to do this job.” Ung also 22
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• Ung’s broad knowledge derives from his childhood in Cambodia, where he regularly attended classical theater with his grandmother. He became enamored with it, committing every costume detail and dance movement to memory. In those early years, he could not have known how invaluable his passion would become in the future. 22
• Ung survived the Cambodian genocide from 1975 to 1979. Pressed into forced labor under deadly conditions established by the Khmer Rouge, Ung was the only one in his family to escape the ordeal alive. He was fortunate to have sponsors who adopted him, eventually bringing him to the Washington, DC area. At that time in the early 1980s, several Cambodian dancers in DC were cobbling together a performance. They heard about Ung and his knowledge of Khmer classical theater and reached out to him. He not only advi 22
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• Since that time, Ung has diligently studied Cambodian dance and has become a master dancer and teacher. He learned not only from U.S.-based masters like Phuong Phan, but he also learned from Chea Samy, Sok Samon, Neak Kru Leas, and other masters from Cambodia. 22
• Over the decades, Ung has imparted Cambodian dance and costume making to hundreds of students. He regularly performs at theaters, festivals, and museums throughout the Washington, DC region, including the Kennedy Center, Smithsonian, National Folk Festivals, and more. In 2016, the Virginia Folklife Program recognized him as a master costume maker. Ung regularly displays and demonstrates his work at folk festivals in Richmond and throughout the country. 22
• Figure 23
• Photo by Pat Jarrett of the 23
• Photo by Pat Jarrett of the 23
• Photo by Pat Jarrett of the 23
• Virginia Folklife Festival 23
• Virginia Folklife Festival 23
• Zuni Olla Maidens 24
• Zuni Olla Maidens 24
• TRADITIONAL ZUNI DANCERS AND SINGERS 24
• Zuni, New Mexico 24
• he Zuni Olla Maidens are a venerated dance troupe from Zuni Pueblo in western New Mexico, equally well-known for singing, drumming and their trademark dance balancing pottery on their heads, as well as being an all-female troupe. The Zuni Olla Maidens are also unique in that their group has always consisted of related women, making it a family affair for more than 70 years. 24
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• The significance of the family connection gives the Zuni Olla Maidens reliance and longevity. The individual members are stewards, knowing they owe much to the women that came before, as well as being responsible for those who will come after they are gone. 24
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• The balanced pottery style of dancing originated in the 1920s by a Hopi woman named Daisy Nampeyo, who married into Zuni. It was designed as a social dance, performed by women, to showcase both Zuni pottery as well as the clothing and jewelry made in the Pueblo. 24
• In the 1950s, the style was adopted by Crystal Sheka. The group was led for decades by Sheka’s daughter, Cornelia Bowannie. When Bowannie retired from the group in 2015, her daughters, Juanita Edaakie and Loretta Beyuka, became leaders. Edaakie says when they retire, they’ll pass on the leadership to one of their nieces. 24
• Being both a family group and exclusively female is essential to the Zuni Olla Maidens. Edaakie explains: “We pay homage to our ancestral women who centuries ago used to get water from nearby and carry them in these great big jars called ollas. Olla is the Spanish word for pot. And we know it wasn’t an easy job.” 24
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• The Zuni Olla Maidens have been recognized with invited performances at the National Museum of the American Indian, (Washington, DC), Richmond Folk Festival (Richmond, Virginia), Zuni Festival of Arts & Culture, (Flagstaff, Arizona), and Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial (Gallup, New Mexico) among others. A recreation of the Olla Maidens regalia, made by Edaakie, is part of the Museum of Indian Arts and Cultures’ permanent exhibit in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 24
• The group received the distinguished Allan Houser Award from the Santa Fe Indian Market for “preserving and reshaping the face of native arts.” They were also recognized with a New Mexico Historic Women Marker, a roadside marker east of Zuni Pueblo that briefly outlines the group’s history and honors their artistic excellence. 24
• By Thomas Grant Richardson, PhD. Director, Center for Washington Cultural Traditions. 24
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• Photo by Remsberg, Inc. 25
• Photo by Remsberg, Inc. 25
• Photo by Remsberg, Inc. 25
• BESS LOMAX HAWES AWARDPat Johnson 26
• COMMUNITY ACTIVIST AND ORGANIZER 26
• COMMUNITY ACTIVIST AND ORGANIZER 26
• Pocahontas, Arkansas 26
• at Finley Johnson is a pillar to the community of Pocahontas, Arkansas, where she supports community fellowship, traditional knowledge, and Black culture and heritage. As a recipient of the 2024 NEA Bess Lomax Hawes National Heritage Fellowship, Johnson has worked tirelessly for over two decades to contribute to the preservation of local history and folklife in Randolph County, Arkansas. 26
• P 26
• Born in 1948 in Pocahontas, she has lived in Randolph County for her entire life. She attended the “Pocahontas Colored School” as a child and was a student of Eddie Mae Herron. After completing eighth grade, she was bussed with African American students from Pocahontas and other rural towns to Newport to attend high school. It was during these bus trips that she met Sherley Johnson and the two began dating. They were married in February 1966 and have two children: Jacqueline and Douglas, four granddaughters 26
• Johnson started her journey to create the Eddie Mae Herron Center in 2000 as a way for her community to gather and connect with and honor the nearly two hundred years of African American history, traditions, and culture in Randolph County. She retired in 2008 from her work with the Arkansas Health Department and the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Shortly after her retirement, Johnson began working full-time as a community activist. From the start, Johnson brought community members and institutions t 26
• The Eddie Mae Herron Center’s public programs draw people together, all of which Johnson organizes and attends. The Center has annual events for Black History Month, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Juneteenth, Christmas, family reunions, and birthday parties. Johnson has organized many other events that have brought together people from the community to learn about local history and folk arts, including an annual hog butchering event which was included as part of the 2023 Smithsonian Folklife Festival. 26
• Through the Eddie Mae Herron Center, Johnson has created a dynamic space for local community traditions, community fellowship and activism, a place where the performance of daily heritage is enacted regularly and safely. Johnson’s work diversifies the history of the Ozarks region and honors the evolving nature of folklife while also upholding important community traditions, folk arts, and customary knowledge. 26
• By Lauren Adams Willette, Folk Arts Fieldwork Coordinator, Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts 26
• Figure 27
• Photo by Lauren Adams Willette 27
• Photo by Lauren Adams Willette 27
• Figure 27
• The Bess Lomax Hawes National Heritage Fellowship honors “keepers of tradition” who through their efforts as organizers, educators, producers, cultural advocates, or caretakers of skills and repertoires have had a major beneficial effect on the traditional arts of the United States. A member of the Lomax family of pioneering American folklorists, Bess Lomax Hawes (1921–2009) committed her life to the documentation and presentation of American folk artists. She served as an educator both inside the classro 27
• Acknowledgments 28
• Acknowledgments 28
• Acknowledgments 28
• Figure 28
• Figure 28
• NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS 28
• NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS 28
• NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS 28
• Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson, Chair 28
• Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson, Chair 28
• Ascala Tsegaye Sisk, Senior Deputy Chair 28
• Ascala Tsegaye Sisk, Senior Deputy Chair 28
• Ra Joy, Chief of Staff 28
• Ra Joy, Chief of Staff 28
• Jennifer Chang, White House Liaison and Senior 28
• Jennifer Chang, White House Liaison and Senior 28
• Advisor to the Chair 28
• Sonia Tower, Director of Strategic Communications 28
• Sonia Tower, Director of Strategic Communications 28
• and Public Affairs 28
• Ayanna Hudson, Chief Strategy, Programs, and 28
• Ayanna Hudson, Chief Strategy, Programs, and 28
• Engagement Officer 28
• National Heritage Fellowships 28
• National Heritage Fellowships 28
• 28
• Production Staff 28
• Erin Jenkins Waylor, Folk & Traditional Arts 28
• Erin Jenkins Waylor, Folk & Traditional Arts 28
• 28
• Team Lead 28
• Don Ball, Assistant Director of Public Affairs 28
• Don Ball, Assistant Director of Public Affairs 28
• (Publications) 28
• Christine Gant, Advisor to the Director of Event 28
• Christine Gant, Advisor to the Director of Event 28
• Management & Development 28
• Allison Hill, Public Affairs Specialist 28
• Allison Hill, Public Affairs Specialist 28
• Clifton Archuleta, Audiovisual Production Specialist 28
• Clifton Archuleta, Audiovisual Production Specialist 28
• Carlos Arrien, Web Specialist 28
• Carlos Arrien, Web Specialist 28
• Elizabeth Auclair, Assistant Director of Public 28
• Elizabeth Auclair, Assistant Director of Public 28
• Affairs (Press) 28
• Paulette Beete, Social Media Manager 28
• Paulette Beete, Social Media Manager 28
• Aunye Boone, Writer/Editor 28
• Aunye Boone, Writer/Editor 28
• Carolyn Coons, Public Affairs Specialist 28
• Carolyn Coons, Public Affairs Specialist 28
• Jean Choi, Attorney Advisor 28
• Jean Choi, Attorney Advisor 28
• Lauren DeMarco, Asst. Grants Management 28
• Lauren DeMarco, Asst. Grants Management 28
• Specialist 28
• Mike Burke Kirby, Congressional Services Officer 28
• Mike Burke Kirby, Congressional Services Officer 28
• William Langer, Attorney Advisor 28
• William Langer, Attorney Advisor 28
• David Low, Web Manager 28
• David Low, Web Manager 28
• Josephine Reed, Media Producer 28
• Josephine Reed, Media Producer 28
• Kelli Rogowski, Visual Information Specialist 28
• Kelli Rogowski, Visual Information Specialist 28
• Jennie Terman, Folk & Traditional Arts Specialist 28
• Jennie Terman, Folk & Traditional Arts Specialist 28
• The National Endowment for the Arts would 28
• The National Endowment for the Arts would 28
• like to express its appreciation to the National 28
• Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) for its 28
• assistance in planning and producing the 2024 28
• National Heritage Fellowships events, which were 28
• managed for the NCTA by Senior Associate Director 28
• Madeleine Remez. The NCTA is a private non-profit 28
• corporation founded in 1933 and dedicated to 28
• the presentation and documentation of folk and 28
• traditional arts in the United States. 28
• NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR 28
• NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR 28
• THE 28
• 28
• TRADITIONAL ARTS 28
• National Council for the 28
• National Council for the 28
• 28
• Traditional Arts Staff 28
• Blaine Waide, Executive Director 28
• Blaine Waide, Executive Director 28
• Madeleine Remez, Senior Associate Director 28
• Madeleine Remez, Senior Associate Director 28
• Colleen Arnerich, Director of Production and 28
• Colleen Arnerich, Director of Production and 28
• Operations 28
• Colleen (CJ) Holroyd, Program Services Manager 28
• Colleen (CJ) Holroyd, Program Services Manager 28
• Bridgette Hammond, Festival Logistics Coordinator 28
• Bridgette Hammond, Festival Logistics Coordinator 28
• Keenan Dubois, Production Assistant 28
• Keenan Dubois, Production Assistant 28
• Kayt Novak, Festival Assistant 28
• Kayt Novak, Festival Assistant 28
• Amy Millin, Development Specialist 28
• Amy Millin, Development Specialist 28
• Elaine Randolph, Administrative Specialist 28
• Elaine Randolph, Administrative Specialist 28
• Deirdre Whitty, Finance Manager 28
• Deirdre Whitty, Finance Manager 28
• Vitoria Ido, Finance Assistant 28
• Vitoria Ido, Finance Assistant 28
• The NCTA presents the nation’s finest traditional artists to the public in festivals, national and international tours, concerts, radio and television programs, films, recordings and other programs. For over 30 years, the NCTA has worked with the National Endowment for the Arts on a consulting basis to manage and coordinate the National Heritage Fellowships activities honoring the Fellowship recipients. 28
• The National Endowment for the Arts and the 28
• The National Endowment for the Arts and the 28
• NCTA would also like to acknowledge the invaluable 28
• assistance of the following individuals and 28
• institutions: 28
• Cheryl T. Schiele 28
• Cheryl T. Schiele 28
• The staff at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theatre 28
• The staff at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theatre 28
• American Folklife Center, Library of Congress 28
• American Folklife Center, Library of Congress 28
• Nicole Saylor, Director 28
• Nicole Saylor, Director 28
• Theadocia Austen 28
• Theadocia Austen 28
• Old Town Trolley Tours 28
• Old Town Trolley Tours 28
• Mid South Audio 28
• Mid South Audio 28
• Program and promotional materials designed by 28
• Program and promotional materials designed by 28
• 28
• Fletcher Design, Inc./Washington, DC 28
• Film Screening and Discussion CreditsKennedy Center Terrace Theater – September 17, 2024 29
• Film Screening and Discussion CreditsKennedy Center Terrace Theater – September 17, 2024 29
• Film Screening and Discussion CreditsKennedy Center Terrace Theater – September 17, 2024 29
• DirectorPaul Douglas MichnewiczStage Manager Valerie Bijur CarlsonSet DesignTony CisekLighting DesignAmy ElliottProduction Assistant/Green Room CoordinatorSusie PamudjiLogisticsRahmah ElmassryAmy MillinVideo Projection/Production CVW Event ProductionsPhotography/DocumentationTom PichSign Language InterpreterMiako VillanuevaTransportation CoordinatorEddie MendozaRadio Production American RoutesHost and Executive Producer: Nick SpitzerProducer: Olivia BroslawskiAdditional artist interviews courtesy Joseph 29
• Master of Ceremonies 29
• Master of Ceremonies 29
• _2024_Bio_Text 29
• Figure 29
• Jake Blount is an award-winning performer and interpreter of Black folk music. He has performed at venues including Carnegie Hall, the Library of Congress, Newport Folk Festival, and NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts. His writing has appeared in NPR, Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine and elsewhere. Originally born in Washington, DC, Blount is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Musicology and Ethnomusicology at Brown University in Providence, RI. 29
• The 2024 National Heritage Fellowship films were 29
• The 2024 National Heritage Fellowship films were 29
• The 2024 National Heritage Fellowship films were 29
• produced by Hypothetical in association with the 29
• 29
• National Council for the Traditional Arts presented 29
• 29
• by the National Endowment for the Arts. 29
• Directed and Produced by 29
• Directed and Produced by 29
• Olivia Merrion 29
• Olivia Merrion 29
• Aurora Brachman 29
• Aurora Brachman 29
• Princess Daazhraii Johnson 29
• Princess Daazhraii Johnson 29
• James Johnson III 29
• James Johnson III 29
• Chelsea Hernandez 29
• Chelsea Hernandez 29
• Neiagha Thomans 29
• Neiagha Thomans 29
• Ryan Goble 29
• Ryan Goble 29
• Jake Zalutsky 29
• Jake Zalutsky 29
• Coordinating Producer 29
• Coordinating Producer 29
• National Council for the Traditional Arts 29
• National Council for the Traditional Arts 29
• Madeleine Remez 29
• Madeleine Remez 29
• Coordinating Producer 29
• Coordinating Producer 29
• National Endowment for the Arts 29
• National Endowment for the Arts 29
• Erin Jenkins Waylor 29
• Erin Jenkins Waylor 29
• Executive Producer 29
• Executive Producer 29
• Hypothetical 29
• Hypothetical 29
• Olivia Merrion 29
• Olivia Merrion 29
• Editors 29
• Editors 29
• Omri-Shir Dallal, Apropost 29
• Omri-Shir Dallal, Apropost 29
• Lorena Alvarado 29
• Lorena Alvarado 29
• Ái Vuong, TÁPI Story 29
• Ái Vuong, TÁPI Story 29
• Samuel Díaz Fernández, TÁPI Story 29
• Samuel Díaz Fernández, TÁPI Story 29
• Mitch Martin, The Cutting Board 29
• Mitch Martin, The Cutting Board 29
• Nico Frank 29
• Nico Frank 29
• Trisha Pickelhaupt 29
• Trisha Pickelhaupt 29
• Will N. Miller 29
• Will N. Miller 29
• Olivia Merrion 29
• Olivia Merrion 29
• Colin Marshall 29
• Colin Marshall 29
• Additional Production Assistance 29
• Additional Production Assistance 29
• National Endowment for the Arts 29
• National Endowment for the Arts 29
• Clifton Archuleta 29
• Clifton Archuleta 29
• Elizabeth Auclair 29
• Elizabeth Auclair 29
• Don Ball 29
• Don Ball 29
• Allison Hill 29
• Allison Hill 29
• Josephine Reed 29
• Josephine Reed 29
• Sound Design & Miix 29
• Sound Design & Miix 29
• Hansdale Hsu 29
• Hansdale Hsu 29
• Colorist 29
• Colorist 29
• Stephen Derluguian 29
• Stephen Derluguian 29
• Special Thanks 29
• Special Thanks 29
• Cheryl T. Schiele 29
• Cheryl T. Schiele 29
• This event is an external 29
• This event is an external 29
• This event is an external 29
• rental presented in 29
• coordination with the 29
• Kennedy Center Campus 29
• Rentals Office and is 29
• not produced by the 29
• Kennedy Center. 29
• National Heritage Fellows1982–2023 30
• National Heritage Fellows1982–2023 30
• 1982 30
• Dewey Balfa *Cajun FiddlerBasile, LAJoe Heaney *Irish SingerBrooklyn, NYTommy Jarrell *Appalachian FiddlerMt. Airy, NCBessie Jones *Georgia Sea Island SingerBrunswick, GAGeorge Lopez *Santos WoodcarverCordova, NMBrownie McGhee *Blues Guitarist/SingerOakland, CAHugh McGraw *Shape Note SingerBremen, GALydia Mendoza *Mexican American SingerSan Antonio, TXBill Monroe *Bluegrass MusicianNashville, TNElijah Pierce *Carver/PainterColumbus, OHAdam Popovich *Tamburitza MusicianDolton, ILGeorgeann Robinson *Osage Rib 30
• 1983 30
• Sister Mildred Barker * 30
• Sister Mildred Barker * 30
• Shaker Singer 30
• Poland Spring, ME 30
• Rafael Cepeda * 30
• Bomba Musician/Dancer 30
• Santurce, PR 30
• Ray Hicks * 30
• Appalachian Storyteller 30
• Banner Elk, NC 30
• Stanley Hicks * 30
• Appalachian Musician/Storyteller/Instrument Maker 30
• 30
• Vilas, NC 30
• John Lee Hooker * 30
• Blues Guitarist/Singer 30
• San Francisco, CA 30
• Mike Manteo * 30
• Sicilian Marionettist 30
• Staten Island, NY 30
• Narciso Martinez * 30
• Texas-Mexican Accordionist/Composer 30
• San Benito, TX 30
• Lanier Meaders * 30
• Potter 30
• Cleveland, GA 30
• Almeda Riddle * 30
• Ballad Singer 30
• Greers Ferry, AR 30
• Joe Shannon * 30
• Irish Piper 30
• Chicago, IL 30
• Simon St. Pierre * 30
• French American Fiddler 30
• Smyrna Mills, ME 30
• Alex Stewart * 30
• Cooper/Woodworker 30
• Sneedville, TN 30
• Ada Thomas * 30
• Chitimacha Basketmaker 30
• Charenton, LA 30
• Lucinda Toomer * 30
• African American Quilter 30
• Columbus, GA 30
• Lem Ward * 30
• Decoy Carver/Painter 30
• Crisfield, MD 30
• Dewey Williams * 30
• Shape Note Singer 30
• Ozark, AL 30
• * Deceased 30
• 1984 31
• 1984 31
• Clifton Chenier * 31
• Creole Accordionist 31
• Lafayette, LA 31
• Bertha Cook * 31
• Knotted Bedspread Maker 31
• Boone, NC 31
• Joseph Cormier * 31
• Cape Breton Violinist 31
• Waltham, Ma 31
• Elizabeth Cotten * 31
• African American Singer/Songster 31
• Syracuse, NY 31
• Burlon Craig * 31
• Potter 31
• Vale, NC 31
• Albert Fahlbusch * 31
• Hammered Dulcimer Player/Builder 31
• Scottsbluff, Ne 31
• Janie Hunter * 31
• African American Singer/Storyteller 31
• Johns Island, SC 31
• Mary Jane Manigault * 31
• African American Seagrass Basketmaker 31
• Mt. Pleasant, SC 31
• Genevieve Mougin * 31
• Lebanese American Lace Maker 31
• Bettendorf, IA 31
• Martin Mulvihill * 31
• Irish American Fiddler 31
• Bronx, NY 31
• Howard “Sandman” Sims * 31
• 31
• African American Tap Dancer 31
• New York, NY 31
• Ralph Stanley * 31
• Bluegrass Banjo Player/Appalachian Singer 31
• 31
• Coeburn, VA 31
• Margaret Tafoya * 31
• Santa Clara Pueblo Potter 31
• Espanola, Nm 31
• Dave Tarras * 31
• Klezmer Clarinetist 31
• Brooklyn, NY 31
• Paul Tiulana * 31
• Eskimo Mask Maker/Dancer/Singer 31
• Anchorage, Ak 31
• Cleofas Vigil * 31
• Hispanic Storyteller/Singer 31
• San Cristobal, NM 31
• Emily Kau’i Zuttermeister * 31
• 31
• Hula Master (Kumu Hula) 31
• Kaneohe, Hi 31
• 1985 31
• Eppie Archuleta * 31
• Hispanic Weaver 31
• San Luis Valley, CO 31
• Periklis Halkias * 31
• Greek Clarinetist 31
• Astoria Queens, NY 31
• Jimmy Jausoro * 31
• Basque Accordionist 31
• Boise, ID 31
• Mealii Kalama * 31
• Hawaiian Quilter 31
• Honolulu, HI 31
• Lily May Ledford * 31
• Appalachian Musician/Singer 31
• Lexington, KY 31
• Leif Melgaard * 31
• Norwegian Woodcarver 31
• Minneapolis, MN 31
• Bua Xou Mua * 31
• Hmong Musician 31
• Portland, OR 31
• Julio Negrón-Rivera * 31
• Puerto Rican Instrument Maker 31
• Morovis, PR 31
• Alice New Holy Blue Legs * 31
• 31
• Lakota Sioux Quill Artist 31
• Rapid City, SD 31
• Glenn Ohrlin * 31
• Cowboy Singer/Storyteller/Illustrator 31
• Mountain Veiw, AR 31
• Henry Townsend * 31
• Blues Musicain/Songwriter 31
• St. Louis, MO 31
• Horace “Spoons” Williams * 31
• 31
• Percussionist/Poet 31
• Philadelphia, PA 31
• 1986 31
• Alphonse “Bois Sec” Ardoin *Creole AccordionistEunice, LAEarnest Bennett *Anglo-American WhittlerIndianapolis, INHelen Cordero *Pueblo PotterCochiti, NMSonia Domsch *Czech American Bobbin Lace MakerAtwood, KSCanray Fontenot *Creole FiddlerWelsh, LaJohn Jackson *Black Songster/GuitaristFairfax Station, VAPeou Khatna *Cambodian Court Dancer/ChoreographerSilver Spring, MDValerio Longoria *Mexican American AccordionistSan Antonio, TXDoc Tate Nevaquaya *Comanche Indian FlutistApache, OKLuis Ortega *Hispanic Am 31
• 1987 31
• Juan Alindato *Carnival MaskmakerPonce, PRLouis Bashell *Slovenian AccordionistGreenfield, WIGenoveva Castellanoz Mexican American Corona MakerNyssa, ORThomas Edison “Brownie” Ford *Anglo-Comanche Cowboy Singer/StorytellerHerbert, LAKansuma Fujima * Japanese American DancerLos Angeles, CAClaude Joseph Johnson *African American Religious Singer/OratorAtlanta, GARaymond Kane *Hawaiian Slack Key Guitarist/SingerWai’ane, HIWade Mainer *Appalachian Banjo Picker/SingerFlint, MISylvester McIntosh *Crucian Singe 31
• 1988 32
• Pedro Ayala *Mexican American AccordionistDonna, TXKepka Belton *Czech American Egg PainterEllsworth, KSAmber Densmore *New England Quilter/NeedleworkerChelsea, VTMichael Flatley Irish American StepdancerPalos Park, ILSister Rosalia Haberl *German American Bobbin Lace MakerHankinson, NDJohn Dee Holeman *African American Musician/Dancer/SingerDurham, NCAlbert “Sunnyland Slim” Laundrew *Blues Pianist/SingerChicago, ILYang Fang Nhu *Hmong Weaver/EmbroidererDetroit, MIKenny Sidle *Anglo-American FiddlerNewark, 32
• 1989 32
• John Cephas * 32
• Piedmont Blues Guitarist/Singer 32
• 32
• Woodford, VA 32
• Fairfield Four 32
• African American a Capelle Gospel Singers 32
• 32
• Nashville, TN 32
• José Gutiérrez 32
• Mexican Jarocho Musician/Singer 32
• Norwalk, CA 32
• Richard AvedisHagopian 32
• 32
• Armenian Oud Player 32
• Visalia, CA 32
• Christy Hengel * 32
• German American Concertina Maker 32
• New Ulm, MN 32
• Vanessa Paukeigope Jennings 32
• 32
• Kiowa Regalia Maker 32
• Fort Cobb, OK 32
• Ilias Kementzides * 32
• Pontic Greek Lyra Player and Builder 32
• 32
• South Norwalk, CT 32
• Ethel Kvalheim * 32
• Norwegian Rosemaler 32
• Stoughton, WI 32
• Mabel E. Murphy * 32
• Anglo-American Quilter 32
• Fulton, MO 32
• LaVaughn E. Robinson * 32
• African American Tap Dancer 32
• Philadelphia, PA 32
• Earl Scruggs * 32
• Bluegrass Banjo Player 32
• Nashville, TN 32
• Harry V. Shourds * 32
• Wildfowl Decoy Carver 32
• Seaville, NJ 32
• Chesley Goseyun Wilson * 32
• 32
• Apache Fiddle Maker 32
• Tucson, AZ 32
• 1990 32
• Howard Armstrong *African American String Band MusicanBoston, MAEm Bun *Cambodian Silk WeaverHarrisburg, PANatividad Cano *Mexican American Mariachi MusicanFillmore, CAGiuseppe * and Raffaela DeFranco Southern Italian Musicians and DancersBelleville, NJMaude Kegg *Ojibwe Storyteller/Craftsperson/Tradition BearerOnamia, MNKevin Locke *Lakota Flute Player/Singer/ Dancer/StorytellerWakpala, SDMarie McDonald *Hawaiian Lei MakerKamuela, HIWallace “Wally” McRae Cowboy PoetForsyth, MTArt Moilanen *Finnish Accord 32
• 1991 32
• Etta Baker * 32
• African American Guitarist 32
• Morgantown, NC 32
• George Blake 32
• Native American Craftsman (Hupa-Yurok) 32
• Hoopa Valley, CA 32
• Jack Coen * 32
• Irish American Flautist 32
• Bronx, NY 32
• Rose Frank * 32
• Nez Perce Cornhusk Weaver 32
• Lapwai, ID 32
• Eduardo “Lalo” Guerrero * 32
• Mexican American Singer/Guitarist/Composer 32
• Cathedral City, CA 32
• Khamvong Insixiengmai 32
• Southeast Asian Lao Singer 32
• Fresno, CA 32
• Don King * 32
• Western Saddlemaker 32
• Sheridan, WY 32
• Riley “B.B.” King * 32
• African American Blues Musician/Singer/Bandleader 32
• Itta Bena, MS 32
• Esther Littlefield * 32
• Alaskan Regalia Maker (Tlingit) 32
• Sitka, AK 32
• Seisho “Harry” Nakasone * 32
• Okinawan American Musician 32
• Honolulu, HI 32
• Irvan Perez * 32
• Isleno Singer (Canary Islands) 32
• Poydras, LA 32
• Morgan Sexton * 32
• Appalachian Banjo Player/Singer 32
• Linefork, KY 32
• Nikitas Tsimouris * 32
• Greek American Bagpipe Player 32
• Tarpon Springs, FL 32
• Gussie Wells * 32
• African American Quilter 32
• Oakland, CA 32
• Arbie Williams * 32
• African American Quilter 32
• Oakland, CA 32
• Melvin Wine * 32
• Appalachian Fiddler 32
• Copen, WV 32
• 1992 33
• Francisco Aguabella * 33
• Afro-Cuban Drummer 33
• Los Angeles, CA 33
• Jerry Brown * 33
• Potter (southern stoneware tradition) 33
• Hamilton, AL 33
• Walker Calhoun * 33
• Cherokee Musican/Dancer/Teacher 33
• Cherokee, NC 33
• Clyde Davenport * 33
• Appalachian Fiddler 33
• Jamestown, TN 33
• Belle Deacon * 33
• Athabascan Basketmaker 33
• Greyling, AK 33
• Nora Ezell * 33
• African American Quilter 33
• Five Points, TN 33
• Gerald Hawpetoss * 33
• Menominee/Potowatomie Regalia Maker 33
• 33
• Neopit, WI 33
• Fatima Kuinova * 33
• Bukharan Jewish Singer 33
• Rego Park, NY 33
• John Yoshio Naka * 33
• Bonsai Sculptor 33
• Whittier, CA 33
• Marc Savoy 33
• Cajun Accordion Player/Builder 33
• Eunice, LA 33
• Ng Sheung-Chi * 33
• Chinese Toissan Muk’yu Folk Singer 33
• New York, NY 33
• Othar Turner * 33
• African American Fife Player 33
• Senatobia, MS 33
• Tanjore Viswanathan * 33
• South Indian Flute Maker 33
• Middletown, CT 33
• 1993 33
• Santiago Almeida *Texas-Mexican Conjunto MusicianSunnyside, WAKenny Baker *Bluegrass FiddlerCottontown, TNInez Catalon *French Creole SingerKaplan, LAElena * & Nicholas Charles *Yupik Woodcaver/Maskmaker/Skin SewerBethel, AKCharles Hankins *BoatbuilderLavallette, NJNalani Kanaka’ole & Pualani Kanaka’ole Kanahele Hula MastersHilo, HIEverett Kapayou *Native American Singer (Meskwaki)Tama, IAMcIntosh County ShoutersAfrican American Spiritual/Shout EnsembleSt. Simons Island, GAElmer Miller *Bit and Spur Maker/ 33
• 1994 33
• Liz Carroll 33
• Irish American Fiddler 33
• Mundelein, IL 33
• Clarence Fountain * & The Blind Boys of Alabama 33
• 33
• 33
• African American Gospel Singers 33
• 33
• Atlanta, GA 33
• Mary Mitchell Gabriel * 33
• Native American (Passamaquoddy) Basketmaker 33
• Princeton, ME 33
• Johnny Gimble * 33
• Western Swing Fiddler 33
• Dripping Springs, TX 33
• Frances Varos Graves * 33
• Hispanic American “Colcha” Embroidery 33
• Rancho De Taos, NM 33
• Violet Hilbert * 33
• Native American (Skagit) Storyteller/Conservator 33
• Ca Conner, WA 33
• Sosie Shizuye Matsumoto * 33
• Japanese Tea Ceremony Master 33
• Los Angeles, CA 33
• D.l. Menard * 33
• Cajun Musician/Songwriter 33
• Erath, LA 33
• Simon Shaheen 33
• Arab American Oud Player 33
• Brooklyn, NY 33
• Lily Vorperian 33
• Armenian (Marash-Style) Embroidery 33
• Glendale, CA 33
• Elder Roma Wilson * 33
• African American Harmonica Player 33
• Oxford, MS 33
• 1995 33
• Bao Mo-Li 33
• Chinese American Jing-Erhu Player 33
• 33
• Flushing, NY 33
• Mary Holiday Black * 33
• Navajo Basketmaker 33
• Mexican Hat, UT 33
• Lyman Enloe * 33
• Old-Time Fiddler 33
• Lee’s Summit, MO 33
• Donny Golden 33
• Irish American Step Dancer 33
• Brooklyn, NY 33
• Wayne Henderson 33
• Appalachian Luthier, Musician 33
• Mouth of Wilson, VA 33
• Bea Ellis Hensley * 33
• Appalachian Blacksmith 33
• Spruce Pine, NC 33
• Nathan Jackson 33
• Tlingit Alaskan Woodcaver/Metalsmith/Dancer 33
• Ketchikan, AK 33
• Danongan Kalanduyan * 33
• Filipino American Kulintang Musician 33
• South San Francisco, CA 33
• Robert Jr. Lockwood * 33
• African American Delta Blues Singer/Guitarist 33
• Cleveland, OH 33
• Israel “Cachao” López * 33
• Afro-Cuban Bassist, Composer, and Bandleader 33
• Miami, FL 33
• Nellie Star Boy Menard * 33
• Lakota Sioux Quiltmaker 33
• Rosebud, SD 33
• Buck Ramsey * 33
• Anglo-American Cowboy Poet, Singer 33
• Amarillo, TX 33
• 1996 34
• Obo Addy *African (Ghanaian) Master Drummer/LeaderPortland, ORBetty Pisio Christenson *Ukranian American PysankySuring, WIPaul Dahlin Swedish American FiddlerMinneapolis, MNJuan Gutiérrez Puerto Rican Drummer/Leader (Bomba and Plena)New York, NYSolomon * & Richard * Ho’opii Hawaiian Falsetto Singers/MusiciansMakawao, HIWill Keys *Anglo-American Banjo PlayerGray, TNJoaquin Lujan *Chamorro BlacksmithGMF, GUEva McAdams * Shoshone Crafts/BeadworkFort Washakie, WYJohn Mealing * & Cornelius Wright, Jr. *African 34
• 1997 34
• Edward Babb *“Shout” Band Gospel Trombonist & Band LeaderJamaica, NYCharles Brown *West Coast Blues Pianist & ComposerBerkeley, CAGladys Leblanc Clark *Acadian (Cajun) Spinner & WeaverDuson, LAGeorgia Harris *Catawba PotterAtlanta, GAWen-Yi Hua *Chinese Kunqu Opera SingerArcadia, CAAli Akbar Khan *North Indian Sarod Player & Raga ComposerSan Anselmo, CARamón José López Santero & MetalsmithSanta Fe, NMJim * & Jesse * McReynoldsBluegrass MusicianGallatin, TNPhong Nguyen Vietnamese Musician/ScholarKent, OH 34
• 1998 34
• Apsara Ensemble 34
• Cambodian Musicians & Dancers 34
• Fort Washington, MD 34
• Eddie Blazonczyk * 34
• Polish Polka Musician/Bandleader 34
• Bridgeview, IL 34
• Bruce Caesar 34
• Sac Fox-Pawnee German Silversmith 34
• Anadarko, OK 34
• Dale Calhoun * 34
• Boatbuilder (Reelfoot Lake Stumpjumper) 34
• Tiptonville, TN 34
• Antonio De La Rosa * 34
• Tejano Conjunto Accordionist 34
• Riviera, TX 34
• Epstein Brothers * 34
• Klezmer Musicians 34
• Sarasota, FL 34
• Sophia George 34
• Yakima Colville Beadwork and Regalia 34
• 34
• Gresham, OR 34
• Nadjeschda Overgaard * 34
• Danish Hardanger Embroidery 34
• Kimballton, IA 34
• Harilaos Papapostolou * 34
• Byzantine Chant, Greek Orthodox 34
• Potomac, MD 34
• Roebuck “Pops” Staples * 34
• Gospel /Blues Musician 34
• Dalton, IL 34
• Claude “The Fiddler” Williams * 34
• 34
• Jazz Swing Fiddler 34
• Kansas City, MO 34
• 1999 34
• Frisner Augustin * 34
• Haitian Drummer 34
• New York, NY 34
• Lila Greengrass Blackdeer * 34
• 34
• Hocak Black Ash Basketmaker, Needleworker 34
• Black River Falls, WI 34
• Shirley Caesar 34
• Gospel Singer 34
• Durham, NC 34
• Alfredo Campos 34
• Horeshair Hitcher 34
• Federal Way, WA 34
• Mary Louise Defender Wilson 34
• Dakota Hidatsa Traditionalist and Storyteller 34
• 34
• Shields, ND 34
• Jimmy “Slyde” Godbolt * 34
• African American Tap Dancer 34
• Hanson, MA 34
• Ulysses “Uly” Goode * 34
• Western Mono Basketmaker 34
• North Fork, CA 34
• Bob Holt * 34
• Ozark Fiddler 34
• Ava, MO 34
• Zakir Hussain 34
• North Indian Master Tabla Drummer 34
• San Anselmo, CA 34
• Elliott “Ellie” Manette * 34
• Trinidadian Steel Pan Builder, Tuner, Performer 34
• Osage, WV 34
• Mick Moloney * 34
• Irish Musician 34
• New York, NY 34
• Eudokia Sorochaniuk * 34
• Ukranian Weaver, Textile Artist, Embroidery 34
• Pennsuaken, NJ 34
• Ralph Stanley * 34
• Master Boatbuilder, (Friendship Sloop) 34
• Southwest Harbor, ME 34
• 1999 Fellow Mick Moloney 34
• 1999 Fellow Mick Moloney 34
• 34
• Photo by Tom Pich 34
• 2000 35
• 2000 35
• Bounxou Chanthraphone 35
• 35
• Lao Weaver, Embroiderer 35
• Brookland Park, MN 35
• Dixie Hummingbirds * 35
• African American Gospel Quartet 35
• Philadelphia, PA 35
• Felipe García Villamil 35
• Afro-Cuban Drummer/Santero 35
• Los Angeles, CA 35
• José González * 35
• Puerto Rican Hammock Weaver 35
• San Sebastián, PR 35
• Nettie Jackson * 35
• Klickitat Basketmaker 35
• White Swan, WA 35
• Santiago Jiménez, Jr 35
• Tex-Mex Accordionist/Singer 35
• San Antonio, TX 35
• Genoa Keawe * 35
• Hawaiian Tto Singer/Ukulele Player 35
• 35
• Honolulu, HI 35
• Frankie Manning * 35
• Lindy Hop Dancer Choreographer/Innovator 35
• Corona, NY 35
• Joe Willie “Pinetop” Perkins * 35
• 35
• Blues Piano Player 35
• La Porte, IN 35
• Konstantinos Pilarinos * 35
• Orthodox Byzantine Icon Woodcarver 35
• Astoria, NY 35
• Chris Strachwitz * 35
• BESS LOMAX HAWES AWARD 35
• Record Producer/Label Founder 35
• El Cerrito, CA 35
• B. Dorothy Thompson * 35
• Appalachian Weaver 35
• Davis, WV 35
• Don Walser * 35
• Cowboy & Western Singer/Guitarist/Composer 35
• Austin, TX 35
• 2001 35
• Celestino Avilés * 35
• Santero 35
• Orocovis, PR 35
• Mozell Benson * 35
• African American Quilter 35
• Opelika, AL 35
• Wilson “Boozoo” Chavis * 35
• Zydeco Accordionist 35
• Lake Charles, LA 35
• Hazel Dickens * 35
• Appalachian Singer 35
• Washington, DC 35
• Evalena Henry 35
• Apache Basketweaver 35
• Peridot, AZ 35
• Peter Kyvelos * 35
• Oud Builder 35
• Bedford, MA 35
• João “João Grande” Olivera Dos Santos 35
• 35
• Capoeira Angola Master 35
• New York, NY 35
• Eddie Pennington 35
• Thumbpicking Style Guitarist 35
• Princeton, KY 35
• Qi Shu Fang 35
• Peking Opera Performer 35
• Woodhaven, NY 35
• Seiichi Tanaka 35
• Taiko Drummer Dojo Founder 35
• San Francisco, CA 35
• Dorothy Trumpold * 35
• Rug Weaver 35
• High Amana, IA 35
• Fred Tsoodle * 35
• Kiowa Sacred Song Leader 35
• Mountian View, OK 35
• Joseph Wilson * 35
• BESS LOMAX HAWES AWARD 35
• Folklorist/Advocate/Presenter 35
• Fries, VA 35
• 2002 35
• Ralph Blizard * 35
• Old-Time Fiddler 35
• Blountville, TN 35
• Loren Bommelyn 35
• Tolowa Singer, Tradition Bearer, Basketmaker 35
• Crescent City, CA 35
• Kevin Burke 35
• Irish Fiddler 35
• Portland, OR 35
• Francis * & Rose Cree * 35
• Ojibwa Basketmakers/Storytellers 35
• Dunseith, ND 35
• Luderin Darbone */Edwin Duhon * 35
• 35
• Cajun Fiddler and Accordionist 35
• Sulphur/Westlake, LA 35
• Nadim Dlaikan 35
• Lebanese Nye (Reed Flute) Player 35
• Southgate, MI 35
• David “Honeyboy” Edwards * 35
• 35
• Delta Blues Guitarist/Singer 35
• Chicago, IL 35
• Flory Jagoda * 35
• Sephardic Musician/Composer 35
• Alexandria, VA 35
• Losang Samten 35
• Tibetan Sand Mandala Painter 35
• Philadephia, PA 35
• Bob McQuillen * 35
• Contra Dance Musician Composer 35
• Peterborough, NH 35
• Clara Neptune Keezer * 35
• Passamaquoddy Basketmaker 35
• Perry, ME 35
• Jean Ritchie * 35
• BESS LOMAX HAWES AWARD 35
• Appalachian Singer/Songwriter Dulcimer Player 35
• Port Washington, NY 35
• Domingo “Mingo” Saldivar 35
• Conjunto Accordionist 35
• San Antonio, TX 35
• 2003 35
• Jesus Arriada 35
• BASQUE “BERTSOLARI” POETS 35
• 35
• San Francisco, CA 35
• Johnny Curutchet 35
• South San Francisco, CA 35
• Martin Goicoechea 35
• Rock Springs, WY 35
• Jesus Goni 35
• Reno, NV 35
• Rosa Elene Egipciaco * 35
• Puerto Rican Bobbin Lace “Mundillo” 35
• New York, NY 35
• Agnes Oshanee Kenmille * 35
• Salish Beadwork and Tanning 35
• Ronan, MT 35
• Norman Kennedy 35
• Weaver/Ballad Singer 35
• Marshfield, VT 35
• Roberto * & Lorenzo Martinez 35
• 35
• Hispanic Guitarist & Violinist 35
• Albuquerque, NM 35
• Norma Miller * 35
• African American Jazz Dancer, Choreographer 35
• Cape Coral, FL 35
• Carmencristina Moreno 35
• BESS LOMAX HAWES AWARD 35
• Mexican American Singer, Composer, Teacher 35
• Fresno, CA 35
• Ron Poast 35
• Hardanger Fiddle Luthier and Player 35
• 35
• Black Earth, WI 35
• Felipe I. & Joseph K. Ruak 35
• Carolinian Stick Dance Leaders 35
• Saipan, MP 35
• Manoochehr Sadeghi 35
• Persian Santour Player 35
• Sherman Oaks, CA 35
• Nicholas Toth 35
• Diving Helmet Builder 35
• Tarpon Springs, FL 35
• 2004 36
• Anjani Ambegaokar * 36
• Kathak Dancer 36
• Diamond Bar, CA 36
• Charles “Chuck” T. Campbell 36
• 36
• Gospel Steel Guitarist 36
• Rochester, NY 36
• Joe Derrane * 36
• Irish American Button Accordionist 36
• Randolph, MA 36
• Jerry Douglas 36
• Dobro Player 36
• Nashville, TN 36
• Gerald Subiyay Miller * 36
• Skokomish Tradition Bearer 36
• Shelton, WA 36
• Milan Opacich * 36
• Tamburitza Instrument Maker 36
• Schererville, IN 36
• Eliseo & Paula Rodriguez * 36
• Straw Applique Artists 36
• Santa Fe, NM 36
• Koko Taylor * 36
• Blues Musician 36
• Country Club Hills, IL 36
• Yuqin Wang & Zhengli Xu 36
• 36
• Chinese Rod Puppeteers 36
• Tigard, OR 36
• Chum Ngek 36
• BESS LOMAX HAWES AWARD 36
• Cambodian Musician and Teacher 36
• Gaithersburg, MD 36
• 2005 36
• Herminia Albarrán Romero 36
• 36
• Paper-Cutting Artist 36
• San Francisco, CA 36
• Eldrid Skjold Arntzen * 36
• Norwegian American Rosemaler 36
• Watertown, CT 36
• Earl Barthé * 36
• Decorative Building Craftsman 36
• New Orleans, LA 36
• Chuck Brown * 36
• African American Musical Innovator 36
• 36
• Brandywine, MD 36
• Janette Carter * 36
• BESS LOMAX HAWES AWARD 36
• Appalachian Musician, Advocate 36
• Hiltons, VA 36
• Michael Doucet 36
• Cajun Fiddler, Composer, and Band Leader 36
• 36
• Lafayette, LA 36
• Jerry Grcevich 36
• Tamburitza Musician, Prim Player 36
• 36
• North Huntingdon, PA 36
• Grace Henderson Nez * 36
• Navajo Weaver 36
• Ganado, AZ 36
• Wanda Jackson 36
• Early Country, Rockabilly, and Gospel Singer 36
• Oklahoma City, OK 36
• Beyle Schaechter- Gottesman * 36
• 36
• Yiddish Singer, Poet, Songwriter 36
• Bronx, NY 36
• Albertina Walker * 36
• Gospel Singer 36
• Chicago, IL 36
• James Ka’upena Wong * 36
• Hawaiian Chanter 36
• Waianae, HI 36
• 2006 36
• Charles M. Carrillo Santero (Carver and Painter of Sacred Figures)Santa Fe, NMDelores E. Churchill Haida (Native Alaskan) WeaverKetchican, AKHenry Gray *Blues Piano Player, SingerBaton Rouge, LADoyle Lawson Gospel and Bluegrass Singer, Arranger, and BandleaderBristol, TNEsther Martinez *Native American Linguist and StorytellerSan Juan Pueblo, NMDiomedes Matos Cuatro (10-String Puerto Rican Guitar) MakerDeltona, FLGeorge Na’ope *Kumu Hula (Hula Master)Hilo, HIWilho Saari *Finnish Kantele (Lap-Harp) Player 36
• 2007 36
• Nicholas Benson Stone Letter Carver and CalligrapherNewport, RISidiki Conde Guinean Dancer and MusicianNew York, NYViolet De Cristoforo *Haiku Poet And HistorianSalinas, CARoland Freeman * BESS LOMAX HAWES AWARDPhoto Documentarian, Author, and Exhibit CuratorWashington, DCPat Courtney Gold * Wasco Sally Bag WeaverScappoose, OREddie Kamae *Hawaiian Musician, Composer, FilmmakerHonolulu, HIAgustin Lira Chicano Singer, Musician, ComposerFresno, CAJulia Parker Kashia Pomo BasketmakerMidpines, CAMary Jane Queen 36
• 2008 37
• Horace P. Axtell *Nez Perce Elder, Spiritual Leader, and Drum MakerLewiston, IDDale Harwood SaddlemakerShelley, IDBettye Kimbrell *QuilterMt. Olive, AlJeronimo E. Lozano *Retablo MakerSalt Lake City, UTWalter Murray Chiesa *BESS LOMAX HAWES AWARDTraditional Crafts AdvocateBayamón, PROneida Hymn Singers Of Wisconsin Hymn SingingOneida, WISue Yeon Park Korean Dancer and MusicianNew York, NYMoges Seyoum Ethiopian Church MusicianAlexandria, VAJelon Vieira Capoeira MasterNew York, NYMichael G. White Jazz Clarin 37
• 2009 37
• The Birmingham Sunlights 37
• 37
• A Cappella Gospel Group 37
• Birmingham, AL 37
• Edwin Colón Zayas 37
• Cuatro Player 37
• Orocovis, PR 37
• Chitresh Das * 37
• Kathak Dancer and Choreographer 37
• San Francisco, CA 37
• Leroy Graber * 37
• German Russian Willow Basketmaker 37
• Freeman, SD 37
• “Queen” Ida Guillory 37
• Zydeco Musician 37
• Daly City, CA 37
• Dudley Laufman 37
• Dance Caller and Musician 37
• Cantebury, NH 37
• Amma D. McKen 37
• Yoruba Orisha Singer 37
• Brooklyn, NY 37
• Joel Nelson 37
• Cowboy Poet 37
• Alpine, TX 37
• Teri Rofkar * 37
• Tlingit Weaver and Basketmaker 37
• Sitka, AK 37
• Mike Seeger * 37
• BESS LOMAX HAWES AWARD 37
• Musician, Cultural Scholar, and Advocate 37
• 37
• Lexington, VA 37
• Sophiline Cheam Shapiro 37
• 37
• Cambodian Classical Dancer and Choregrapher 37
• 37
• Long Beach, CA 37
• 2010 37
• Yacub Addy *Ghanaian Drum MasterLatham, NYJim “Texas Shorty” Chancellor FiddlerRockwall, TXGladys Kukana Grace *Lauhala (Palm Leaf) WeaverHonolulu, HIMary Jackson Sweetgrass BasketweaverJohns Island, SCDel McCoury Bluegrass Guitarist and SingerHendersonville, TNJudith McCulloh *BESS LOMAX HAWES AWARDFolklorist and EditorUrbana, ILKamala Lakshmi Narayanan Bharatanatyam Indian DancerMastic, NYMike Rafferty *Irish Flute PlayerHasbrouck Heights, NJEzequiel Torres Afro-Cuban Drummer and Drum BuilderMiami, FL 37
• 2011 37
• Laverne Brackens QuilterFairfield, TXBo Dollis *Mardi Gras Indian ChiefNew Orleans, LAJim Griffith *BESS LOMAX HAWES AWARDFolkloristTuscon, AZRoy and Pj Hirabayashi Taiko Drum LeadersSan Jose, CALedward Kaapana Slack Key GuitaristKaneohe, HIFrank Newsome Old Regular Baptist SingerHaysi, VACarlinhos Pandeiro De Ouro Frame Drum Player and PercussionistLos Angeles, CAWarner Williams *Piedmont Blues SongsterGaithersburg, MDYuri Yunakov Bulgarian SaxophonistBloomfield, NJ 37
• 2012 38
• Mike Auldridge * 38
• Dobro Player 38
• Silver Spring, MD 38
• Paul * & Darlene Bergren * 38
• Dog Sled and Snowshoe Designers and Builders 38
• 38
• Minot, ND 38
• Harold A. Burnham 38
• Master Shipwright 38
• Essex, MA 38
• Albert B. Head 38
• BESS LOMAX HAWES AWARD 38
• Traditional Arts Advocate 38
• Montgomery, AL 38
• Leonardo “Flaco” Jimenez 38
• Tejano Accordion Player 38
• San Antonio, TX 38
• Lynne Yoshiko Nakasone * 38
• Okinawan Dancer 38
• Honolulu, HI 38
• Molly Jeannette Neptune Parker * 38
• 38
• Passamaquoddy Basket Maker 38
• Princeton, ME 38
• The Paschall Brothers 38
• Tidewater Gospel Quartet 38
• Chesapeake, VA 38
• Andy Statman 38
• Klezmer Clarinetist, Mandolinist, and Composer 38
• Brooklyn, NY 38
• 2013 38
• Sheila Kay Adams Ballad Singer, Musician, & StorytellerMarshall, NCRalph Burns Storyteller, Pyramid Lake Paiute TribeNixon, NVVerónica Castillo Ceramicist & Clay SculptorSan Antonio, TXSéamus Connolly Irish FiddlerNorth Yarmouth, MENicolae Feraru Cimbalom PlayerChicago, ILCarol Fran *Swamp Blues Singer & PianistLafayette, LAPauline Hillaire *BESS LOMAX HAWES AWARDTradition Bearer, Lummi TribeBellingham, WADavid Ivey Sacred Harp Hymn SingerHuntsville, ALRamón “Chunky” Sánchez *Chicano Musician & Culture 38
• 2014 38
• Henry Arquette * 38
• Mohawk Basketmaker 38
• Hogansburg, NY 38
• Manuel “Cowboy” Donley * 38
• 38
• Tejano Musician and Singer 38
• Austin, TX 38
• Kevin Doyle 38
• Irish Step Dancer 38
• Barrington, RI 38
• THE HOLMES BROTHERS 38
• THE HOLMES BROTHERS 38
• Sherman Holmes 38
• Wendell Holmes * 38
• Popsy Dixon * 38
• Blues, Gospel, and Rhythm and Blues Band 38
• Rosedale, Md 38
• Saluda, VA 38
• Yvonne Walker Keshick 38
• Odawa Quillworker 38
• Petoskey, MI 38
• Carolyn Mazloomi 38
• BESS LOMAX HAWES AWARD 38
• Quilting Community Advocate 38
• West Chester, OH 38
• Vera Nakonechny 38
• Ukrainian Embroiderer, Weaver and Beadworker 38
• 38
• Philadelphia, PA 38
• Singing and Praying Bands of MD and DE 38
• African American Religious Singers 38
• Maryland and Delaware 38
• Rufus White 38
• Omaha Traditional Singerand Drum Group Leader 38
• 38
• Walthill, NE 38
• 2015 38
• Rahim AlHaj 38
• Oud Player & Composer 38
• Albuquerque, NM 38
• Michael Alpert 38
• Yiddish Musician and Tradition Bearer 38
• 38
• New York, NY 38
• Mary Lee Bendolph, Lucy Mingo, and Loretta Pettway 38
• 38
• 38
• Quilters of Gee’s Bend 38
• Boykin, AL 38
• Dolly Jacobs 38
• Circus Aerialist 38
• Sarasota, FL 38
• Yary Livan 38
• Cambodian Ceramicist 38
• Lowell, MA 38
• Daniel Sheehy 38
• BESS LOMAX HAWES AWARD 38
• Ethnomusicologist/Folklorist 38
• Falls Church, VA 38
• Drink Small 38
• Blues Artist 38
• Columbia, SC 38
• Gertrude Yukie Tsutsumi 38
• 38
• Japanese Classical Dancer 38
• Honolulu, HI 38
• Sidonka Wadina 38
• Slovak Straw Artist/Egg Decorator 38
• Lyons, WI 38
• 2016 39
• Bryan Akipa Dakota Flute Maker and PlayerSisseton, SD Joseph Pierre “Big Chief Monk” Boudreaux Mardi Gras Indian Craftsman and MusicianNew Orleans, LABilly McComiskey Irish Button AccordionistBaltimore, MDArtemio Posadas BESS LOMAX HAWES AWARDMaster Huastecan Son Musician and AdvocateSan Jose, CAClarissa Rizal * Tlingit Ceremonial Regalia MakerJuneau, AKTheresa SecordPenobscot Nation Ash/Sweetgrass BasketmakerWaterville, MEBounxeung SynanonhLaotian Khaen (free-reed mouth organ) PlayerFresno, CAMichael Vla 39
• 2017 39
• Norik Astvatsaturov * Armenian Repoussé Metal ArtistWahpeton, NDAnna Brown Ehlers Chilkat WeaverJuneau, AKModesto Cepeda Bomba and Plena MusicianSan Juan, PRElla JenkinsChildren’s Folk Singer and MusicianChicago, ILDwight Lamb BESS LOMAX HAWES AWARDDanish Button Accordionist and Missouri-Style FiddlerOnawa, IAThomas Maupin Old-time BuckdancerMurfreesboro, TNCyril Pahinui *Hawaiian Slack-key Guitarist,Waipahu, HIPhil Wiggins *Acoustic Blues Harmonica PlayerTakoma Park, MDEva Ybarra Conjunto Accordionist and 39
• 2018 39
• Feryal Abbasi-Ghnaim 39
• Palestinian Embroiderer 39
• Milwaukie, OR 39
• Eddie Bond 39
• Appalachian Old-Time Fiddler 39
• Fries, VA 39
• 39
• Kelly Church 39
• Anishinabe (Gun Lake Band) Black Ash Basketmaker 39
• Allegan, MI 39
• Marion Coleman * 39
• African American Quilter 39
• Castro Valley, CA 39
• 39
• Manuel Cuevas 39
• Rodeo Tailor 39
• Nashville, TN 39
• Ofelia Esparza 39
• Chicana Altarista (Day of the Dead Altar Maker) 39
• Los Angeles, CA 39
• Barbara Lynn 39
• R&B Musician 39
• Beaumont, TX 39
• Ethel Raim 39
• BESS LOMAX HAWES AWARD 39
• Traditional Music and Dance Advocate 39
• New York, NY 39
• Don & Cindy Roy 39
• Franco-American Musicians 39
• Gorham, ME 39
• 2019 39
• Dan AnsoteguiBasque Musician and Tradition BearerBoise, IDGrant Bulltail *Crow StorytellerCrow Agency, MTBob FulcherBESS LOMAX HAWES AWARDFolklorist and State Park ManagerClinton, TNLinda GossAfrican American StorytellerBaltimore, MDJames F. JacksonLeatherworkerSheridan, WYBalla KouyatéBalafon Player and DjeliMedford, MAJosephine LobatoSpanish Colcha EmbroidererWestminster, CORich SmokerDecoy CarverMarion Station, MDLAS TESOROS DE SAN ANTONIOBeatriz (La Paloma del Norte) Llamas * andBlanquita (Blanca Rosa) 39
• 2020 40
• William BellSoul Singer and SongwriterAtlanta, GAOnnik DinkjianArmenian Folk and Liturgical Singer Fort Lee, NJZakarya * and Naomi DioufWest African Diasporic DancersOakland/Castro Valley, CAKaren Ann Hoffman (Oneida Nation of Wisconsin)Haudenosaunee Raised Beadworker Stevens Point, WILos Matachines de la Santa Cruz de la LadrilleraTraditional Religious DancersLaredo, TXHugo N. MoralesBESS LOMAX HAWES AWARDRadio Producer and Network Builder Fresno, CAJohn MorrisOld-Time Fiddler and Banjo PlayerIvydale, 40
• 2021 40
• Cedric Burnside 40
• Hill Country Blues Musician 40
• Ashland, MS 40
• Tom Davenport 40
• BESS LOMAX HAWES AWARD 40
• Filmmaker, Documentarian, and Media Curator 40
• Delaplane, VA 40
• Tagumpay Mendoza De Leon 40
• 40
• Rondalla Musician 40
• Burbank, CA 40
• Anita Fields (Osage/Muscogee) 40
• 40
• Osage Ribbon Worker 40
• Tulsa, OK 40
• Los Lobos 40
• Mexican American Band 40
• Los Angeles, CA 40
• Joanie Madden 40
• Irish Flute Player 40
• Yonkers, NY 40
• Reginald “Reggio the Hoofer” McLaughlin 40
• 40
• Tap Dancer 40
• Chicago, IL 40
• Nellie Vera 40
• Mundillo Master Weaver 40
• Moca, Puerto Rico 40
• Winnsboro Easter Rock Ensemble 40
• Easter Rock Spiritual Ensemble 40
• Winnsboro, LA 40
• 2022 40
• Michael Cleveland 40
• Bluegrass Fiddler 40
• Charlestown, IN 40
• Eva Enciñias 40
• Flamenco Artist 40
• Albuquerque, NM 40
• Excelsior Band 40
• Brass Band Musicians 40
• Mobile, AL 40
• Stanley Jacobs 40
• Quelbe Flute Player and Bandleader 40
• St. Croix, VI 40
• The Legendary Ingramettes 40
• 40
• Gospel Artists 40
• Richmond, Virginia 40
• TahNibaa Naataanii (Navajo/Diné) 40
• 40
• BESS LOMAX HAWES AWARD 40
• Navajo/Diné Textile Artist and Weaver 40
• 40
• Shiprock, NM 40
• Francis P. Sinenci 40
• Master Hawaiian Hale Builder 40
• Hāna, HI 40
• Tsering Wangmo Satho 40
• Tibetan Opera Singer & Dancer 40
• 40
• Richmond,CA 40
• C. Brian Williams 40
• Step Artist and Producer 40
• Washington, DC 40
• Shaka Zulu 40
• New Orleans Black Masking Craftsman, Stilt Dancer, and Musician 40
• New Orleans, LA 40
• 2023 40
• R.L. Boyce * 40
• Hill Country Blues Musician 40
• Como, Mississippi 40
• Ed Eugene Carriere (Suquamish) 40
• Suquamish Basketmaker 40
• Indianola, Washington 40
• Michael A. Cummings 40
• African American Quilter 40
• New York, New York 40
• Joe DeLeon “Little Joe” Hernández 40
• Tejano Music Performer 40
• Temple, Texas 40
• Roen Hufford 40
• Kapa Maker 40
• Waimea, Hawai‘i 40
• Elizabeth James-Perry (Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head, Aquinnah) 40
• Wampum & Fiber Artist 40
• Dartmouth, Massachusetts 40
• Nick Spitzer 40
• BESS LOMAX HAWES AWARD 40
• Folklife Presenter, Educator, and Radio Producer 40
• New Orleans, Louisiana 40
• Luis Tapia 40
• Sculptor, Hispano Woodcarving Tradition 40
• Santa Fe, New Mexico 40
• Wu Man 40
• Pipa Player 40
• Carlsbad, California 40
• Figure 30
• Figure 31
• 1984 Fellow Mary Jane Manigault 31
• 1984 Fellow Mary Jane Manigault 31
• 31
• Photo by Tom Pich 31
• Photo by Tom Pich 31
• * Deceased 32
• * Deceased 32
• * Deceased 32
• Figure 33
• 1994 Fellows The Blind Boys of Alabama 33
• 1994 Fellows The Blind Boys of Alabama 33
• 33
• Photo by Tom Pich 33
• Figure 34
• * Deceased 34
• * Deceased 34
• * Deceased 34
• Figure 36
• 2006 Fellow Mavis Staples 36
• 2006 Fellow Mavis Staples 36
• 36
• Photo by Tom Pich 36
• * Deceased 36
• * Deceased 36
• * Deceased 36
• Figure 37
• 2011 Fellow Ledward Kaapana 37
• 2011 Fellow Ledward Kaapana 37
• 37
• Photo by Michael G. Stewart 37
• Figure 38
• 2012 FellowsPaul and Darlene Bergren 38
• 2012 FellowsPaul and Darlene Bergren 38
• 38
• Photo by Michael G. Stewart 38
• * Deceased 38
• * Deceased 38
• * Deceased 38
• Figure 39
• Anishnabe Treaty Hat by 2018 Fellow Kelly Church 39
• Anishnabe Treaty Hat by 2018 Fellow Kelly Church 39
• 39
• 39
• Photo by Richard Church 39
• Figure 40
• Mundillo lace by 40
• Mundillo lace by 40
• 2021 Fellow Nellie Vera 40
• 40
• Photo ccourtesy of Hypothetical Films 40
• * Deceased 40
• * Deceased 40
• * Deceased 40
• Submit an NEA National Heritage Fellowship Nomination 41
• Submit an NEA National Heritage Fellowship Nomination 41
• Submit an NEA National Heritage Fellowship Nomination 41
• The NEA National Heritage Fellowship is the nation’s highest honor in folk 41
• The NEA National Heritage Fellowship is the nation’s highest honor in folk 41
• and traditional arts. Each year since 1982, the program has recognized folk and 41
• traditional artists whose exemplary achievements contribute to our nation’s 41
• distinctive cultural heritage, increasing opportunities for the public to encounter 41
• different artists, art forms, and cultural traditions. 41
• Through their folk and traditional arts practices, National Heritage Fellows 41
• Through their folk and traditional arts practices, National Heritage Fellows 41
• demonstrate the importance of the arts to personal, cultural, and national 41
• identity and reflect the benefits that artful lives contribute to the well-being of 41
• individuals and their communities. 41
• Annually, the NEA awards at least nine National Heritage Fellowships, including 41
• Annually, the NEA awards at least nine National Heritage Fellowships, including 41
• one Bess Lomax Hawes Fellowship. The Hawes Fellowship recognizes an 41
• individual who has made major contributions to the excellence, vitality, and 41
• public appreciation of the folk and traditional arts. 41
• National Heritage Fellowship nominees must be worthy of national recognition 41
• National Heritage Fellowship nominees must be worthy of national recognition 41
• and have a record of continuing artistic accomplishment. They must be actively 41
• participating in their art form, either as practitioners, mentors, or as community 41
• scholars. Successful nominations demonstrate significant contributions to living 41
• traditional arts, their source communities, and/or the transmission of traditional 41
• knowledge to future generations. 41
• Awards for the National Heritage Fellowships (including the Bess Lomax Hawes 41
• Awards for the National Heritage Fellowships (including the Bess Lomax Hawes 41
• Fellowship) will be up to $25,000, and may be received once in a lifetime. 41
• Nomination deadlines are generally in May of each year. Nominations remain 41
• active for a total of four years. 41
• Visit 41
• Visit 41
• arts.gov/honors/heritage 41
• for more information. 41
• Figure 41
• Figure 42
• Established by Congress in 1965, the 42
• Established by Congress in 1965, the 42
• National 42
• Endowment for the Arts 42
• is the independent 42
• federal agency whose funding and support gives 42
• Americans the opportunity to participate in the 42
• arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop 42
• their creative capacities. Through partnerships 42
• with state arts agencies, local leaders, other 42
• federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, 42
• the Arts Endowment supports arts learning, 42
• affirms and celebrates America’s rich and 42
• diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work 42
• to promote equal access to the arts in every 42
• community across America. Visit 42
• arts.gov 42
• to 42
• learn more. 42
• Figure 43
• Monkey Chariot carving 43
• Monkey Chariot carving 43
• Monkey Chariot carving 43
• 43
• by Todd Goings at the 43
• 43
• Staten Island Carousel 43
• Photo by Todd W. Goings for 43
• Photo by Todd W. Goings for 43
• 43
• Carousels and Carvings, Inc. 43
• Rosie Flores 44
• Rosie Flores 44
• Rosie Flores 44
• ROCKABILLY AND COUNTRY 44
• ROCKABILLY AND COUNTRY 44
• MUSICIAN 44
• 44
• Photo by Leslie Campbell 44
• Figure 44
• Pat Johnson 44
• Pat Johnson 44
• Pat Johnson 44
• COMMUNITY ACTIVIST AND 44
• COMMUNITY ACTIVIST AND 44
• ORGANIZER 44
• Photo by Lauren Adams Willette 44
• Photo by Lauren Adams Willette 44
• Figure 44
• June Kuramoto 44
• June Kuramoto 44
• June Kuramoto 44
• KOTO MUSICIAN 44
• KOTO MUSICIAN 44
• Photo by Jaimee Itagaki 44
• Photo by Jaimee Itagaki 44
• Figure 44
• Trimble Gilbert 44
• Trimble Gilbert 44
• Trimble Gilbert 44
• 44
• (Gwich’in) 44
• GWICH’IN FIDDLER 44
• GWICH’IN FIDDLER 44
• Photo by Alex Troutman of 44
• Photo by Alex Troutman of 44
• 44
• Channel Films 44
• Figure 44
• Susan Hudson 44
• Susan Hudson 44
• Susan Hudson 44
• (Navajo/Diné) 44
• QUILTER 44
• QUILTER 44
• Photo courtesy of artist 44
• Photo courtesy of artist 44
• Figure 44
• Todd Goings 44
• Todd Goings 44
• Todd Goings 44
• CAROUSEL CARVER AND 44
• CAROUSEL CARVER AND 44
• RESTORATIONIST 44
• Photo by Kyle C. Goings for Carousel 44
• Photo by Kyle C. Goings for Carousel 44
• and Carvings, Inc. 44
• Figure 44
• 2024 National Endowment for the ArtsNational Heritage Fellows 44
• Figure 44
• Bril Barrett 44
• Bril Barrett 44
• Bril Barrett 44
• TAP DANCER 44
• TAP DANCER 44
• Photo by Maia Rosenfield 44
• Photo by Maia Rosenfield 44
• Figure 44
• Fabian Debora 44
• Fabian Debora 44
• Fabian Debora 44
• CHICANO MURALIST 44
• CHICANO MURALIST 44
• Photo by Eddie Ruvalcaba 44
• Photo by Eddie Ruvalcaba 44
• Figure 44
• Sochietah Ung 44
• Sochietah Ung 44
• Sochietah Ung 44
• CAMBODIAN COSTUME 44
• CAMBODIAN COSTUME 44
• MAKER AND DANCER 44
• Photo by Pat Jarrett of the Virginia 44
• Photo by Pat Jarrett of the Virginia 44
• Folklife Program 44
• Figure 44
• Zuni Olla Maidens 44
• Zuni Olla Maidens 44
• Zuni Olla Maidens 44
• ZUNI TRADITIONAL DANCERS 44
• ZUNI TRADITIONAL DANCERS 44
• Photo courtesy of NCTA Archives 44
• Photo courtesy of NCTA Archives 44
• Figure 44