Name of Person: Mary Holiday Black

Mary Holiday Black is considered primarily responsible for preserving Navajo basketry. In preserving this traditional craft, Mary has sparked both a renaissance and a revolution.  

In 1995 Mary received the Utah Governor's 1995 Folk Art Award, and in September of 1996 was granted a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. The matriarch of a large and talented family of basket weavers, Mary Holiday Black has revolutionized Navajo basketry with her daring creativity. Recognized by experts as America’s preeminent Navajo basket weaver, Mary's pieces are highly valued collector's items and are sought after by individuals and museums alike.