On Monday November 13th, state officials recognized Oregon’s 2016-2018 Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program master artists at the State Library in Salem, Oregon.
The ceremony opened with words of welcome from MaryKay Dahlgreen (State Librarian), Riki Saltzman (Executive Director, Oregon Folklife Network), Brian Rogers (Executive Director, Oregon Arts Commission and Oregon Cultural Trust), and Beth Dehn, newly appointed Manager, Oregon Heritage Commission. Brian Rogers and state legislators, Representative Margaret Doherty (District 35), Representative Cliff Bentz (District 60), Representative Andrea Salinas (District 38), and Greg Mintz, Legislative Director for Senator Ken Helm (District 34), presented commemorative certificates to master artists (pictured R-L) Tonya Rosebrook, Hossein Salehi, Azar Salehi, Marjan Anvari, Jack Armstrong, Sara Siestreem, Anita Menon, and Feryal Abbasi-Ghnaim. Apprentice Miguel Ruiz and his son Miguel Jr. accepted the award on behalf of his mentor, Antonio Huerta. Representative Cliff Bentz and Brian Rogers presented a certificate to Roberta Kirk in absentia. The ceremony, which recognized the artistic excellence of these exemplary culture keepers, featured virtuosic performances by Azar Salehi (Persian storytelling) and Hossein Salehi (Persian santoor, a trapezoidal-shaped stringed instrument similar to the hammered dulcimer).
During a reception in their honor, TAAP master artists had the opportunity to interact with each other as well as elected officials, state government representatives, OFN staff, and members of the Oregon Arts Commission and Cultural Trust boards. Many brought examples of their works to share, demonstrate, and display their artistry. Charrería apprentice, Miguel Ruiz, treated everyone to an impromptu display of the roping skills required for Mexican rodeo.
Congratulations again to all of the 2016-18 TAAP master artists. We also extend our appreciation to all who were able to attend and honor those artists and their contributions to Oregon’s living cultural heritage.
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- Riki Saltzman, Anita Menon, and Brian Rogers
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- Riki Saltzman, Miguel Ruiz, Miguel Ruiz Jr. and Representative Margaret Doherty
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- Emily West Hartlerode, Azar Salehi, and Brian Rogers
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- Beth Dehn, newly appointed Manager, Oregon Heritage Commission
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- OFN Program Coordinator Alina Mansfield and Graduate Student Assistant Brad McMullen
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- Brian Rogers (Executive Director, Oregon Arts Commission and Oregon Cultural Trust)
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- Hossein Salehi playing Persian santoor, a trapezoidal-shaped stringed instrument similar to the hammered dulcimer
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- Hossein Salehi playing Persian santoor
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- Riki Saltzman, Jack Armstrong, and Representative Margaret Doherty, District 35
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- Emily West Hartlerode, Marjan Anvari, and Representative Andrea Salinas, District 38
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- Emily West Hartlerode, Representative Cliff Bentz, District 60, and Brian Rogers present award to Roberta Kirk in absentia
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- Riki Saltzman, Sara Siestreem, and Representative Margaret Doherty, District 35
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- Emily West Hartlerode, Toyna Rosebrook, and Representative Cliff Bentz, District 10
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- Emily West Hartlerode, Hossein Salehi, and Brian Rogers
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- Riki Saltzman, Feryal Abbasi-Ghnaim and Representative Margaret Doherty, District 35
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- Examples of artists’ work
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- Examples of Jack Armstrong’s braided rawhide bosals and quirts.
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- Examples of Feryal Abbasi-Ghnaim’s fine embroidery on miniature Palestinian dresses.
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- At the reception
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- Miguel Ruiz Jr. and his father, Miguel Ruiz
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- Representative Margaret Doherty (District 35) and Jack Armstrong
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- Representative Cliff Bentz (District 60) and Jack Armstrong
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- Representative Cliff Bentz (District 60) and Tonya Rosebrook
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- Representative Andrea Salinas (District 38) and Marjan Anvari
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- Miguel Ruiz Jr. demonstrating charrería (roping) skills.
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- Miguel Ruiz demonstrating charrería (roping) skills.
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- Miguel Ruiz Jr. demonstrating charrería (roping) skills.