The Ingham Chapman Gallery exhibits the show “Eclosion” by Santa Fe fiber artist Leigh Oviatt at The University of New Mexico-Gallup on March 26, 2026.
Sharing the joy of weaving
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Self-taught fiber artist showcases cocoon-like sculptures at UNM-Gallup’s Ingham Chapman Gallery
By Renaldo Fowler, Friday, May 22, 2026
GALLUP, N.M. — Self-taught fiber artist Leigh Oviatt presented her first solo exhibition in the Ingham Chapman Gallery at The University of New Mexico-Gallup in March and shared her craft with community members during a hands-on weaving workshop.
Oviatt’s exhibition, titled “Eclosion,” served as a metaphor for women in their midlife and the transition that takes place. “Eclosion” refers to a moment when a butterfly leaves its cocoon. Oviatt captured this moment by creating 9-foot-tall, cocoon-like pieces in a variety of mixed fibers.
“The cocoons kind of hold everything that’s ever happened to you in your life,” she said. “The good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful, but that’s what makes us who we are.”
Fiber artist Leigh Oviatt, of Santa Fe, leads a fiber workshop outside the Ingham Chapman Gallery at The University of New Mexico-Gallup on March 26, 2026.
To prepare for her show, Oviatt created eight sculptural pieces over the course of eight months. Oviatt explained that her pieces symbolize the process of taking one’s lived experiences into the next chapter of life.
Oviatt is originally from Montana and now resides in Santa Fe, working as a full-time massage therapist. She said that her work as a fiber artist is what fills her soul.
A hands-on demo
Oviatt expressed gratitude for the opportunity to come to UNM-Gallup; though she acknowledged that she also felt intimidated. She explained that weaving has been an important part of the greater Gallup and neighboring Indigenous communities for generations. However, she was excited to share her joy and love of weaving with students and residents.
“Everyone has been so kind, wonderful and supportive,” she said.
In addition to her exhibition, Oviatt conducted a hands-on weaving demonstration open to students and the community on Thursday, March 26. Oviatt provided small looms and an assortment of yarn, fiber, and other materials for weaving.
Rather than conduct a traditional lecture, Oviatt wanted to teach people the basics of weaving and let them run with their creativity.
Santa Fe fiber artist Leigh Oviatt assists Keira Peterson during a fiber workshop outside the Ingham Chapman Gallery at The University of New Mexico-Gallup on March 26, 2026.
Oviatt shared that weaving is a relaxing, meditative process and hoped participants would feel the same.
“I feel like if I can pass that skill on to somebody else, and they run with it and use their creativity to go for it, it’s really rewarding,” she said.
Beyond the classroom
Each spring and fall semester, Ingham Chapman Gallery Manager Dana Aldis selects artists to showcase their art and share their knowledge. The gallery’s mission is to provide opportunities for the UNM-Gallup community to experience a wide range of visual arts from local to national artists.
Aldis said that inviting artists to campus helps students gain new perspectives.
“I look for something that will interest the students and help them see beyond maybe what we’re teaching in class,” she said.
Aldis selected Oviatt as the featured artist for March to coincide with Women’s History Month. Aldis discovered Oviatt’s work through an artist challenge hosted at the ART123 Gallery in downtown Gallup.
Aldis has managed the Ingham Chapman Gallery since 2021 and continues to invite artists to support students in seeing art in different ways.
Work-study student employee Jimi Christian, left, and Gallery Manager Dana Aldis pose for a portrait inside the Ingham Chapman Gallery at The University of New Mexico-Gallup on March 18, 2026.
“I hope students, no matter what their background or focus is, is to have an event where they get to experience something different,” she said. “I feel that creativity is part of your learning experience and sometimes can help unlock other areas of your brain.”
To learn more, visit the Ingham Chapman Gallery website.
The Ingham Chapman Gallery exhibits the show “Eclosion” by Santa Fe fiber artist Leigh Oviatt at The University of New Mexico-Gallup on March 26, 2026.
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