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DATE: June, 2014 NEWS FROM: City of Farmington Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs 901 Fairgrounds Rd, Farmington, NM www.fmtn.org/prca FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Donation of Early Navajo Blanket Collection The Farmington Museum at Gateway Park is proud to announce an incredible gift of 21 historic Navajo blankets generously donated by XTO Energy Inc., a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation. The Navajo blankets range in age from 1870 to 1900 and contain two third-phase Chief’s blankets, a small wearing blanket, and many other examples of early Navajo weaving from the blanket period. According to Museum Director Bart Wilsey, “This is an extraordinary gift that combines an incredible mix of history, art, and wonderful Navajo culture all in one. We are very pleased these weavings have come home to the Four Corners and look forward to sharing them with everyone.” An exhibit of the blankets titled, “Diyogí” which means “Navajo blanket or rug” will open to the public on Saturday, June 21 and remain on display through Labor Day weekend in September. A public reception for the exhibit will be held in conjunction with the Totah Festival, on Friday, August 29 at 5:30 p.m. “Our priority is to ensure these rare weavings will be preserved and accessible to the public in a community where the Navajo culture is celebrated,” said XTO Energy vice president John Baker. “XTO Energy has been a part ot the northwest New Mexico community for nearly 20 years and we are proud to partner with the Farmington Museum for this special donation. The true significance of this donation is only evident when looking at the Navajo weaving collections of the Farmington Museum. The Museum previously had only one weaving that came from the early blanket period. According to Director Bart Wilsey, “This series of blankets fills a gap in our collections. We have a growing collection of later and contemporary Navajo rug examples but had very few blankets.” The City of Farmington is extremely grateful for this generous contribution from XTO Energy. It is through their donation that the cultural beauty, legacy, and local Navajo heritage can be appreciated, preserved, and utilized to inspire future generations of Navajo weavers. The Farmington Museum at Gateway Park is located at 3041 E. Main St., Farmington, NM 87402. For additional information about the Farmington Museum call (505) 599- 1174 or visit www.fmtn.org/museums. About the Farmington Museum – The Farmington Museum is a part of the City of Farmington Museum System. The Museum System is a division of the City of Farmington Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs. About XTO Energy, Inc. - XTO Energy is a leading natural gas and oil producer the U.S. with expertise in developing tight gas, shale gas, coal bed methane, and unconventional oil resources. XTO has operations in all major U.S. producing regions, and holds more than 10 million acres. - END - Jody Carman CITY OF FARMINGTON Marketing and Public Relations, PRCA Department 901 Fairgrounds Rd. Farmington, NM 87401 www.fmtn.org/prca [EMAIL REDACTED] Phone: (505) 599-1484 Fax: (505) 599-1185