Native Children

If I had a Native American name, I would want it to be “Dances with Keyboard.” (Hmm, that’s got a nice ring to it.) But everyone knows your name has to be given; so mine would probably end up being something like “Should’ve been a Doctor.” In the case of Madie Lazenby, her Native name would’ve been “Weaves Among Us.” Lazenby, who passed away last year, was an avid student of the arts, especially those of Native American origin. Lazenby studied Navajo tapestry from found books, using looms specific to that native tribe to craft pieces of her own. Her elaborate creations, usually starting from just a sketch, told the tale of the West (she lived in Las Altos, California), sometimes even taking root in Hindu and Greek mythology.

Lazenby’s daughter, Dianne could be called “Chip Off the Old Block.” An accomplished watercolor painter herself, Dianne ended up in South Florida, teaching art and using the soft, flowing nature of her work to capture the picturesque coast. You can catch the works of both Lazenby women at the joint exhibition “Mother & Daughter: Coast to Coast,” showing through August 6 at the Coral Springs Museum of Art (2855 Coral Springs Dr., Coral Springs). Admission costs $5. Call 954-340-5000, or visit www.csmart.org.
July 1-Aug. 16, 2008