Folk Arts - Master Artist - Skaidrite Abolins

Skaidrite Abolins. Photo by Fritz Dent.

Skaidrite Abolins is a master of traditional Latvian embroidery. Skaidrite learned her craft at the School of Home Economics and Folk Art in Jelgava, Latvia in the 1930’s. Abolins has been part of the Washington State Latvian-American community since 1950. Abolins strongly believes that the émigrés are among the few still versed in the pure traditions of Latvian needlework and folk-costume design. At age 80, Abolins is exceptionally knowledgeable in different embroidery techniques, and has a lifetime of skills to pass on to future generations. She has been featured in many exhibits, including the Latvian Folk Arts Exhibit in La Conner, the "Baltic Experience" at the Nordic Heritage Museum in Seattle, the Latvian Song Festival Art Exhibit at the Seattle Sheraton, the Baltic Exhibit at the Folklife Festival, and the Latvian Cultural Festival in Bellevue.

During WWII many Latvian immigrants fled to the US, bringing with them many traditional embroidery techniques. While under Russian rule, many Latvian art forms were modified to suit the general concept of the ideal non-nationalistic Soviet citizen. All costumes and dances were modified to blend various cultures. As such, some Latvian-Americans hold a more traditional form of Latvian art than do native Latvians.

As a recipient of a 1994 Apprenticeship grant, Abolins taught Maija Atvars and Vija Ozols advanced Latvian embroidery techniques. Abolins taught Maija and Vija to make their own traditional Latvian folk costumes, incorporating ornamental symbols grouped in the orders and sequences which reflect and express Latvian folk traditions.

Both Maija Atvars and Vija Ozols are first-generation Latvians who have studied traditional Latvian embroidery basics in Latvian Elementary schools. They hope to teach young mothers within the community traditional embroidery techniques, so they can make costumes for their children in Latvian performances.

As a recipient of a 1995 Apprenticeship grant, Abolins continued to teach Maija Atvars and Vija Ozols advanced Latvian embroidery techniques.

In 1997 Skaidrite Abolins was awarded a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts for her tireless dedication to traditional Latvian embroidery, traditions, and community.

Abolins received Washington State's highest artistic honor in 1998 as the recipient of a Governor's Heritage Award.

As a recipient in 1997, 1998 and 1999 Abolins continued to teach Maija Atvars and Vija Ozols advanced Latvian embroidery techniques.