Reggie Meredith Fitiao, MFA

Regina "Reggie" Meredith Fitiao is a Professor of the Arts, both contemporary and traditional. She is a fourth generation siapo maker who acknowledges her great-grandmother Lemeana'i Saiselu Tuimaleali'ifano Meredith  as one of the women who made siapo in Leone. She credits her knowledge of siapo making from the teachings of Auntie Mary J. Pritchard. Working with her mother and Aunties Marylyn and Adeline for many years have inspired her to work collaboratively while continues to pursue an individual style of siapo. With all of these strong women who have embraced her in the richness of siapo, Meredith intends to perpetuate the art form in the rooted foundation that was set for her to the next generation. Through creating and sharing siapo, she hopes to open a portal into her world and to initiate a dialogue that invites reflection, connection, and transformation.