NATIVE ART MARKET BRINGS INDIGENOUS ARTISANS TO WASHINGTON AND NEW YORK FOR CURATED SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

by John Russel Jones



Friday is Native American Heritage Day, so celebrate by making plans to attend the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian’s Native Art Market, which returns to the museums in Washington, D.C., and New York next weekend, on December 2nd and 3rd. This annual event invites lovers of art and craftsmanship to meet Indigenous artists and learn about traditional Native arts and contemporary Native creativity. At each location, more than 30 artists will offer authentic, hand-crafted works of art, including jewelry, fashion, photography, and pottery. Serious collectors and casual shoppers will find one-of-a-kind pieces at a wide range of prices.

During the market, guests will enjoy music by singer/songwriter Jesse Alan Horn (Potawatomi Nation) and DJ JonRay in New York; and multi-instrumentalist, singer, and composer Quetzal Guerrero, known as QVLN, along with DJ Sunny Z, at the museum on the National Mall.

Museum members will have early access to the market during a preview party at both locations, on December 1st, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Textile and Attire-related artists include:

Washington, D.C.
Porfirio Gutierrez (Zapotec)
Susan Hudson (Navajo)
Weaving for the Future Cooperative (Maya-Mam)
Glendebah Smith (Navajo)

New York
Bobby Brower (Inupiaq/Native Village of Barrow)
Charlene Laughing (Navajo)
Penny Singer (Diné)

There will also be a wide range of jewelry designers, as well as artisans in basketry, pottery, beadwork, and much more.

Major funding for this program is provided by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Image above, work of Porfirio Gutierrez by Joe Coca