The Eiteljorg Indian Market and Festival is just around the corner (June 23-24), and I wanted to do a quick post about this Native art event, since I always give love to the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard Indian Market.This market is much smaller than the mega SWAIA event (which hosts over 1,000 artists) and the Heard event (which hosts over 600 artists), but what is significant about this event is its 'North' emphasis. See, the SWAIA and Heard markets have a clear Southwest Native focus (I mean, it's a matter of convenience for the artists), so the Eiteljorg is cool like that by providing a space for Native artists up north.
They host 150+ Native American fine artists, performers, food vendors, and demonstrators who come from over sixty different tribes.
This year, the Eiteljorg is celebrating its 20th year anniversary with a Preview Party that will showcase the award winners of the juried competition in a Best of Show Exhibit, and there will be book signings on the first day of the Festival. The first is the 'Contemporary Native American Artists' book signing with photographer Kitty Leaken, author Suzanne Deats, and artists Jody Naranjo, Penny Singer (Navajo), Adrian Wall (Jemez Pueblo, Kathleen Wall (Jemez Pueblo), Joe Cajero (Jemez Pueblo), Althea Cajero (Acoma/Kewa) and Michael and Melanie Kirk-Lente (Isleta Pueblo). The second is the 'Native American Bolo Ties: Vintage and Contemporary Artistry' presentation and book signing with co-author Norman L. Sandfield.
Click here to read more.
While the Eiteljorg Market doesn't really excite me, their fellowships for Native artists are some of the best. The Eiteljorg Museum is clearly committed to nurturing and supporting contemporary Native American artists, and it features the world’s foremost collection of contemporary Native art. "Since 1999, the Fellowship program has awarded over $800,000 in unrestricted grants and fueled the acquisition of more than 200 pieces of art by 40 contemporary artists to the permanent collection." That's pretty amazing.