Frequently Asked Questions
Collecting Native American Art
Native American art encompasses an extraordinary range of artistic traditions, materials and contemporary expression from Indigenous artists throughout North America. It includes painting, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, textiles, basketry, beadwork, photography and works in many other media. Some artists work within longstanding cultural and artistic traditions, while others create contemporary work that reflects Native identity, experience and life today. Native American Art introduces collectors to this breadth of work while providing context about the artists, their communities, their influences and the traditions that inform their art.
Start by looking and learning. Visit reputable galleries, museums, markets and exhibitions. Learn about the artists, their tribal affiliations, the materials they use and the traditions or contemporary ideas behind their work. Developing knowledge before making major purchases can make collecting much more rewarding. Native American Art helps collectors do exactly that through gallery and show previews, artist features, museum coverage and special editorial features. Readers can discover artwork and artists before exhibitions and major markets open.
Look beyond a single piece and learn about the artist. Consider their body of work, artistic development, exhibitions, awards, gallery representation and participation in respected Native art markets and museum exhibitions. Seek out the artist to ask questions, learn about their culture and traditions, and inquire about new work. Native American Art regularly introduces readers to both established and emerging artists through artist profiles, gallery coverage, market previews, museum exhibitions and special features.
Knowing who created a work and understanding its provenance are particularly important when collecting Native American art. Purchase from reputable galleries, recognized artists, established markets and trusted dealers who can provide clear information about the maker and the work. Collectors should also understand that federal law regulates how art can be marketed as Native American-made. Native American Art helps collectors become familiar with recognized artists, respected galleries, museums and established markets—knowledge that can make collectors more confident when making a purchase.
All three can provide excellent collecting opportunities, but developing relationships with knowledgeable and trusted galleries is especially valuable. A reputable gallery can educate collectors about artists, tribal affiliations, materials, techniques, provenance and pricing while introducing them to new work as it becomes available. Native art markets provide another remarkable opportunity because collectors can meet artists and experience an enormous range of work in one place. Buying directly from artists can also create a meaningful personal connection. Native American Art covers all three parts of the marketplace and helps collectors know what is coming before they arrive.
For most collectors, trusted galleries provide an important foundation for building knowledge and a collection over time. Gallery owners and dealers who specialize in Native American art can introduce collectors to artists, explain traditions and techniques, and provide access to significant new work. Major Native art markets are equally important opportunities for discovery. Native American Art provides extensive advance coverage of events such as SWAIA’s Santa Fe Indian Market, the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market and Cherokee Art Market, as well as gallery exhibitions, museum shows and other important Native American art events.
Native American art can be experienced throughout the United States, with particularly significant concentrations of artists, galleries, museums and markets in Santa Fe and the Southwest, including Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and other regions with strong Native artistic communities. But Native American art is not limited to the Southwest. Thriving Indigenous arts communities, museums, galleries and collections can be found across the country, including Washington, Montana, Wyoming and Maine.
Collectors pursue everything from painting and sculpture to pottery, jewelry, textiles, basketry, beadwork and katsina figures. Historic material remains important to many collectors, while contemporary Native art has developed an increasingly dynamic audience of its own. Katsina figures, for example, hold particular significance within Hopi culture. They are representations associated with katsinam—spiritual beings important to Hopi religious and cultural life—and traditionally carved figures have been used to help teach younger generations about these traditions. Other collectors are drawn to the intricate designs of beadwork, traditional methods of pottery or the wearable nature of jewelry.
Historic Native American art can provide important insight into artistic traditions, communities and cultural history. Contemporary Native artists build upon, reinterpret or move beyond those traditions to express their individual experiences and perspectives today. Many collections include both. Understanding the context of each work—who made it, when it was created, where it came from and what it represents—is essential. Native American Art covers historic material, museum collections and exhibitions alongside the work of contemporary Native artists.
Think of Native American Art as a guide to the Native American art world. Gallery Previews introduce exhibitions and available artwork. Artist features allow readers to learn about the people creating the work. Market and show previews help collectors prepare for major events, while museum coverage and special features provide deeper historical and cultural context. Most importantly, Native American Art allows collectors to discover artists and see artwork before exhibitions and major markets open.
The majority of the magazine is chosen by our editorial team based on what is happening in the world of Native American art. Advance notice of shows and early event information is key to choosing events for the printed magazine, so if you have an upcoming event or opening, tell the editorial team. Native American Art also has opportunities for artists to bring their art directly to readers through special sections and genre guides.
Yes. In addition to the printed magazine, Native American Art offers a digital issue for on-the-go reading, the full magazine and past articles on its website, social media content on Facebook and Instagram, and the American Art Collective podcast, which releases new episodes every other week.
Our mission is to bring attention to Native American artists, shine a light on artistic methods and themes, highlight upcoming shows and events, and encourage art purchases from Native American artists, galleries and markets. Native American Art supports Indigenous creators and encourages readers to support them through knowledgeable and responsible interactions and collecting. The pages of the magazine are devoted specifically to Native American, First Nations and Indigenous artists, and the magazine works closely with Indigenous groups and Native American writers who are regular contributors.
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