During the first full weekend in March collectors flock to Phoenix for the Heard Museum’s annual Indian Fair & Market, which is considered one of the largest gatherings of Native American art in the country. Leading up to the weekend’s festivities, galleries around the city host a number of exhibitions featuring jewelry, beadwork, pottery and more from some of the most recognized contemporary artists. One of the must-attends is the Scottsdale Gallery Association’s annual Native Spirit ArtWalk held on the Thursday prior to the Heard market.
Hoop dancers during a past Native Spirit ArtWalk.
Artists at River Trading Post.This year’s event will be held March 5 with the official kick off time being 6:30 p.m., but gallery hours will vary from location to location. Eight of the major Native American art galleries, all along Main Street in Scottsdale, Arizona, will have special showcases for 2020, while performances will happen all along the famed street.
From 6 to 9 p.m. collectors who visit Territorial Indian Arts & Antiques, owned by Deb and Alston Neal, will have the chance to meet Muskogee/Creek jeweler Jesse Robbins. He specializes in traditional old-style jewelry done in silver and gold with Cheyenne Turquoise from his Nevada mine.
Oreland Joe, White Horse Leading the Dog Soldiers, oil, 48 x 48”. Courtesy The Legacy Gallery.
Charles Loloma silver inlaid bracelet. Courtesy Waddell Gallery.The Legacy Gallery will be hosting its exhibition for Oreland Joe, with 10 to 12 new pieces by the artist on view. Joe, who has been recognized as a stone carver for a number of years, dove head first into painting a few years ago and has created his own take on ledger art. The exhibition is on view February 27 through March 8 to coincide with the art walk.
Territorial Indian Arts & Antiques will feature the work of Jesse Robbins.
Jewelry dealers Mike and Gene Waddell, at Waddell Gallery, will showcase award-winning artists creating works using high-grade turquoise and other quality materials. Available will be pieces from Charles Loloma, Jesse Monongye, Lee Yazzie, Wes Willie, Don Supplee, Charles Supplee, Richard Chavez, Jared Chavez, Darryl Dean Begay, Perry Shorty, Julian Lovato, Preston Monongye, Harvey Begay, James Little and Vernon Haskie.
Charles King of King Galleries will be hosting his latest pottery exhibition Native Clay. The exhibition will feature new works by some of today’s leading Pueblo potters—many of whom are pushing the boundaries of what is recognized as a traditional art form. They are using old-school techniques with a new-school perspective. Included in the show are Nathan Youngblood, Al Qöyawayma, Tammy Garcia, Steve Lucas, Juan de la Cruz and Les Namingha.
Pottery by Al Qöywayama, Tammy Garcia and Les Namingha will be among the artwork available at King Galleries.
At Dennis June Gallery collectors will be treated to two special events. From March 5 to 8 is the Emerald Tanner Trunk Show with the Joe Tanner Collection, while the gallery will also feature the works of Navajo artist Harold Stevens Jr.
“[Stevens’] story is one similar to many Navajo jewelers, struggling early years and then today’s bonanza. Harold was fortunate to apprentice at a fine jeweler’s workbench, dealers who demand high-end gold work and choice gemstones,” says June. “He learned to set diamonds early on and gathered an impressive workshop of his own, with many fine jewelry tools, grinders and work benches. Each station was set up to handle the various demands of fine jewelry, so when he turned to his love, turquoise, it was just a matter of short time before he mastered the ‘Indian jewelry’ look and style. But Harold’s fertile and inventive imagination went well beyond the typical silversmith. Harold incorporates original designs dictated by the gems he adds to each piece.”
A ring by Harold Stevens Jr. (Navajo/Diné). Courtesy Dennis June Gallery.
At Faust Gallery collectors will find the wearable art of Sonwai, the niece of Loloma, while they also will be introducing the work of Eric Jon Boyd and his paintings Deconstructed Freedom that are based on Native American icons of the past. Also on view are works by Ric Charlie, Dina Huntinghorse, Larry Yazzie, Sheldon Harvey, Ira Lujan and Ed Archie Noisecat.
Other dealers participating in the art walk will be Bischoff’s Gallery, located on the far end of Main Street, and River Trading Post. —
March 5, 6:30 p.m.
Gold Palette Native Spirit ArtWalk
Various galleries on Main Street in Scottsdale, Arizona
www.scottsdalegalleries.com
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