When thinking of the Heard Museum Indian Market, most people imagine the dozens of outdoor booths filled with artists and their work, the center plaza where music and cultural performances take place, and of course, the crowds of people taking in all the sights during some of Arizona’s best weather. But stepping inside the Heard Museum Shop, an entirely separate but equally alluring experience awaits. Each year, the museum exhibits the work of a handful of exceptional Native artists specifically for its Museum Shop. And this year, the range of works available in the shop is vast—the artwork is so diverse it feels almost like a microcosm of what you might find outside at the market itself.
Santa Clara potter Nancy Youngblood and examples of her sleek, striking black pottery
Santa Clara potter Nancy Youngblood and examples of her sleek, striking black potteryThe 2020 Museum Shop artists are sculptor Jon DeCelles (Gros Ventre), painter Raymond Nordwall (Pawnee/Ojibwe), silversmith Mike Bird Romero (San Juan/Taos), jewelers Denise and Dawn Wallace (Aleut) and potter Nancy Youngblood (Santa Clara).
Laura Cardinal, manager of the Heard Museum Shop’s Collector’s Room, says this level of diversity in the mediums represented in the shop worked out naturally this year, but that she’s thrilled with what they were able to put on the table, both literally and metaphorically. “We like to have a diverse group so there’s a wide range of representation, so our offerings are greater to the public,” she says.
Dawn Wallace (Aleut), Caribou, sterling silver, 14k gold accents, inlayed with fossilized walrus tusk, 2 x 2¾"
A glimpse of Dawn Wallace working in her studio.
Cardinal discusses each of the artists represented in the shop during market. “Nancy Youngblood is an award-winning potter, and she’s really one of the finest potters around today. Her work is beautiful and concise, and we’re very happy to have her in the shop,” says Cardinal, adding that this is the first time Youngblood’s pottery will be shown in the museum shop. She continues, “Mike Bird has...a unique style compared to a lot of the other jewelers. He does traditional jewelry, [but] it’s got a modern flare. [He is] a top award-winning artist. Denise and Dawn...are so top in their field that I feel they could win a ribbon. I think it would be so exciting if a shop artist could win at their first year at it.”
Raymond Nordwall (Pawnee/Ojibwe), While My Ancestors Watch, oil, 48 x 48"
This brings up an exciting new development at the 2020 market—for the first time Museum Shop artists are eligible to compete in every category, including Best of Show.
“It’s a big deal. When we approached Nancy to come into the shop, I thought ‘wow, she’s an award winner.’ Denise is an award winner, all of these artists are rock stars,” says Cardinal. “I am so excited that they can [compete] now.”
Denise Wallace (Aleut), Two Seals Bracelet, sterling silver, 14k gold, fossilized walrus tusk, center face: 1 x 2⁄3"
Nordwall’s paintings, which he creates in a variety of media, are vivid and poignant, often representing some aspect of his heritage or the history of his culture. “I grew up dancing at powwows in Oklahoma. My mom loved to dance. She was Pawnee and also loved Native art,” says Nordwall. “She was tragically killed in an auto accident when I was 10. I feel close to her when I’m painting these subjects. I want to communicate, through my art, my love of my Native culture, nature and my love for our Creator.”
Dawn (left) and Denise Wallace.
Painter Raymond Nordwall.
“With Raymond and Jon…it’s really nice to represent fine art as well as jewelry and other things. Fine art in sculptures and painting have been selling really well this year,” Cardinal says.
Creating pieces like pins, pendants, earrings and more, Denise’s jewelry is inlaid with gorgeous gemstones and various organic materials, including miniature ivory carvings. “My work is a direct reflection on my home, my ancestors and my connection, to the world,” she says. Mother to Dawn Wallace, she adds, “We have encouraged our children to find their way along this path of creativity and connections as well.”—
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