In celebration of the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market, the Scottsdale Gallery Association hosts the annual Native Spirit ArtWalk in Downtown Scottsdale, Arizona, also known as “Gallery Row” or the “Old Town Arts District.” While thousands flock to the market each year, many also look forward to the many “spirited” art gatherings like the ArtWalk, that also highlight and honor Native American artists and their many astonishing masterpieces.
A special hoop dance performance at a past Native Spirit Artwalk.
The 2023 ArtWalk will be like many others in the past: extended hours for 40-plus galleries in the area, along with special activities like Native American dance demonstrations, live music, food and wine tastings. Galleries that specialize in Native American arts will also host noteworthy shows that feature artworks by renowned Native American artists, both past and present.
“Each year the Native Spirit ArtWalk is not just about having great art in the gallery,” says Charles King, owner of King Galleries specializing in pueblo pottery. “It’s a time to see collectors who have been coming to the show for decades. The galleries create opportunities for younger artists to present their art while showcasing some of the most famous Native artists working today…This will be our 25th Heard Market show with Nathan Youngblood (Santa Clara), [and] we will also have innovative new works by important younger potters including Daniel Begay (Diné/Santa Clara) and Jared Tso (Diné). The ArtWalk is also has an easy way for collectors to talk to artists about their art, and if showing at the Heard, what they will have there over the weekend.”
Pottery by Jared Tso (Diné), in back, and Tammy Garcia (Santa Clara Pueblo). Courtesy King Galleries.
King also notes that the gallery asks artists to try to work on special pieces for the ArtWalk show Clay and Color, giving them a chance to innovate. “A great example this year is Tammy Garcia (Santa Clara), who has created a group of black, traditionally fired pieces in her highly detailed style that add a new dimension to her body of amazing art in clay,” King says.
Oreland Joe (Diné), Blue Sky Medicine Horse, acrylic and ink, 20 x 16.” Courtesy Legacy Gallery.
Another gallery worth visiting during the ArtWalk is the popular Legacy Gallery, who will not only display breathtaking paintings, like the ones featured here by Oreland Joe (Southern Ute/Diné), but will host a special trunk show with Palace Jewelers of Manitou Galleries from Santa Fe, New Mexico “The trunk show is hosted by the director of Palace Jewelers, Tsali Hall (Diné/Tsalagi), who is renowned for his knowledge of historic and contemporary Native jewelry,” says gallery representatives. “We will be featuring many one-of-a-kind pieces with rare turquoise and other fine stones as well.”
Oreland Joe (Diné), Pony Dust, acrylic and ink, 20 x 16.” Courtesy Legacy Gallery.
Artists to watch for at the trunk show include Wes Willie (Diné), Jennifer Curtis (Diné), Bryan Tom (Diné), Arland Ben (Diné), Emmett Navakuku (Hopi), the Lee Family (Diné), Preston Monongye (Hopi), Jesse Monongya (Diné/Hopi) and Curtis Pete (Diné/Hopi), among many other notable Native American jewelers.
The Native Spirit ArtWalk will be in full swing March 2, with festivities and additional gallery celebrations occurring from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
March 2, 2023
Native Spirit Artwalk
North Marshall Way and East Main Street, Scottsdale, AZ
www.scottsdalegalleries.com
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