In response to a growing desire to strengthen the “antique community,” Terry Schurmeier founded what is now known as the Great Southwestern Antique Show. Held annually, the show emphasizes quality dealers featuring the best trade goods from all over the country, and features arts and antiques of the Americas and abroad. This year marks the show’s 25th edition, and will see 100 exhibitors representing 20 different states and those in Canada as well, that specialize in Native American, First Nations, Western and Southwest objects and art.
“The strength of the show is obvious when you look at our list of dealers,” says Schurmeier. “Many having been with us for the run of the show, but our mission and the real measure of success has come in our ability to fundraise for local arts and education nonprofits…[Today], we fund multiple endowments including our New Mexico PBS endowment which provides funding for arts and cultural programs aired and/or created here in New Mexico.”
Seven vintage Navajo and Hopi belts, various sizes. Courtesy Indian Lodge Road.
One of the dealers at this year’s show is Steve Smoot, based in Adamstown, Pennsylvania, who has been an antiques dealer since 1979, and for the last 10 years, has focused on Navajo textiles and Southwestern Native American arts with a passion for high quality textiles, pottery and basketry from the Southwest and beyond. This year is Smoot’s fourth year participating in the Great Southwestern Antique Show.
“Every year has gotten better for me, and I have great respect for the promoters who have made this a must-attend event,” Smoot shares. “This year I will be bringing an array of pueblo pottery, including a couple of rare examples: a magnificent 19-inch fluted rim jar by esteemed Acoma potter Juanita Johnson from the early 1920s. Textiles will include an 1870s sarape, several third phase chief’s blankets and a very fine Bisti rug. I always have a wide array of quality Navajo textiles and have sold well to many dealers, decorators and local collectors.”
Other highlights at Smoot’s booth include a Western Apache olla coming from a collection formed in the 1970s. “[The olla depicts] a figure that can be read as a brave carrying a rifle,” says Smoot. “[Additional] items from this collection will include a 15-inch diameter Cochiti dough bowl and a circa 1880s Zuni olla, among others.”
A large Apache woven olla basket, ca. 1880-1900. Courtesy Steve Smoot.
While the public viewing for the Great Southwestern Antique Show is open August 3 through 4, collectors have an opportunity to shop early at the show’s Charity Sneak Preview on Friday, August 2, from 1 to 6 p.m. This year will also have a special VIP Extra Early Sneak Peek starting at 11 a.m., for donors at a higher level seeking first dibs at buying, plus weekend access to the show. Please visit the show website for additional information.
August 3-4, 2024
Great Southwestern Antique Show
Manuel Lujan Jr. Exhibit Complex
300 San Pedro SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108, www.gswevents.com
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