“Kananesgi” is the Cherokee word for spider, representing creativity and dexterity. Named for this symbolic word, the annual Kananesgi Art Market & Fashion Show is a single-day, jam-packed event celebrating Indigenous artists and designers expressing their Cherokee identities. It all begins on Saturday, November 9, with the Kananesgi Art Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in which more than 30 Native American artists and makers will be present to chat with collectors and sell their works. Also happening from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. is the Art Show, a judged art competition highlighting the best Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) artists and crafters.

Linley modeling designs by Ayosta Lossie. Photo credit: Raven’s Eye Media.This year’s market theme is “Feminine Roots,” inspired by the strength of Cherokee women and the concept of “Blood Memory.” “We really wanted to delve into the idea of ‘Blood Memory’ and how, like our physical traits, we can also inherit complex abilities and knowledge from our ancestors through DNA,” says Kananesgi Committee member Hope Huskey. “In addition, Cherokee are a matrilineal society and that idea that women are our life-givers, nurturers, sustainers and connectors was something we thought would generate interesting and beautiful art.”

Peshawn modeling designs by Kenny Glass. Photo credit: Kyline Oocumma.

Following the art show is one of the most electrifying highlights of the day—the Kananesgi Fashion Show. From 6:30 to 8:30 in the evening, models (who are all members of federally recognized tribal nations) will hit the runway to show off chic, custom fashions by 19 EBCI designers, along with special guest designers Kenny Glass (Cherokee Nation) and Lesley Hampton (Anishinaabe). A lineup of primarily Native American hair and makeup artists will be working their magic backstage as well. The fashion show is a ticketed event with a VIP reception starting at 4:30 p.m.

“I think one of the exciting things about the fashion show this year is our guest designers. We have invited Kenny Glass and Lesley Hampton to show their looks. Kenny has been a regular guest designer but this year we are expanding further with Lesley Hampton,” says Huskey. “In addition, we have selected four of our EBCI designers to showcase larger collections: Alexandria Lane, Tara McCoy, Faith Long-Presley and Paula Wojkowski. We are working with them on collection photoshoots and hope to see some of their looks outside of Cherokee.”

Simon modeling designs by Paula Wojikowski. Photo credit: Kyline Oocumma.

“I am most excited to showcase a different type of aesthetic than I’ve done in previous years in this year’s fashion show,” says Long-Presley, creator and owner of Ganvhida Designs, “This year I am inspired by early-2000s tweed looks but have added a touch of traditional Cherokee aesthetic.”

Other talented designers whose work will be featured in the fashion show include Delaney Wildcatt, Lori Sanders, Tyra Maney, Freida Saylor and Malia Crowe-Skulski. The Trunk Show will immediately follow the fashion show, giving attendees the chance to purchase designs that may have caught their eye.

Toma modeling designs by Keredith Owens. Photo credit: Raven’s Eye Media.

The Kananesgi Art Market & Fashion Show takes place at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, North Carolina. 

November 9, 2024
Kananesgi Art Market & Fashion Show 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Art Market 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Art Show 6:30-8:30 p.m., Fashion Show (doors open at 6 p.m.)
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
777 Casino Drive, Cherokee, NC 28719 (828) 359-5005, www.kananesgi.com

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