Nearly every issue of Native American Art magazine has a theme related to a category of art, such as weavings, beadwork or basketry. Some of these categories are so popular we run them annually, which is the case for jewelry in December/January and pottery in June/July. Many years ago, we named these issues for the artwork that was featured. For instance, June/July was called “The Pottery Issue” and it was printed right on the cover. We’ve moved away from that model in recent years for a very specific reason: regardless of what category or genre is on the cover, there is always a wide variety of material inside every magazine. In other words, no label can contain the breadth of art in any single edition.
This issue includes special sections devoted to carvings and sculptures, and another to katsina carvings. And yet, artwork of all kinds fills these pages. We have features and previews focused on silver jewelry, Germantown weavings, blown glass, carved wood, paintings, photographs, stone sculpture and beadwork. Throughout our history, we have gone far and wide to include poets, filmmakers, musicians, dancers, playwrights, graffiti artists, digital art, large installations, fashion and so much more. One of the many great and beautiful aspects of Native American art is the endless array of materials that the art is created with. I’m reminded of the 2025 Santa Fe Indian Market and how best of show winner Regina Free (who is in this issue!) would tell curious visitors at her booth that her award-winning piece was made with, remarkably, recycled paper towels. The looks on those faces were priceless.
Although there are many galleries and shows in the United States that offer a wide variety of materials, most may only feature half a dozen or so: three or four varieties of paint (oil, watercolor, acrylic, gouache) and sculptures in bronze, steel and wood. Some might even feature ceramics and pottery, or even textiles, but they are rarer. But walk into a Native American gallery or show, and there are no limits to what you will see, or what it will be made with.
I hope you enjoy this issue and the countless mediums that are featured within.
Michael Clawson
Executive Editor
mclawson@nativeamericanartmagazine.com
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