Wheelwright “Friends” Visit Gallup

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Wheelwright “Friends” Visit Gallup

By Ron Ferguson Pictures taken by Jim Vaughan

The Friends of the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian (Santa Fe) sponsored a trip this past fall to Gallup and surrounding areas to experience the evolution of the trading post as well as to visit contemporary artists. The visits included Tanner’s Indian Arts, Toadlena Trading Post, Perry Null Trading Post, Peshlakai Visions Studio, and Yazzies’s Indian Arts. All of the locations were handicap accessible and the group were guests of the SpringHill Marriott Suites (Gallup). Ken Williams, the manager of the Case Trading Post at the Wheelwright Museum, accompanied the group.

The private tour at Tanner’s Indian Arts was conducted by Joe E. Tanner, his wife, Cynthia, and daughter, Emerald. They gave the history of the Tanner family and the establishment of trading posts. They told about great grandfather Seth and grandfather Joe who built trading posts in the area since the mid-1880s. The Tanner family has always taken great pride in handling authentic and

collectible goods. Johnathan Tanner served a gourmet three-course meal in the gallery while Emerald displayed historic textiles and jewelry through the evening. The family delighted in providing stories and backgrounds to the individual group members about their purchases and the history of the area while shopping.

Mark and Linda Winters shared Toadlena Trading Post with the group for a day. They conducted a walking tour of the active trading post and provided a detailed history of its importance through the last century since its inception in 1909. Mark spent quality time explaining textiles, their meaning, artistry, materials, and color as well as the mechanics of weaving. Several weavers were working on the patio of the post during the visit. A Native American lunch was served and the group had ample time to view the many textiles. In the afternoon, Mark and Linda showed their rich collection of historic textiles that reflect the important persons and events of the past. Late in the afternoon, Mark and a native guide provided a tour of an “old site” to complete the historic story of the area. (Please note: While ancient shards were collected for photographic purposes, all were left at the site.)

Perry Null gave an important perspective of the trading post in today’s world as he conducted a walking tour of the Perry Null Trading Post. He showed current holdings in the Trading Post’s warehouse and how it is managed for customers. The group saw a very active store with persons bringing items to pawn as well as shoppers of its vast and quality collection. The trading post has been in operation since 1939. Perry talked about the vibrant and essential role of the trading post in today’s economy and how it upholds and celebrates the Native American culture and art.

The tour had a wonderful opportunity to watch and listen to Norbert Peshlakai as he worked in his studio (Peshlakai Visions Studio). Norbert talked about his family history with weaving. He started as an art major at the University of Kansas, and by taking one jewelry class, it changed his life’s direction He showed his tools and described how they are used to make his silver pots and jewelry. Norbert talked in some detail about his designs of animals and symbols.

At the Yazzie’s Indian Art, the expansive family work was on view. Colina, wife of Raymond, talked about each artist and the history of the family’s jewelry making. She described how the large family grew up in a rural hogan and now exhibits in national museums. The Yazzie family is particularly noted for its exceptional lapidary work along with the rich combination of color and design.

The Friends of the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian supports all activities of the Museum and sponsors lecture, trips, and special events for the benefits of the community. For more information about the Museum, or about participating in a future Gallup trip, the Friends group and future activities, please contact www.wheelwright.org.