25th Annual Event Celebrates at the Prescott Indian Art Market Native Art & Culture

submitted by Sharlot Hall Museum

Sharlot Hall Museum will host the 25th annual Prescott Indian Art Market Sept. 16 and 17 on museum grounds at 415 W. Gurley St. in Downtown Prescott. Visitors can view and purchase handcrafted works from more than 90 Native American artists.

The two-day celebration of Native American culture will feature visual arts, performances, artwork demonstrations, community art experiences and fry bread. The show is considered one of the vigorously juried shows in the nation.

The event will be run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Daily admission is free for museum members and $15 for nonmembers. Anyone who becomes a member through Sept. 17 can enjoy free admission. Memberships can be purchased at the event.

“Everything from oil paintings and beadwork to pottery and weaving will be on display, with beautiful, one-of-a-kind items available for purchase,” says Dr. Paul Fees, museum spokesperson.

All artwork follows guidelines established by the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990, assuring the authentically Native American made and — for the Prescott Indian Art Market — handmade. The jury is made up of representatives from several tribes, who serve as an advisory council in the planning and execution of the market.

Music and dance entertainment will be provided by Yellow Bird Productions, Red Mountain Creations and The Yoties and will include hoop dancing, storytelling through dance and reggae-rock music.

Featured Artist: Master Silversmith, Patrick G. Smith

Smith, a Navajo jewelry maker known for his stunning silverwork and eye-catching contemporary designs, uses a variety of metal forming techniques and adds vibrant color with natural stone lapidary work.

“My jewelry can be described as a stylistic collision of natural-world elements and contemporary shapes that combine texture with three- dimensional artistry,” Smith says.

Born on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona, Smith started out crafting traditional jewelry using techniques learned from his family. His work can be found in Arizona art galleries, shops and museums and is showcased on Smith’s website www.ringsandsilver.com.

Chance to Win Free Artwork

Every attendee who completes a short survey about the market will be entered in a drawing to win an original artwork from one of these amazing artists.

Learn more about memberships at www.sharlothallmuseum.org/ membership.