Phoenix: Pueblo Grande Museum

GENUINE INDIAN ART FEATURED AT PUEBLO GRANDE MUSEUM INDIAN MARKET 

Since its inception in 1977, the 30-year-old Pueblo Grande Museum Indian Market has brought together artists and buyers of Indian art.  For every handmade art item that was sold, there is a story that is deeply rooted into the traditions and customs of each artist’s Indian tribe. 

About 300 individual Native American artists representing 40 tribes from Arizona, New Mexico, California, Oklahoma, Colorado and Montana will show, demonstrate and sell their creations to over 6,000 savvy buyers of Native American art.

The Pueblo Grande Museum Indian Market is known for diverse and unique artistic treasures to include: jewelry, basketry, paintings, pottery, fetishes, weavings, carvings, sculptures, clothing, quilts and Kachina dolls. Prices range from $5 to $7,000.

“The public can meet the artists face-to-face and often times long term friendships are struck between the artist and buyer” says Market Director, Isaac Curley. 

Scheduled for December 8-9, 2007, the Pueblo Grande Museum Indian Market is open from 9:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Saturday and 9:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Sunday.  The location is Steele Indian School Park (Third Street and Indian School Road).  Admission is $8 for adults.  Pueblo Grande Museum Auxiliary Members and children 12 and under are free.

In addition, to the art available for purchase, demonstrations on basket making, flint knapping, gourd painting, and a craft area for children will be held.  Contemporary and traditional music and dance performances are scheduled daily.  Native foods will be available for purchase. 

The Official Pueblo Grande Museum Indian Market Poster features the art of world-renowned Native American mural and watercolor artist Michael Chiago, Sr. (Tohono O’odham / Pima / Maricopa).  The poster art image, titled “Tohono O'odham Saguaro Fruit Harvest” depicts a recurring theme in Mr. Chiago’s art.  The saguaro fruit harvest is an important part of Tohono O’odham tradition.  It reflects the connection of the Tohono O’odham people with the Sonoran Desert and to nature.

Posters featuring Mr. Chiago’s “Tohono O'odham Saguaro Fruit Harvest” will be available for purchase and signing during the 31^st Annual Pueblo Grande Museum Indian Market on December 8-9, 2007.  In addition, event t-shirts and note cards featuring the art will be available for sale.

“This is a unique opportunity for the public to learn about the traditions and culture of its neighbors” says Curley, who is Apache and Navajo.  “I always wanted to know more about the traditional saguaro fruit harvest and now I appreciate the tedious gathering process and its connection to the precious rainfall.”  

The market is produced by the auxiliary members of the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park, a National Historic Landmark.  All proceeds are used to support the mission of the museum, as well as a scholarship program for Native American students enrolled in a fine arts program.

For further details on the Pueblo Grande Museum Indian Market, contact the museum at (602) 495-0901 or visit www.pgindianmarket.com.

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