Each December, the Pueblo Grande Auxiliary is proud to host a celebration of Native American Arts with its traditional Indian Market. As always, hand-made jewelry, pottery, crafts, painting, etc. will be on display and for sale. Live performances of Native American dance and music will be celebrated throughout the day. And, of course, treats such as fry bread, Navajo tacos, chili, and burgers will be available from booths and food trucks. This is a family-friendly event that offers fun and Native American history in one convenient location just northeast of the Phoenix Airport.
Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Board of the Pueblo Grande Museum Auxiliary has decided to cancel the 2020 Indian Market which was scheduled to be held in December. The 2021 event will he held on December 11 and 12.
A few years ago, I was asked to be one of the photographers to record that year's Indian Market — I have been going back every year since then. This visit, I decided I wanted to capture the Indian artists with an example of their work they liked the most. Enjoy.
This artist crafts beautiful jewelry such as this necklace with a multitude of polished stones — turquoise and other semiprecious stones. Fantastic.
I loved this artist's work — Christmas tree decorations with both Native American and other themes. As you can see, she is very talented.
It goes without saying that this gentleman is a highly skilled silversmith — creating beautiful rings, bracelets, belt buckles, etc.
Here we see the finely crafted figurines from another talented artist. It appears to me that many of the figurines are singing. Well done, my friend, well done!
This artist was creating small figurines out of stone. It is a time-consuming craft to do it right, which he completes with much skill.
Here we find a young man whose skill with a paintbrush is extraordinary. I very much like the piece he is holding but I am blown away by the painting of wild horses over his right shoulder.
Next up is an artist who has fabricated fabulous necklaces out of semi-precious stones found in the plains. Very nice.
This gentleman is obviously a very talented painter but also a historian, of sorts — preserving the celebrations of his tribe so that the younger members can remember their ancestral roots.
Next, we see a master carver who creates wonderful patterns in quartz and other beautiful stones. The artwork is outstanding.
Another accomplished painter who follows the advice to "paint what you know". As with many other painters, he is capturing his people's past so the young ones do not lose their cultural identity.
Wow, here is one of the very talented potters whose work is absolutely classic and timeless. Can you imagine how long it takes her to paint those delicate patterns on the exterior of the pottery she turns by hand then fires? Great work.
Last for today is a Native American jewelry specialist whose talent lies in these incredible earrings. Beautiful!
