FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
"NATIVE TREASURES" INVITATIONAL SHOW AND SALE FEATURES OVER 100 OF THE BEST NATIVE ARTISTS IN THE U.S. Indian Arts Festival Kicks off Exciting Memorial Day Weekend Events at Museum of Indian Arts & Culture and Other Santa Fe Museums Santa Fe, N.M.-Native Treasures: Indian Arts Festival, an invitational art show and sale featuring over 100 of the best Native artists in the U.S., takes place at the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture on Museum Hill on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 27 and 28. The event kicks off an exciting holiday weekend of special museum events in Santa Fe. Native Treasures is Santa Fe's newest Indian art show and sale. Its 2005 debut as a one-day event titled Small Wonders raised $25,000 for the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture and was so successful with visitors that this year's festival was extended to a full weekend. "This is a very special show," says Museum of Indian Arts & Culture Director Shelby Tisdale. "Because it's an invitational show, we've been able to ask a wonderful range of artists, from established masters to the brightest emerging artists who the museum feels are the future stars. All are truly museum-quality artists." From Acoma Pueblo to the Winnebago tribe, participating artists represent over 20 tribes and pueblos throughout the U.S. and work in various media. They include sculptors Roxanne Swentzell and Cliff Fragua; potters Autumn Borts, Jacquie Stevens, Preston Duwyenie, Barbara and Cavan Gonzales, and Robert Tenorio; jewelers Vernon Haskie, the Gaussion family, Mike Bird-Romero, Kenneth Johnson, and Shawn Bluejacket; beadworker Marcus Amerman; and select painters, weavers, basket makers, carvers, glass artists, and wood workers. Bringing Established and Emerging Artists Together Held outside the museum on scenic Milner Plaza, Native Treasures' relaxed, intimate setting encourages novice and veteran Native art aficionados alike to talk to artists and take time in viewing their artworks. Artist demonstrations, music and delicious foods round out the festive atmosphere. "Because this is a relatively small and select show, the artists get to talk and spend time together, and collectors and other visitors get to spend time with the artists as well," says Jane Buchsbaum, Artist Chair of Native Treasures. "It's very exciting for the younger artists to be side-by-side with the artists who they have looked up to and been inspired by, and it's also stimulating for the more established artists to see what the 'kids' are doing." Among the renowned established artists at the show is Santo Domingo Pueblo potter Robert Tenorio, who will be honored as the first recipient of the museum's annual "Living Treasure Award." Tenorio is known for making black, white and red traditional polychrome-style Santo Domingo pottery with striking geometric patterns and animal motifs. "Robert Tenorio is a Santo Domingo potter of international acclaim," says Tony Chavarria, Curator of Ethnology at the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture. "His mastery of form and painting combine to create objects of singular beauty. His goal of keeping the pottery tradition at Santo Domingo thriving is evident in the ranks of upcoming potters from that village." A special "Purchase Award" will also be given to a participating artist for an exceptional piece of work to be added to the museum's permanent collection. Supporting Native Artists and the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture Each of the participating artists has generously agreed to donate a portion of every sale to the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture. "This is the perfect place to make your Indian art purchases," Museum Director Tisdale says. "You can support your favorite artists and support the museum at the same time." In addition to the weekend show, a special opening reception benefiting the museum will be held on Friday, May 26, from 6-8 p.m. at the museum. The evening includes a pre-sale of artworks specially chosen by the artists, heavy hors d'oeuvres and a wine bar. "For serious collectors who want to get the first look at the best pieces, Friday night is a must-do event," says Artist Chair Buchsbaum. "The party is also another opportunity to meet the artists." Native Treasures Times and Ticket Information Native Treasures takes place on Museum Hill on Saturday, May 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early bird tickets (for entry between 9-10 a.m.) are $10, After 10 a.m., admission is $5. All tickets are available at the entrance to the show. On Sunday, May 28, the show is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday admission is free. Tickets for the Friday, May 26, opening reception are $65 (and include an Early Bird ticket for Saturday). To purchase reception tickets, call Carolyn Gonzalez at the Museum of New Mexico Foundation at 505-982-6366, ext. 112. For more information about all Native Treasures events, visit www.nativetreasuressantafe.org or call 505-476-1247. Photos can also be downloaded at www.nativetreasuressantafe.org/press.htm # # # Founded in 1962, the private, non-profit Museum of New Mexico Foundation provides funding for exhibitions, education, collections, capital improvements and other valuable programs and projects at the Museum of New Mexico. More than 12,000 foundation members statewide and across the U.S. support the Palace of the Governors and the New Mexico History Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of International Folk Art, and Museum of Indian Arts & Culture/Laboratory of Anthropology; six state monuments; and the Office of Archaeological Studies. For information about how to join the Museum of New Mexico Foundation, visit www.museumfoundation.org or call 505.982.6366, ext. 108. |
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