IACA Brings Its Fall American Indian Art Market to Indian Country

Pojoaque Pueblo, October 22 - 24, 2010

Example of hand-crafted jewelry from Alfred Joe (Navajo)

(Albuquerque, NM) American Indian arts and crafts are being sold all around the world, but how does one tell if the work is authentic?  Since 1974, the Indian Arts and Crafts Association has worked hard to make it easier for retailers and collectors to find the real thing – authentic, handcrafted work created by American Indian artists. IACA hosts the largest wholesale trade show of authentic handmade American Indian art in the world, bringing together artists and wholesalers with retailers, museums, collectors and other supporters of American Indian art.

George Rivera Sculpture At Buffalo Thunder Resort

On October 22, IACA brings this event to the Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Wholesale Market is open to the trade from October 22 to October 23. Following the trade show, IACA opens the American Indian Art Market to the public with a special Collector's Preview & Live Auction from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.  A one-day retail market opens on October 24 from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, with artist demonstrations, book signings, workshops, retail sales and live entertainment.

All products sold at IACA markets must be handmade and meet established market guidelines for quality and materials used (no block turquoise or man-made stones allowed).

Shane Hendren (Navajo) turquoise bracelet

                                         
 Artists must meet the IACA standards, which include documentation of enrollment in a State or Federally recognized Indian Tribe or certification as an Indian artisan by an Indian Tribe.  Many of the artists who participate are award-winning artists. Wholesalers and retailers are to adhere to the IACA Code of Ethics by honestly representing the Indian arts and crafts that they sell, abide by all Federal, State and Tribal laws pertaining to Indian arts and encourage consumer confidence

   
White Vase with Blue Backdrop: Pahponee Kickapoo & Potowatomi                    Mary Small (Jemez Pueblo) Ancestral Migration
                                                                          

Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino provides a perfect setting for this market. The Resort opened its doors in 2008, featuring centuries-old pueblo-styled architecture and an impressive collection of more than 250 museum quality works of art.  Pojoaque Pueblo – owner of the Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino – is renowned for its support of Indian art and artists.

Pojoaque’s Governor, George Rivera, is an internationally known artist whose creative work centers on monumental stone and clay sculpture, painting and architectural design. As Governor, Rivera oversees the Pueblo’s economic and community development and clearly takes pride in how the Pueblo has integrated traditional arts and education in its development activities.

“While I show my work in museums and galleries, I also choose to show my artwork in Pojoaque, as much as possible, as a model for the viability and development of the arts for the people of Pojoaque and northern New Mexico,” says Rivera “This choice is in keeping with my focus to further public recognition of the Pueblo of Pojoaque as an arts training center and utilizing this work to reflect how Pojoaque has flourished, both in earlier times and the past decade.”

IACA Business of Art Seminar:  IACA will hold two sessions of its business seminar, one on Thursday, October 21 from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm, and one on Friday from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm. Sessions are designed for artists, retailers and collectors and include a variety of current topics – marketing, sales, merchandising, appraisals, artist and gallery partnerships, and more. Free to IACA members and $5 for non-members.

Buffalo Thunder Art Tour & Buffet: Take part in a special tour with George Rivera, world renowned artist and Governor of the Pueblo of Pojoaque, on Friday, October 22 at 5:30 pm. View an impressive collection of over 250 museum quality works of art followed by a buffet dinner. Tickets $30 with dinner.

Collector's Preview & Live Auction:  Get a preview of the one-of-a-kind art featured in the American Indian Art Market. The doors will open to a gala reception, auction and raffle at 6:30 pm on Saturday, October 23.  Tickets $50.

American Indian Art Book Fair:  In keeping with our tradition of educating buyers, IACA in conjunction with Clear Light Books will host an American Indian Art Book Fair with readings and book signings by acclaimed artists and authors during the American Indian Art Market on Sunday, October 24, 2010 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Buffalo Thunder is 20 miles north of Santa Fe.  Airline service is available into the Albuquerque International Sunport and the Santa Fe Airport. The Rail Runner Express train is available from the Albuquerque International Sunport and the Albuquerque Downtown area. Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino offers shuttle services from the Santa Fe Airport and the Santa Fe Depot Train Station.

For more information, visit the IACA website www.iaca.com or call the IACA office at (505) 265-9149.

The Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino is located at 30 Buffalo Thunder Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87506. Special Hotel Rates of $124 per night for a single or a double room are available until September 27, 2010.                           

All photos courtesy IACA