Artistry and History
The sixth annual Antique American Indian Art Show highlights the traditions of Native American art.
The sixth annual Antique American Indian Art Show highlights the traditions of Native American art.
Now in its sixth year, The Antique American Indian Art Show in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has kept with its tradition of bringing to market some of the best in historic Native American artwork. The event, which is part of a slate of must-attend festivities dedicated to Native art in Santa Fe in August, will take place August 13 to 16 at the El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe in the Railyard. On display will be thousands of works of art, dating primarily from pre-1950s, from nearly 70 dealers.
According to the event, “the lineup provides an eyedazzling education into North American Indian art history learned through the lens of original handmade objects that reflect and express the daily life and culture of Native peoples. From textiles and pottery to jewelry, basketry, beadwork, woodcarving and
more, the show highlights the artistry, imagination and tribal traditions of historic, largely unknown American Indian artisans and the beauty, inspiration and material resources of the Native landscape.”
During the show, Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery will have an emphasis on Hopi jewelry, pottery and kastinam available in their booth. Included will be a Pyramid Blue Gem turquoise and silver sandcast bracelet by Charles Loloma. Gallery owner Mark Sublette adds, “We look forward to showing estate pieces that have never been exhibited, having recently been acquired from private estate collections.”
On view from Miles and Miles Trading will be an array of jewelry, including work by Alice Quam, Na Na Ping and Michael Little Elk. “It’s always fun to participate in the Santa Fe seasonal August show as we get to meet with old friends and make new friends, along with presenting new jewelry finds from some of the best Native silversmiths,” says dealer Barbara Miles.
Santa Fe-based Blue Rain Gallery will exhibit works of Pablita Velarde, Helen Hardin, Margarete Bagshaw, and Helen K. Tindel. According to the gallery, the four female artists “represent a painting dynasty from New Mexico.”
Other participants in this year’s show are Buffalo
Barry’s Indian Art, Chimayo Trading Del Norte, Cowboys and Indians Antiques, James Compon Gallery, Jane Musial’s Navajo Arts, John C. Hill Antique Indian Art, John Molloy Gallery, Roadside America’s Gallery of the West, Robert V. Gallegos, Thomas Cleary LLC, Todos Santos Trading Post and more.
Along with the exhibitor booths, there will be a special showcase exhibition presented by Pittsburghbased Four Winds Gallery. The show, Tradition and Innovation the Legacy of Julian Lovato, will display the late Santo Domingo artist’s high-quality silversmithing and unique use of turquoise and coral.
Kicking off The Antique American Indian Art Show is an opening party from 6 to 9 p.m., while the show is open August 14 through 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.