NWT, Yukon artists to showcase work at Sante Fe Indian Market

Indigenous artists from the NWT and Yukon will head to New Mexico this summer to attend a world-renowned art market.

In a news release, NWT Arts and the Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association announced they are partnering with the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts to bring 10 artists from the territories to show and sell their work at the Sante Fe Indian Market on August 17 and 18.

“The Santa Fe Indian Market is one of the most prestigious markets for Indigenous art and fine craft,” said Johanna Tiemessen, the NWT government’s manager of arts and traditional economies.

Tiemessen said the opportunity has the potential to inspire artists and advance their careers, as well as raise awareness about the quality of Indigenous art from northern Canada to buyers, collectors and galleries.

“This initiative provides a platform for northern artists to showcase their exceptional work and demonstrates the rich cultural heritage of the Northwest Territories’ Indigenous people and communities,” said Caitlin Cleveland, minister of the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, which administers the NWT Arts program.

“We must continue to elevate Indigenous voices, promote economic growth, and foster greater appreciation for the arts and culture of the Northwest Territories to a global audience.”

NWT artists headed to the festival include John Sabourin, a multi-disciplinary artist originally from Fort Simpson, and Darrell Chocolate, originally from Gamètì and known for his realistic paintings.

Chocolate was commissioned by the NWT Legislative Assembly to paint a portrait of former premier Bob McLeod and by the Tłı̨chǫ Government to complete a painting in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of Treaty 11, which featured Chief Monfwi.

Also headed to the festival will be Antoine Mountain, a Dene artist from Fort Good Hope known for his colourful murals; Sheena Yakeleya, a Dene artist from the Sahtu region who makes beaded jewellery; and Shawna McLeod, a self-taught Dene and Métis artist from Fort Providence who is focused on making beaded earrings.

Yukon artists heading to the market include Vashti Etzel, a Dene artist from Ross River who blends traditional and contemporary designs, and Randi Nelson, a Secwe̓pemc artist and designer originally from Williams Lake, BC.

Also at the festival will be Montana and Delaney Prysnuk, sisters who are Vuntut Gwich’in, Ukrainian and Scandinavian who make jewellery and fine art from caribou antler, copper, beads and hides; and Amy Tessaro, a Tahltan artist based in Haines Junction who specializes in stained glass.

The market in Sante Fe, which bills itself as the largest and most prestigious Indigenous art market in the world, is in its 102nd year.

Each year, an estimated 100,000 people and hundreds of artists from across North America attend the event.

This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.