March 21, 2006

Pueblos Arts and Crafts Show Announced

The 2006 Pueblo Arts and Crafts Show -- the largest Native American created and organized outdoor public art exhibit -- will be held July 15 and 16.

The Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Arts & Crafts Show, a New Mexico tradition for 35 years, celebrates the shared cultural heritages of Native American people and communities with a stunning array of arts, crafts and Indian dances. The largest Native American created and organized outdoor public art exhibit, the show has drawn artists and interested visitors to New Mexico every July since its inception in 1972. The 2006 Show will be Saturday and Sunday, July 15 and 16, at ENIPC, Inc.'s Arts & Visitors' Center near Ohkay Owingeh (formerly San Juan Pueblo).

What makes the show special? Start with the concept that Native Americans themselves -- not art gallery directors, not collectors, not museum people -- organize and operate the event. Stir in more than 300 of the nation's most talented Native American artists working as jewelers, potters, sculptors, painters, wood carvers and more.

In addition to visual attractions, visitors will find an exciting program of traditional Pueblo dances -- including the Buffalo, Deer, Rainbow and Corn Dances -- accompanied by the haunting rhythms of Native American drums, flute players and singers. To top it off, hungry visitors who are enticed by the delicious aromas of traditional Pueblo food can buy bowls of red or green chile, posole, Indian tacos, oven bread, fry bread, Indian cookies and pies and other traditional treats.

Based on its success last year, The Eight Northern Pueblos Arts & Crafts Show anticipates that the number of exhibitors will increase to at least 400. They hope to host an orientation program and welcoming dinner for the artists on Friday evening and a hospitality tent with cool air and refreshments for artists over the weekend. The show also hopes to have a cool shaded area for visitors. They plan on hosting a Benefit Art Auction at a hotel in Santa Fe on the Wednesday evening before the Show. Sponsors for these special features, as well as for the direct costs of the Show, are now being solicited.

The Arts & Crafts Show is one of the most popular events in New Mexico, a state renowned for its arts. In 2003, Arthur Frommer of Budget Travel on MSNBC rated the Eight Northern Show as the fourth best festival in the United States just behind Mardi Gras, Tanglewood and the Spoleto Festival. Frommer recommended visitors turn this event into a destination vacation. He described it as "Artisans of eight Native American Pueblos converging in a giant fair of crafts demonstrations and sales, traditional dances, Indian foods and authentic rituals...a profound experience for both visitors and artisans." While the Pueblos are the showpiece of the event, visitors can experience the work and traditions of many tribes.

This Show is unique because it is organized and operated by American Indians. Outstanding Native American artists exhibit and demonstrate their jewelry, pottery, sculpture, paintings, woodcarvings and other traditional artwork. Last year's participants came from all 19 New Mexico Pueblos, as well as from the Navajo, Hopi, Apache, Cherokee, Tlingit, Chippewa and Lakota Tribes and Nations. Visitors are invited to stroll and meet the artists to learn about their work.

In 1961, the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council was established as a collaborative effort of the Pueblos of Ohkay Owingeh, Nambe, Picuris, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, Taos and Tesuque. Since then, the Council's monthly meetings have become an ongoing forum, where Pueblo leaders discuss common issues. For 45 years, the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council has created educational, economic, environmental and social programs to meet the needs of residents of the northern Pueblos and surrounding communities. The Arts & Crafts Show is the most visible of this partnership's public programs and its most prominent economic development effort.

"People love the fair because it's held on Pueblo land. The artists work hard all year preparing for the exhibit, and the art they bring is unique and authentic -- Indian art at its best. That adds to the charm. Many families now have their third generation of collectors come to the event to strike up old friendships with the artists. The dances are colorful and varied and people have the opportunity to take photographs by obtaining a camera permit - something that isn't allowed at many of the Pueblo dances," said Carol Guzman, a spokesperson for the show.

Parking for the show is free. Visitor entry fee is $3 for adults 18-54 or $5 for a two-day pass. The fee for youngsters 12-17 or seniors 55 & over is $2 or $3 for a two-day pass. Kids 11 and under are free. A still camera permit is $10. Video and audio recording devices are not allowed. Visitors should dress for warm weather and easy walking.

Po'Pay Foot Race

In conjunction with the show on Sunday, July 16, Eight Northern Pueblos will host the popular 5K Po'Pay Foot Race. Starting near the arts and crafts show site, the race features 5K and 1-mile categories and a special division for children. It is expected that the registration fee for the 5K will be $12 in advance or $15 after July 1st. Registration for the children's race, 12 and under, and the 1-mile fitness walk will be $10 in advance or $12 after July 1st.

For Show information and a schedule of events, contact:
Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Arts and Crafts Show
PO Box 969
Ohkay Owingeh, NM 87566-0969
Phone: 505-747-1593, Extension 112 or 113
Email: enipcartshow@yahoo.com