American Express Invitational Native American Arts Festival
Thursday December 18, 2003
The 12th annual American Express Invitational Native American Arts Festival will bring more than 200 of the nation’s finest Native American artists, Grammy Award-winning flutist R. Carlos Nakai and contemporary rock band Brule to the grounds of the West Valley Fine Arts Council (WVFAC) on Jan. 10-11 in Litchfield Park.
A new format that allows for greater interaction, accessibility and connection with the artists will open up the area to a feast for the senses: authentic Native American artwork, music, food and live demonstrations.
“The West Valley Fine Arts Council prides itself on creating an intimate setting where the artists can meet and demonstrate their techniques,” said WVFAC Executive Director Marcie Ellis. “We are particularly pleased to have American Express as our title sponsor this year, further reflecting the company’s commitment to arts and culture in the Valley.”
The festival includes a juried art competition and a special children’s exhibition area featuring works by the relatives of invited and participating artists.
"American Express is proud to sponsor the Native American Arts Festival," said Stephen Reiher, American Express public affairs director and WVFAC board member. "The Native American culture is extremely important to our Valley and the Festival highlights the vital and valuable contributions of Native American artists. This year's Festival features something for everybody."
The festival blends a genuine Native American experience with a contemporary flavor. Traditional elements include authentic Native American cooking demonstrations, native dancers and storytellers, Kachina carving, gourd carving, jewelry and more. More modern touches include contemporary artwork and Native American Music Award winners Brule.
R. Carlos Nakai, of Navajo-Ute heritage and a fixture at the festival, returns again with his flute melodies that express the traditions and spirituality of Native American music.
The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, January 10 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, January 11 at the West Valley Fine Arts Council, 387 Wigwam Boulevard. Cost is $8 for adults or a $12 weekend pass, $5 for juniors (11-16 years) or a $7.50 weekend pass. Tribal members with ID and children 10 and under are free.
A series of artist lectures and demonstrations is planned from Jan. 3-9 at venues throughout the West Valley. A lecture series schedule is included below.
For more information about the American Express Invitational Native American Arts Festival, call 623.935.6384.
LECTURE/DEMONSTRATION SERIES SCHEDULE
Saturday, Jan. 3: Choctaw Petroglyphs with David Morris at Barnes & Noble, 1446 N. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear. 2 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 4: Chemehuevi Indian Baskets with Sugie Fisher, Foodhills Branch Library, 19055 N. 57th Ave., Glendale. 2 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 5: Navajo Weaving with Sallie Parker, Florence Brinton Litchfield Library, 101 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 6: Choctaw and Euchee Painter & Festival Poster Artist Randy Kemp, West Valley Fine Arts Museum, 17425 N. Avenue of the Arts, Surprise. 4 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 8: Hopi Kachina Carving with Buddy Tubinaghtewa, Borders Books & Music, 10100 W. McDowell Rd., Avondale. 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 9: Native American Jewelry—Buyer Beware with Tony Eriacho, Sun City Grand Ballroom, 19753 N. Remington Dr., Surprise. 10 a.m.
Friday, Jan. 9: Native American Flute Players The Maldonados, Sun City Grand Ballroom, 19753 N. Remington Dr., Surprise. 1 p.m.
Related Resources
Buying Native American Art
Kachina Dolls
A new format that allows for greater interaction, accessibility and connection with the artists will open up the area to a feast for the senses: authentic Native American artwork, music, food and live demonstrations.
“The West Valley Fine Arts Council prides itself on creating an intimate setting where the artists can meet and demonstrate their techniques,” said WVFAC Executive Director Marcie Ellis. “We are particularly pleased to have American Express as our title sponsor this year, further reflecting the company’s commitment to arts and culture in the Valley.”
The festival includes a juried art competition and a special children’s exhibition area featuring works by the relatives of invited and participating artists.
"American Express is proud to sponsor the Native American Arts Festival," said Stephen Reiher, American Express public affairs director and WVFAC board member. "The Native American culture is extremely important to our Valley and the Festival highlights the vital and valuable contributions of Native American artists. This year's Festival features something for everybody."
The festival blends a genuine Native American experience with a contemporary flavor. Traditional elements include authentic Native American cooking demonstrations, native dancers and storytellers, Kachina carving, gourd carving, jewelry and more. More modern touches include contemporary artwork and Native American Music Award winners Brule.
R. Carlos Nakai, of Navajo-Ute heritage and a fixture at the festival, returns again with his flute melodies that express the traditions and spirituality of Native American music.
The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, January 10 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, January 11 at the West Valley Fine Arts Council, 387 Wigwam Boulevard. Cost is $8 for adults or a $12 weekend pass, $5 for juniors (11-16 years) or a $7.50 weekend pass. Tribal members with ID and children 10 and under are free.
A series of artist lectures and demonstrations is planned from Jan. 3-9 at venues throughout the West Valley. A lecture series schedule is included below.
For more information about the American Express Invitational Native American Arts Festival, call 623.935.6384.
LECTURE/DEMONSTRATION SERIES SCHEDULE
Saturday, Jan. 3: Choctaw Petroglyphs with David Morris at Barnes & Noble, 1446 N. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear. 2 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 4: Chemehuevi Indian Baskets with Sugie Fisher, Foodhills Branch Library, 19055 N. 57th Ave., Glendale. 2 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 5: Navajo Weaving with Sallie Parker, Florence Brinton Litchfield Library, 101 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 6: Choctaw and Euchee Painter & Festival Poster Artist Randy Kemp, West Valley Fine Arts Museum, 17425 N. Avenue of the Arts, Surprise. 4 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 8: Hopi Kachina Carving with Buddy Tubinaghtewa, Borders Books & Music, 10100 W. McDowell Rd., Avondale. 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 9: Native American Jewelry—Buyer Beware with Tony Eriacho, Sun City Grand Ballroom, 19753 N. Remington Dr., Surprise. 10 a.m.
Friday, Jan. 9: Native American Flute Players The Maldonados, Sun City Grand Ballroom, 19753 N. Remington Dr., Surprise. 1 p.m.
Related Resources
Buying Native American Art
Kachina Dolls
Comments
No comments yet. Leave a Comment