GALLERY HAPPENINGS - January 2023 |
January at Gallery Moab by Thea Nordling |
Gallery Moab LCA • 59 South Main Street #1, Moab, Utah 84532 • 435-355-0024
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Native American Market Days in Grand Junction, Nov. 11-13 by Sharon Sullivan |
Just in time for the holiday gift-giving season, the Western Colorado Native American Market Days is coming to Grand Junction. Members of the Navajo Nation, plus other American Indian tribes, will be present selling traditional works, including jewelry, beadwork, pottery, leatherwork, fine art, sculpted gourds, and more. Founded five years ago, by Uncompahgre Ute tribal member Roland McCook and Sue Moon, a fellow board member of the Native American Cultural Programs in Grand Junction, the market is designed to promote American Indian culture and art, said McCook. When you purchase artwork at the Native American Market you are buying directly from the artist who made the item, said Moon. This year’s market will take place Friday through Sunday, November 11-13, at the Two Rivers Convention Center, 159 Main St., in downtown Grand Junction. Doors open at noon on Friday, and 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The market closes at 6 p.m. both days. In addition to an array of artisan craftwork on display, there will be native American drumming and dance performances happening during the weekend. Ute Mountain Ute tribal members are scheduled to perform, with an invitation also extended to the Northern Ute tribe, McCook said. McCook said two performances will take place Saturday, most likely around 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Additionally, a silent auction will take place both Saturday and Sunday, and an auction of specialty items such as sculpted gourds, a beaded medallion, and a lamp made from cedar with turquoise inlay and elk antlers will happen Saturday at 4 p.m. There will also be a table set up throughout the weekend with instructors teaching children how to make a beaded bracelet that they can then take home. Last year’s event drew 21 vendors, and McCook said he expects to have at least that many again this year, representing Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, Ute Mountain Ute, Northern Ute, and possibly Lakota and Apache tribes. Native American markets have traditionally been a meeting place where friendships formed, weddings happened, and an exchange of music, song and dance occurred. Markets were a celebration of life and community, said McCook. The $5 entrance fee for adults is a donation to Native American Cultural Programs. Children 18 and younger can attend for free. Leo Kottke Concert Also in Grand Junction that weekend, guitarist Leo Kottke will perform Friday evening at the Avalon Theatre, 645 Main St. Reserved seating tickets are $39 and $49. For more information visit: www.sandstoneconcerts.com. |