Show Preview | Native American Arts Festival

Litchfield Park, AZ
Litchfield Elementary School, January 10-11

Amado Peña, A Tribute to the Plains, acrylic, 24 x 36.

Amado Peña, A Tribute to the Plains, acrylic, 24 x 36.

This story was featured in the January 2015 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art January 2015 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story!

Litchfield Park’s 23rd annual 
Invitational Native American Fine Arts Festival takes place January 10-11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day on the grounds of Litchfield Elementary School. An artists’ reception takes place Friday, January 9, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public, but limited to the first 150 respondents. The reception includes the presentation of awards in five categories: contemporary jewelry, traditional jewelry, painting, sculpture, and weaving and textiles. Entertainment is provided during the weekend, including Native American music and traditional hoop dancing.

Over 100 Native American artists participate this year and present works such as beadwork, clothing, jewelry, paintings and prints, pottery, sculptures, and weaving. Nicknamed “The Gathering” by artists and committee members over the years in honor of the many Native peoples who participate, the festival brings together tribes from all over North America including Apache, Cherokee, Choctaw, Hopi, Jemez Pueblo, Lakota Sioux, Muscogee, Northern Ute, and many more.

This year’s theme is The Taste and Texture of Tradition. “With Native American art, the role that the senses play in creating and understanding their art is crucial, and this year we thought it would be great to play off the role of the senses,” says planning committee member Tricia Kramer. “There’s a wide variety of art that’s shown, and we’re trying to highlight some of the weaving and textiles and incorporate the culinary aspect, a first for our festival.”

As in years past, the event features artists’ demonstrations throughout the weekend with participating artists including Harry Benally, Judith Durr, Daniel Ramirez, Marsha Hedrick, and more. It also features an educational and cultural pavilion where visitors can interact with artists in an intimate setting and learn about Native American art forms and history. “Our artists work in all different mediums, and we try to share information about their cultures and about their art forms,” Kramer says. “We hope that people walk away feeling educated about Native American art and culture.” —Joe Kovack

contact information
623.935.9040
www.litchfield-park.org

Featured in the January 2015 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art January 2015 print issue or digital download Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!

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