Amerind Autumn Fest

Amerind Autumn Fest

Celebrating the history, culture, and arts of the Diné (Navajo).

Saturday, October 21, 2023

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

$10 per vehicle

Join Amerind at our annual Autumn Fest as we celebrate the history, culture, and arts of the Diné (Navajo).  Rich in tradition, history, and culture, Diné teachers, artists, singers and dancers will hold a day-long cultural celebration at the Amerind Museum in Dragoon, Arizona.

This year, Autumn Fest will feature performances by the rock band Sihasin, the Jones Benally Family Dance Troupe, and flutist Mary Redhouse, public talks about Diné culture from Diné scholars Wade Campbell, PhD and Poet Laura Tohe, PhD. and the event will also welcome various Native artists who will be showing and selling their art, youth activities and food.  This year Amerind announces the People’s Choice Artist Award, visitors will vote for their favorite artist, the top three winners will win a cash award.

Amerind is pleased to announce the Sihasin band, the Jones Benally Family Dance Troupe, and Mary Redhouse will play as part of The Angelo Joaquin Jr. Cultural Performance Series, with thanks to donor Ann Parker, PhD.

Autumn Fest is Saturday, October 21, from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm at the Amerind Museum in Dragoon, AZ. $10 per vehicle.

Amerind Free Online Artist Talk: The Art of Matagi Sorensen

Amerind Free Online Artist Talk

The Art of Matagi Sorensen (Yavapai-Apache)

Saturday, July 15, 2023, 11:00 am – Arizona Time

Join us as we welcome artist, Matagi Sorensen for an online artist talk.

Matagi Sorensen (Yavapai-Apache) is a contemporary jeweler/metalsmith who creates hand fabricated and lost wax-cast jewelry.  His contemporary style has garnered the attention of many. His designs are sleek and modern with an urban aesthetic that draws from traditional and natural motifs rooted in his Yavapai-Apache heritage.  His curiosity and drive to learn more about his craft make him an exciting artist to follow. Please take this opportunity to join us as Matagi discusses his work, journey and the inspiration behind his incredible creations.

Matagi Sorensen was born in Cottonwood, Arizona. He had an interesting childhood, traveling around the Southwest with his family, making small craft items to sell. When he was 15 his family moved back to the reservation where Matagi began working for a summer youth program. At 18 he went to work for his tribe and contemplated becoming a social worker.  He went on to enroll at Yavapai Community College eventually taking a jewelry making class, beginning his journey to become a professional jeweler.  He graduated from Northern Arizona University with BFA in 2011 followed by an MFA from Arizona State University in 2021 where he was able to further his knowledge and skills in metalsmithing and design, as well as experiment with natural and culturally traditional materials.  Matagi has gone on to exhibit his work throughout the country at various shows including Santa Fe Indian Market, Heard Museum Fair, Eiteljorg Indian Market, and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian Art Market among others.

To register, visit: https://bit.ly/AmerindOnline07152023

Amerind Free Online Talk: The Distribution of Cultural Lac Scale Use (Tachardiella spp.) in the Arid Southwest

Amerind Free Online Lecture

The Distribution of Cultural Lac Scale Use (Tachardiella spp.) in the Arid Southwest

with Marilen Pool, PhD

Saturday, August 12, 2023, 11:00 am – Arizona Time

This talk will discuss the examination of the lac scale insect in the arid Southwest and the distribution of its cultural use. Three species, Tachardiella fulgens, Tachardiella larreae and Tachardiella pustulata are those most known to have been utilized by the indigenous peoples of the region from as early as the Archaic period to the modern era as an adhesive, mastic, and coating for the fabrication of tools, weapons, musical instruments, kicking balls, ornaments, and amulets. It was also used for hermetic sealing of containers to protect foods and seeds from pests and as a repair material for mending pottery.

Marilen Pool, PhD, is a Senior Project Conservator at the Arizona State Museum and Objects Conservator and owner of Sonoran Art Conservation Services in Tucson. She recently earned her doctorate degree in Arid Lands Resource Sciences at the University of Arizona. She has a graduate degree in Museum Studies from Oregon State University and is a graduate of the Sir Sanford Fleming Art Conservation Program in Ontario, Canada.

To register for this free online event, visit: https://bit.ly/AmerindOnline08122023

Amerind Free Online Artist Talk: The Art of Shaun Beyale

Amerind Free Online Artist Talk

The Art of Shaun Beyale (Diné)

Saturday, July 1, 2023, 11:00 am – Arizona Time

Join us as we welcome artist Shaun Beyale for an online artist talk. Shaun Beyale (Diné)Navajo will discuss his art and his journey as a comic book artist, illustrator, painter, screen printer and, digital artist. From growing up in Shiprock, New Mexico on the Navajo Nation to his early interest in comics, superheroes and his passion for drawing that sparked a lifelong journey to create.  Shaun was drawn toward the genre of comic books and superheroes because it reminds him of the old traditional stories of good versus evil. Using his cultural stories as inspiration to create something new and more modern.  Creating his own Indigenous Superheroes.  Powerful Native women define Beyale’s characters, reflecting his upbringing, being surrounded by generations of strong women, inspired him.  In Navajo culture, we’re a matrilineal society, women tend to have more power and have a strong presence in our cultural stories.

Shaun has recently created Indigenous Superheroes for the Marvel Universe, a lifelong dream. He hopes that his characters and comics will be a source of education about contemporary Indigenous culture.  His motto is “empowerment thru art”.  He creates and shares his empowering art with hope to inspire future generations to find their inner “Monster Slayer” to face life’s challenges.

To register, visit:   https://bit.ly/AmerindOnline07012023

Amerind Artist in Residence: Duane Maktima (Hopi-Laguna)

Grouping of sterling silver jewelry on a grey background showing hammer textured cuff and earrings, an overlay medallion bolo tie, pierced silver lizard pin, and an overlay stylized bear buckle set in the center with a turquoise cabochon by Duane Maktima..

 

Amerind Artist in Residence

Duane Maktima (Hopi-Laguna)

Master Jeweler-Metalsmith

January 18-March 31, 2023

Tuesday-Saturday, 1:00 pm-3:30 pm

Visit Amerind January 18-March 31 to witness master jeweler-metalsmith, Duane Maktima, create his works of art. Maktima traveled to numerous repositories of Hopi objects to study the designs and techniques used to create the items. The experience of having surrounded himself with Hopi items has given Maktima extensive knowledge few people have today. Do not miss this unique opportunity to watch a true master practice his craft.

Mata Ortiz Pottery Show and Sale

Mata Ortiz Pottery Show and Sale

Friday-Sunday, February 17-19, 2023

10:00 am-4:00 pm each day

Visit Amerind and witness the talent of pottery artists Hector Gallegos Jr., Laura Bugarini, and Karla Lopez from Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua, Mexico. The artists will conduct demonstrations, firings (weather permitting), and offer their exquisite ceramic vessels for sale. This event is included with regular Museum admission.

16 Artists—1 Theme RAICES (Roots): An Exhibit Reception and Artist Discussion

16 Artists—1 Theme

RAICES (Roots)

An Exhibit Reception and Artist Discussion

January 14, 2023, 11:00 am-12:00 pm

Amerind Art Gallery, free with museum admission

Come to Amerind on January 14 to meet the artists behind Amerind’s exhibit Raíces (Roots). A panel of artists in the exhibition will be here to take your questions about their artistic vision and creations. Their exhibit is one of the most intensely personal, colorful, and evocative exhibits to be shown at Amerind.

The Raíces exhibition was curated in partnership with the artist collective Raíces Taller 222 Art Gallery & Workshop. These artists come from many different backgrounds, but all are rooted here in southern Arizona. Indigenous, Latino, African American artists, and others—all of them have come together to create a truly unique and amazing exhibit.

For over twenty-five years, Raíces Taller 222 Art Gallery & Workshop has brought together very diverse people from our community to help create a better understanding of our community’s cultures and customs through the arts. Don’t miss the chance to talk with these artists in front of their beautiful creations.

Amerind Free Online Artist Talk: The Art of Randy Kemp

Raven The Collector, by Randy Kemp

Amerind Free Online Artist Talk

The Art of Randy Kemp (Choctaw/Muscogee-Creek and Euchee)

Saturday, January 7, 2022, 11:00 am – Arizona Time

Join us as we welcome artist, storyteller, and flute player Randy Kemp for an online artist talk. A tribal member of the Choctaw/Muscogee-Creek and Euchee nations of Oklahoma, he will discuss his art and music. Kemp will also talk about his current Amerind exhibit “Transformation, Spirituality, and Humor.” The exhibit is a retrospective to the present that includes a series of paintings, mixed media, found objects, and printmaking processes.

Randy Kemp is an alumnus of the Katherine K. Herberger College of Arts at Arizona State University. Before coming to ASU, Kemp earned an Associate of Arts degree from the reputed Bacone Junior College. Kemp is a noted artist in the contemporary American Indian art world. He is a multidisciplinary artist whose body of work includes painting, printmaking, mixed media, installation, music, and performance. His work includes both traditional tribal life and contemporary works concerning American Indian issues, themes, and views. In the realm of music, he was selected to perform the prelude music for President Barack Obama at Arizona State University’s Graduation Ceremony Commencement, in Sun Devil Stadium. Kemp was also involved in a recording project with his daughter Rykelle Kemp entitled “Artificial Red,” which was a nominee for a Native American Music Award in the “Best Spoken Word” category. Kemp’s latest music project blends Native flute with Spanish guitar.

To register, visit: https://bit.ly/AmerindOnline010723

The PLEIN Truth Exhibit Celebration

Coral Bean Boulders by Terri Gay

Sonoran Plein Air Painters Exhibit Celebration

The PLEIN Truth Exhibit Celebration

Saturday, September 24, 2022, 1:00 pm

Experience the Exhibit Now through October 31, 2022

Join Amerind and the Sonoran Plein Air Painters on Saturday, September 24 for “The Plein Truth” Exhibit Celebration. At 1:00 pm, artists Emely McConkey and Denyse Fenelon will provide a talk discussing the art and artists within the exhibit “The PLEIN Truth,” as well as share the triumphs and difficulties of plein air painting.

After the talk, explore The PLEIN Truth exhibit, which captures the challenges met by an array of artist members of the Sonoran Plein Air Painters based in southern Arizona. This group shares the joys and anguish of “chasing shadows,” shares techniques and ideas, and raises the skill levels of its members through group PaintOuts, workshops, demonstrations, and encouragement.

This event is included with regular Museum admission.

Plein Air Art Demonstration at Amerind with the Sonoran Plein Air Painters

Coral Bean Boulders by Terri Gay

Plein Air Art Demonstration at Amerind with the Sonoran Plein Air Painters

Plein Air Art Demonstration at Amerind with the Sonoran Plein Air Painters

Saturday, October 15, 2022, 10:00 am

Talent and creativity will be in action at the Amerind Museum campus on Saturday, October 15. At 10:00 am join the Sonoran Plein Air Painters for a demonstration during a Paint Out. Watch artist Terri Gay as she soaks in the beauty of the Amerind Museum’s campus and explains her artistic process. After the demonstration, explore the Sonoran Plein Air Painters exhibit, “The PLEIN Truth,” on display in Amerind’s Art Gallery. Once the artists have finished their paintings, many will be included in a “wet paint sale,” in which you will be able to purchase the art created that morning.

Sonoran Plein Air Painters are a group of artists dedicated to plein air painting (the act of painting outdoors), inspired by the Sonoran Desert, friendship, learning, and sharing. The group is based in Tucson, holding regular paint outs, promoting education, and fellowship. Involved artists participate in various group shows throughout the year.