San Diego Museum of Man - 2008 Indian Fair

Indian Fair 2008

Saturday & Saturday, May 17 & 18, 2008
10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Juried Competition & Evening Preview,
Friday Evening, May 16, 2008

Celebrate and immerse yourself in Native American culture at the 25th Annual Indian Fair and Market, May 16–18, 2008. The event begins with a juried competition among artists Friday afternoon, followed by an Evening Reception with the artists (information on the reception will be posted here soon). On Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18, the event is open to all Museum guests from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. each day. With two full days of artists’ sales and demonstrations, music and dancing, traditional foods, crafts for kids, and exhibit tours, there is something for the whole family. Plan now to join us for the Indian Fair and Market!

The Preview Reception brings American Indian artists, Museum members, and guests together on Friday evening, May 16, to celebrate prize winners in the Juried Competition. For information, please follow this link.

The Museum’s central plaza will be transformed into a lively marketplace complete with artists’ ongoing demonstrations in jewelry, pottery, basketry, beadwork, textiles, sculpture, painting, and masks. More than fifty Native American artists will offer hundreds of original and unique examples of their art at the fair. General public admission to the Museum of Man during Indian Fair is $5 for adults and seniors, and $1 for children ages three to 17. Children under the age of three are free. Admission includes entrance to the Museum, its exhibits, and the Indian Fair festivities, including live performances, storytelling, and crafts for children. Guests may shop the market free of charge without entering the Museum.

David Suwaima Davis, Four-Time World Champion Hoop Dancer, during Indian Fair 2007.

Artists participating in Indian Fair have been invited to enter work in the Juried Competition Friday, May 16. A distinguished panel of judges, including Native American artists, will select winners in the individual categories of weaving, beadwork, pottery, metal and non-metal jewelry, cultural items, woodcarving, sculpture, and paintings, with an overall Best of Show winner. Awards will be presented at the Evening Reception from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and the award-winning art will be available for purchase during Indian Fair. Watch this page for details on the Evening Reception.

Emberá basket weaver Lucresia Caisamo
Photo by Randal Moore

Among the Native American artists who will offer hundreds of original artworks during the weekend event are painter and sculptor Alvin John and folk art carver Harry Benally from the Navajo community, as well as Zuni fetish carvers Gibbs Othole and Dee Edaakie. Jewelers Michael Rogers and Pauline Kothman will return this year, and Inuit artist Jonasie Faber will also participate. Latin American artists Boca de Luna and Lucresia Caisamo will feature their molas and baskets, respectively.

Museum guests will enjoy cultural performances throughout the weekend. Storytellers, dancers, weavers, and musicians will share their cultural traditions with the visiting public. Among those performing is Mac Lopez, whose melodic flute music will delight audiences of all ages. He plays the flutes that he makes. They are really beautiful works of art. Please watch this web page for details on the Fair's events as they are finalized.

Sponsors for the 25th Annual Indian Fair are the Barona Band of Mission Indians, Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, and Sycuan Resort & Casino. Members, please watch for your letter with details and raffle tickets, and show your support for this educational and enriching event. See you at the fair!