If you like Native American Indian Art you came to the right site. Find preferred (see About Me to find out why they are preferred) shops on the Profiles page and check out the blog to see what is going on in this art world.
Old Territorial Indian ArtsOld Territorial offers both contemporary and traditional, but their love is truly Native American antiquities. Alston and his mom, Rita Neal stated their shop on Main street in 1969. Rita had been involved in Native Arts all of her life and her tradition is continued today by Alston and his wife, Deborah. Sometimes they even find themselves dealing with the children of Rita's earliest customers.
Alston says, "We feel we are caretakers of history." And their shop's inventory exemplifies that idea. In addition to the antiquities, the Neal's also deal in 'new classics'. Since they have had relationships with multiple generations of artisans, they "look for tomorrow's trendsetters that are innovating using traditional techniques and materials," says Deborah.
Kings Galleries of ScottsdaleThere are many dealers who carry Indian pottery, but there are only a few that you must visit. One of those, even and especially if you are not into pottery, is King Gallery. By the time I left I found my interest in the art form piqued. Charles will do that for you.
Not only is the pottery he has wonderful, but he is pretty terrific himself. He really works with his artists to help them push their talents to the edge and flower as artists. He believes that potters should always be trying new things, developing their craft. That's what makes it interesting to the collector, he says, and keeps them coming back to the same artist to see what new things he is producing. It makes the collector happy and keeps the artist in business.
Charles's parents owned a gallery and he developed a relationship with potters from a very young age. He takes the time to get to know each of the artists he represents, understanding their designs and motivations. He can get truly excited about his pieces.
He showed me a comic book tile by Jason Garcia, Santa Clara, and said that it's one of the few pieces that gets the young crowd in the front door of the gallery. It was an experiment initially and his tiles have now won awards for ingenuity and execution. Since he, among other dealer in Native American arts, is concerned about waning interest in collecting among younger people, he sees Jason's work as a gateway to the future in a sense. In fact, he calls artists like Jason, Gateway Artists.
Charles is a frequent judge at the most prestigious Indian Markets, lectures on pottery at the Heard and Pueblo Grand Museums, has published a book on Margaret Tafoya's pottery and is currently working on a book about Tony Da's pottery and paintings. See his website to get full information. Some pieces in his shop may be expensive and rightfully so since they are wonderful. But new collectors don't have to break the bank since he has pottery by some new and upcoming artists who are not yet known.
Gus's Trading CompanyIf you are a collector of Hopi Kachinas, Navajo dancers and/or storytellers, Gus's Trading is a place you don't want to miss. Everywhere you look Gus has stocked his shelves with wonderful specimens that he has collected over a 30 year period. He even has some interesting miniature kachinas that are almost impossible to see, much less have carved.
Gus Archuleta has been in the business of trading and selling Native American Art for 30 years. He started, like many others, working at a shop and learning the market before he went into business for himself.
Raven's NestIf you stop, for Information or to get a pass to hike in Sedona, at the building on Airport Road, just out of town, you are surprised to find Raven's Nest Trading Post sharing the building. I was about to pass it up, thinking that it would be touristy stuff, not hand made by Native Americans, but I decided to check it out just in case.
Am I glad I did. There are three reasons not to miss Raven's Nest. One is Grey Bird, the resident parrot, who surprises customers with a squawk if he isn't getting enough attention, although the sign warns that he will bite with his crooked beak if fingers get into his space.
Another reason is to meet and visit with the owner, Bob Colony, who is the all American image of 1960s laid back, easygoing, loves everybody, laughs at everything, black fingers (from working the silver), cigarette smoking, hippy.
