Photo & Story By Marie Davis
The Haskell Indian Art market was founded in 1987 and for more than thirty years has provided a venue for Native American artists. In addition to the art on display, students danced all day Saturday and Sunday. Ranging from cloth to grass dancers, attendees also had the chance to view different tribal dances. Visitors also had the opportunity to browse the many varieties of artwork and meet the artists.
Veronica Benally, of the Navajo tribe, drove from Gallup, New Mexico. She said, “It’s a nice get away from home, the market has a lot of good advertisement. We look forward to seeing friends that we’ve made here and meeting new people.”
A former Haskell graduate Nicole Bennett, of the Washoe tribe, flew all the way from California to show off her art and visit old friends.
Alice Saloe, of the Jemez-Pueblo Tribe, drove from New Mexico. She came to show and sell her uniquely colored and finely detailed pottery. She came to the market on the recommendation of a friend. Over time, Haskell has become Saloe’s “Home away from home.”
Oglala Sioux and his wife drove down from Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. It was their second year attending the art market. “Every show you go to is different, usually you find out when you get there whether it’s worth the drive or not. As an artist you take a chance anywhere, like a gamble, and for the most part it’s definitely worth the drive.”
