ARIZONA’S LARGEST INDIAN MARKET CONTINUES TO COMBINE INNOVATION WITH TRADITION

52nd Annual Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market
“Where Art Meets Entertainment”

One of Arizona’s most significant cultural events, the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market, the state's largest, continues to combine innovative new artists and activities with the timeless traditions of the Southwest. The Fair is a world-acclaimed festival that draws nearly 20,000 visitors and more than 700 of the nation’s most outstanding and successful American Indian artists. Among the guests are thousands of collectors from across the country who arrive early to be the first to purchase one-of-a-kind artwork like jewelry, pottery, baskets, katsina dolls, textiles, fine art and more.

Food, Fun and Culture!
The Fair is the perfect place for families wishing to enjoy a cultural and inexpensive weekend of music, entertainment and food. Festival lovers can enjoy an array of American Indian music and dance performances in the museum’s outdoor amphitheatre throughout the weekend. A variety of foods including American Indian favorites like fry bread, posole stew, piki bread and Hopi stew as well as Mexican and American fare tempt the tastebuds. There’s even gelato available to satisfy sweet tooths.

Phoenix’s light rail system makes it easier than ever to visit the Fair for visitors and residents alike! The light rail passes close by to major downtown hotels and ample parking will be made available close to Light Rail stations, so hunting for a parking spot is a relic of the past.

Entertainment
The Indian Fair & Market features some of the best American Indian and indigenous entertainers, some of whom have not visited Phoenix for many years. Over the past two years, the Fair has welcomed the Seneca Smoke Dancers and Hopi reggae sensation Casper and the 602 Band.

In addition to exciting new performers, expect to see some old favorites such as the Apache Ga’an (Crown Dancers), Hopi/Choctaw dance sensation Derrick Suwaima Davis (left) and singer Stephen Alvarez, Mescalero Apache/Yaqui/Upper Tanana Athabascan.

Signature Artist Michael Kabotie
Hopi artist Michael Kabotie is this year’s Fair artist! Whether crafting imaginative imagery on canvas or in metal, Kabotie’s work is distinctive, colorful and sought-after by collectors.

Meet Kabotie and other winners of the Heard’s juried art competition at the Best of Show Reception on Friday, March 5 (more information below). 

NEW ATTRACTION – Celebrate Apache Cultures & Arts

This year’s Fair honors the bands and arts of the Apache peoples. Come visit with acclaimed elder artists, observe food and art demonstrations, including Fair favorite acorn stew, enjoy storytelling by Apache entertainer Ken Duncan and check out the wikieup (a traditional Apache home) on Phelps Dodge Plaza!

Also, the San Carlos Apache Ga'an or Crown Dancers will be featured performers during the Fair.

Saturday and Sunday, March 6 & 7, 2010, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A Best of Show Reception will be held Friday, March 5 at 5:30 p.m. Visitors can preview the winning artwork, meet the artists and enjoy a catered dinner. 

Single-day admission: Adults $15; Children under 17 FREE; Students with ID $5; 2-Day Passes available.

Best of Show: $75 Heard Museum members, $100 non-members. Tickets go on sale January 4, 2010. Best of Show tickets sell out fast.

Heard Museum members also can get in the fun early during exclusive Early Bird Shopping starting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 7. Not a member? Join today, 602.251.0261 or heard.org/membership. All admission prices include the festival and the museum.

Want to be kept abreast of Fair news? Join our mailing list; visit heard.org to sign up.

Info: Call 602.252.8848.