Artisans’ works on display at ART123
The Best in Show night was held Aug. 7 at the Gallup ART123 gallery in connection with the 97th Annual Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial.
Gallup ART123 Director Rose Eason says she;s pleased to partner with Ceremonial on this event each year, bringing in the “Best in Show” award winners, as well as “Best in Class” winners, along with some special awards for different categories of art.
“This is our 2nd Annual Best in Show night and the gallery is happy to put them on for one special night,” she said. “Everyone can get to enjoy a sneak peek of the exhibit hall and preview of all the amazing artwork that is out there.”
Some pieces included Best in Class oil painting done by Johnson Yazzie/Navajo, entitled “Apache Shield”; Best in Show, Best in Class textiles by Tahnibaa Naatanni/Navajo, entitled “Tahnibaa Shawl;, and Best in Class sculpture by Tim Washburn, entitled “Journey Homeward.”
Art appreciator, Matthew Livingston of Gallup, was amazed by the caliber of art on display.
“I think it’s awesome and beautiful works of art here, and I see some antiquated art as well,” he said. “They had a second prize art dated back to the 1970’s, and a rug done in 1988. Even though these artists are deceased, they left this legacy/art for us to view and cherish. It’s Native American art, too.”
Ceremonial Best in Show Organizer Emerald Tanner said the event was thrilling for everyone, and with this showing she hopes it entices everyone to come out to Ceremonial and view all the artwork showcased at Red Rock Park.
“This is called the best in show night and it’s intended to be sort of a teaser or invitation to see all the art on display at the Ceremonial grounds,” she said. “We take all of the best in class and best in show pieces to put on for display to get people to come out to Ceremonial.”
Tanner says Ceremonial is the oldest and best show in New Mexico, and she’s proud to be a part of an event that showcases local, talented artisans. She says many artists like to display old pieces that carry on the tradition of Ceremonial.
“It’s a nice platform to get our community involved and I think the community has gotten disconnected with it,” she said. “It’s an event that every person living in Gallup should be proud of.”
Tanner says this a unique way to draw in collectors and potential buyers, and to show off the magnificent talent of these artists.
The judging of all the arts and crafts entered were conducted Aug. 4.
For more information call the Ceremonial Office at (505) 863-3896.
By Dee Velasco
For the Sun
