Indigenous artists of all mediums from across the Four Corners will converge at Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center at 27501 Colorado State Highway 184 in Dolores to play music, perform and sell their work.
The market is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.
“This is our fourth annual (market) and we have at this point over 20 artists, performers and musicians that are part of the overall event,” Mark Nelson, executive director of the Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance, said. “It just turns into this amazing experience of art and culture.”
The open air market, which is a collaboration between Canyons of the Ancients and the alliance, lasts all day with performances scheduled throughout. Hopi carver and musician Ryon Polequaptewa will introduce the event at 9:30 a.m., playing traditional flute music later in the day, following a display from the 2024 World Hoop Dancing Champion Anjalee Andrews.
Artists will also give lectures, including Hopi ceramicist Kyle Kootswatewa who will demonstrate how he uses homemade pigments from natural materials found in the desert to color his pottery.
“For hundreds of years people have gathered in this area and this is our way to pay homage by offering an event where people can gather to celebrate our differences and bring the cultures together,” Nelson said.
The market received 40 artist applications and selected around 12 artists. Attendees typically number in the hundreds.
“There will definitely be an amazing array of jewelry, pottery, baskets, handmade artworks,” Nelson said. “By attending, you're helping support very local businesses, you're supporting our community with purchases and you're also supporting our community by showing appreciation for the performances.”
Attendance to the event is free with a full schedule of performances listed at swcocanyons.org/events.
avanderveen@the-journal.com
