From the Texas Masters of Fine Art and Craft Show in Kerrville, Texas, to the Native Treasures virtual show online, May is full of opportunities to browse and buy art.
Through November 15
When I Remember I See Red: American Indian Art and Activism in California
Beginning with the occupation of Alcatraz in 1969, California became a beacon for creative freedom, individual expression, and social activism for Native people across the U.S. Here Native artists engaged with cultural diversity, historical tradition, and contemporary art to critique the state’s colonial past, making California a site of artistic achievement within the broader story of Native art. This exhibition features contemporary art by First Californians and other American Indian artists with strong ties to the state. It includes more than 65 works in various media — from painting, sculpture, prints, and photography to installation and video. Among the 40-plus artists represented are pioneers such as Rick Barstow, George Blake, Dalbert Castro, Frank Day, Harry Fonseca, Frank LaPena, Jean LaMarr, James Luna, Karen Noble, Fritz Scholder, Brian Tripp, and Franklin Tuttle, as well as emerging and mid-career artists. Autry Museum of the West, Los Angeles, 323.667.2000, the autry.org
May 15 - September 26
Captivated: Rossin’s Southwest & Beyond
Ross Rossin grew up watching westerns in his homeland of Bulgaria, spawning his lifelong desire to visit Monument Valley. This exhibit features paintings inspired by Rossin’s nine-day road trip through the Southwest in 2019 with Booth Western Art Museum director Seth Hopkins. Comprising 30 portraits of people they met and depictions of the land they encountered, the show confirms the American West still inspires both Americans and those from around the globe. Booth Museum of Western Art, Cartersville, Georgia, 770.387.1300, boothmuseum.org
May 28 - September 6
Still in the Saddle: A New History of the Hollywood Western
Featuring costumes, props, and dozens of vintage movie posters, this exhibition tells the dramatic story of the Hollywood western of the late 1960s to the 1980s. It is set against a historical backdrop of social unrest, political turmoil, economic uncertainty, and generational change with competing visions of the Old West that vied for Americans’ attention within the popular culture of the day. Despite all this, the movies remained as rich and entertaining as at any time in their history. True Grit, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Wild Bunch, Little Big Man, and The Outlaw Josey Wales are among the classics highlighted in this history of Hollywood’s greatest genre. Briscoe Western Art Museum, San Antonio, 210.299.4499, briscoemuseum.org
May 28 - August 2
Artesian Arts Festival
As it did in 2020, this Sulphur, Oklahoma-based Native American competition and market returns in virtual form this year. Open to any member of a federally recognized Native American tribe, the event features a diverse selection of visual art including paintings, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, beadwork and quillwork, textiles, basketry, metalwork, photography, mixed media, regalia, traditional dress, weaponry, and much more. Although the market has only been around since 2014, it has developed a loyal following as well as a number of returning artists such as jeweler and potter Chase Earles (Caddo), textile artist Tyra Shackleford (Chickasaw), potter and jeweler Ray Duck Garcia (San Felipe Pueblo), and duck decoy carver and painter Joshua Hinson (Chickasaw). The event, hosted by the Chickasaw Nation, goes online May 28. chickasaw.net
May 28 - 30
Texas Masters of Fine Art and Craft Show
After being sidelined last year due to COVID-19, this group of 24 award-winning Texas master artists and craftspeople returns with its treasure trove of superb quality artwork. From jewelry and pottery to painting, drawing, and sculpture, the art forms also include photography, gourd art, weaving, fabric art, furniture, and metalwork. New this year is rock art by Carlos Moseley, who uses stones found on his Pedernales River property to create compelling scenarios that fascinate and delight. Y.O. Ranch Hotel, Kerrville, Texas, 469.223.4162, texasmasters.com
May 29 - 31
Western Art Show & Sale
Outstanding Western artists set up their art around Prescott, Arizona’s historic courthouse plaza for this Memorial Day weekend tradition. Artwork includes oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media. A miniature masterpiece show and sale, and an artist award ceremony on Sunday are among the special events. Phippen Museum, Prescott, Arizona, 928.778.1385, phippenartmuseum.org
May 29 - 30
Native Treasures: A MIAC Art Market
Over the last 17 years, Native Treasures has become one of the top annual Native American art markets in the country, generating more than $5 million in sales for Native artists. This year’s virtual market will continue supporting the Native arts community during these challenging times. The invitation-only show and auctions feature jewelry, pottery, sculpture, two-dimensional art, fashion, carvings, basketry, beadwork, and textiles. Participating artists — including 2020–2021 Living Treasure Kathleen Wall, Jemez Pueblo potter known for her Koshare clowns — represent many tribes and pueblos, as well as a wide range of art forms from traditional to contemporary and from emerging artists to masters. Event auctions fund the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture exhibitions and educational programs. The silent auction takes place May 26; the live auction follows on May 27. All sales from the art market, held May 29 – June 1, go directly to the artists. miaclab.org
Article Lead Photo Credit: Bluebonnets, LaJuana Westerfield, Oil Painting
