Fill your summer days with these art exhibitions, sales, and events happening throughout the West.
Through August 8
Laughter and Resilience: Humor in Native American Art
Featuring paintings, cartoons, pottery, jewelry, textiles, cultural objects, and mixed media, this traveling exhibition organized by the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian looks at humor, comedy, and satire in Native American cultures. Artworks are organized in four broad themes: satire and parody, whimsy, cartoons and cartooning, and Tricksters, which are sometimes represented as Coyote, Raven, or Rabbit. Some of the exhibited works include parodies or adaptation of symbols from popular culture to poke fun at or comment ironically on life’s quirks. Among the artists with works on view are Richardo Caté (Santo Domingo Pueblo), Harry Fonseca (Nisenan, Maidu, Portuguese, Hawaiian), Frank Buffalo Hyde (Onondaga, Nez Perce), Kathleen Wall (Jemez Pueblo), and Steven Yazzie (Diné). Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis, 317.636.9378, eiteljorg.org
Through October 10
Santo Lowride: Norteño Car Culture and the Santos Tradition
This exhibition captures the story of New Mexico’s interwoven expressions of devotional art and lowrider culture, showcasing 95 artworks by 31 contemporary artists and unidentified santos artists dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries. Among the artworks on display are Rose B. Simpson’s creation “Maria’s Other Hood” along with two bultos, a mixed media sculpture by Nicholas Herrera, and a trunk painted with the Santuario de Chimayo. Also on display are a hood painted by Randy Martinez featuring New Mexico altars and churches and a painting by El Moises of a lowrider motorcycle with Pre-Colombian imagery. The exhibition, which features artworks dating from the early 1800s to the present including some never-before-seen commissioned works, delves into the artworks’ symbolism and connection to the spiritual values of the state’s Norteño community. Harwood Museum of Art, Taos, New Mexico, 575.758.9826, harwoodmuseum.org
June 12 - 13
Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival
This year Native artists and performers from across the country will gather just east of Oklahoma City to participate in this award-winning two-day fest. Now celebrating its 35th year, the annual event includes Native music and dance performances, artist demonstrations, lectures, and a juried art market. Nearly 100 artists working in basketry, beadwork, jewelry, painting, pottery, sculpture, and other mediums present their creations for sale. Grand Casino Hotel & Resort, Shawnee, Oklahoma, 405.427.5228, redearth.org/red-earth-festival
June 14 - 28
Eiteljorg Indian Market and Festival
After missing a year due to COVID-19, the Eiteljorg Museum’s annual Indian market and festival returns this year in virtual form. More than 100 Native American artists from all over the U.S. and Canada are participating in the event with paintings, drawings, photography, sculptures, pottery, baskets, weaving and textiles, dolls, cultural items, jewelry, and beadwork. Live and prerecorded performances and demonstrations are also scheduled, including one by Joanne Shenandoah. eiteljorg.org
June 19
Plein Air Fest, Etc.
Wide-open vistas, fresh air, and art will abound when roughly 50 invited artists set up easels on the sculpture trail overlooking the National Elk Refuge to create their one-day masterpieces. If COVID-19 restrictions allow, they will be joined by attendees who will partake in gourmet snacks, ice-cold beer, and live music. Artworks will be sold by silent bid with proceeds benefiting the museum. National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, Wyoming, 307.733.5771, wildlifeart.org
June 24
Gold Palette ArtWalk: June Days
Rounding up the Scottsdale Gallery Association’s 2020 – 2021 ArtWalk season, June Days celebrates summer in Arizona and inspires a vacation vibe. With musical entertainment provided by a live steel drum band, participating galleries present special exhibits that pay homage to an Arizona summer and offer refreshing beverages to keep guests cool. Main Street north to 5th Avenue, Scottsdale, Arizona, scottsdalegalleries.com
June 24 - 27
Art of the Cowgirl
This annual gathering to celebrate cowgirls and their contributions to the Western lifestyle features female makers, including master artists, silversmiths, braiders, saddlemakers, and horsewomen. The funds raised support emerging artists in expanding their knowledge and skills via fellowships with master artists in their field. Activities include horsemanship demonstrations, a sanctioned all-women ranch ride, a ranch-horse sale, and live music. Bozeman, Montana, 406.633.3657, artofthecowgirl.com
June 25 - 26
Prix de West
Featuring more than 300 paintings and sculpture by the finest contemporary Western artists working today, the 49th annual Prix de West Invitational Exhibition and Sale opens June 7 as a combination in-person and virtual experience. The Western art exhibition and sale showcases original works ranging from historical depictions of the American West to more contemporary and impressionistic pieces. This year’s event will host nearly 100 artists and welcome renowned artist Ed Mell, as well as guest artists Thomas Blackshear II, Huihan Liu, and Roseta Santiago. Art Sale Weekend takes place June 25 and 26 with seminars, a live auction, receptions, awards, the art sale, and trunk shows in The Museum Store. All artwork will remain on view through August 8. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, 405.478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org/prixdewest
June 26
We Are the Seeds Philly
The City of Brotherly Love goes back to its roots with this daylong celebration of Indigenous arts and cultures. The fun-filled event features a fine-art show and sale, photography exhibit, Native music and dance, storytelling, film screenings curated by the American Indian Film Institute, a cornhusk doll-making workshop, and more. Cherry Street Pier, 917.386.5036, wearetheseeds.org
Article Lead Photo Credit: Z.S. Liang, Twilight at the Canyon’s Edge, Oil on linen, 30” x 46”
