Paula Baxter’s Blog
The Heard Museum Guild Fair and Indian Market Draws Crowds
Thursday, March 11th, 2010
A week of sunny 70 degree plus weather led up to the annual Heard Fair on Saturday and Sunday, March 6 and 7. Crowds at the Thursday Evening Artwalk in Scottsdale showed that collectors had turned out in full force. The buzz around those in the Indian arts business has been that high end arts continue to do well, while other categories are susceptible to the chill of recession-wary buyers.
I saw some evidence of this at Saturday’s Fair. There were a large number of artists in all areas, and many had brought less pricey goods than in previous years. Despite this, some admirable artists did not seem to be moving their merchandise. On the other hand, a good number of popular artists appeared to be doing a brisk business. Many artists seemed to be working with new styles, and the recession does not seem to have hampered individual creativity.
Inside one of the main tents at the Heard Guild Fair and Indian Market.
I was looking almost wholly at jewelry. Raymond Yazzie had won Best of Show for jewelry for a magnificent ring. I take this as a good omen and indeed, there were lovely rings to be found all over, from Jennifer Medina’s modern silver feather fabrications to Rodney Coriz’s shell and abalone Pueblo cross finger rings. Fine offerings were to be had at the booths of Jimmie Harrison, Orville Tsinnie, Kee Yazzie, and Melanie Kirk-Lente, among others. For avant-garde works, Veronica Poblano and the Gaussoin brothers, David and Wayne, had baubles to delight. Good gold and silver bands were on view at Norbert Peshlakai’s booth.