Art Market Inspires & Grows in its Third Year

AKWESASNE — (Seskéha/August 6, 2024) Promising a celebration of spectacular Mohawk art and a rich Indigenous cultural experience, the Akwesasne Art Market and Juried Show did not disappoint. The event, proudly presented by Akwesasne Travel, was held July 6 at Generations Park in the heart of the Mohawk community.

“By all measures, this year’s Art Market and Juried Show was an enormous success,” said Dwayne Thomas, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s director of economic development. “A number of artists and vendors said this event was their best ever,” he said. “It was very well organized, and everyone seemed to be in great spirits all day.”

In only its third year, the arts and culture event attracted some 2500 attendees from the Akwesasne community, neighboring counties in Northern New York and Southern Ontario, as well as several states.

“It’s a testament to the growth of Akwesasne as a vibrant cultural tourism destination,” said Thomas. “We invited the public to experience our culture and celebrate the tremendous talent of our people, and they responded very positively. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

The crowd was treated to Haudenosaunee social dance songs performed by the Native North American Traveling College travel troupe, as well as exciting performances of smoke dancing and hoop dancing. More than 50 vendors and food trucks took part in the outdoor market.

The Juried Art Show featured nearly 70 pieces of art across 12 categories, from traditional splint basketry to contemporary clothing and accessories. A four-person jury, comprising experts of Indigenous art creation, curation and education, spent a day reviewing and critiquing submissions to determine the winners. Winners were announced during an awards presentation on the morning of July 6.

The Best of Show prize winner was Kelly Back, co-owner of Fire Loom Creations along with her husband, Tyson Back. Together they created a stunning loom-beaded belt depicting elements of the Ohénton Kariwahtékwen, the traditional Haudenosaunee greeting to the Natural World, popularly known as the Thanksgiving Address. The 8-ft.-long showstopper has been acquired by the Akwesasne Cultural Center Museum for its permanent collection.

“Our creation has a new home,” said Kelly Back in a social media post. “This was my dream for this piece–to have it at our local museum where our kids, grandkids, and great grandkids can always go visit!”

The Cultural Center is planning a public display for the belt.

Elisha King demonstrates finger weaving. Jaiden Mitchell photo

The event featured demonstrations of traditional foods, wooden lacrosse stick netting, log pounding, and basket making. Elisha King, winner in the Cultural Diverse Art category, said she appreciated the chance to share the art of finger weaving. “I forget that not everyone is familiar with weaving or is aware that it’s a practice that needs to be revitalized in Akwesasne,” said King. “It was a really fun opportunity to share this practice in person.”

Special thanks to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Alcohol/Chemical Dependency Program for organizing this year’s Youth Art Show, encouraging creativity and nurturing the confidence of emerging artists of Akwesasne.

Over $11,000 in prize money was awarded to the Juried Show winners.

Sponsors included North Country Colocation Services, AECON, Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort, Boralex, Alcoa, 97.3 CKON, Bear’s Den Charitable Foundation, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council, and Adirondack Experience–The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake. Akwesasne Travel received generous contributions from the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Akwesasne Convenience Store Association, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, and SeaComm Federal Credit Union.

“We extend our gratitude to the many artists, vendors, sponsors, partners, volunteers, tribal staff, and our emcee who came together for the Art Market,” said Thomas. “They all contributed to the success and growth of the event. We look forward to doing more events together.”

2024 winners:

Best of Show

Kelly Back

Loom beaded belt, “Ohenton Kariwahtékwen”

Sponsored by Boralex

New Media

First Place: Garrison Garrow, “The River Before I Was Born”

Second Place: Marjorie Skidders, “Kastowa”

Sponsored by Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council

Cultural Diverse Art

First Place: Elisha King, Woven sash, “Ohonte’shòn:’a Iethirihónnien–The Plants Teach Us”

Second Place: Karennotakies Barnes, “Lake Couture”

Sponsored by Boralex

“The Embrace” by Natasha Thompson
Jaiden Mitchell photo

Beadwork & Quillwork

First Place: Natasha Thompson, “The Embrace”

Second Place: Kaiahtenhtas Thompson, “Fragments of Creation”

Sponsored by Adirondack Experience-The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake

Contemporary Clothing & Accessories

First Place: Kiera Pyke, “Night Out”

Second Place: Kay Lynn Adams, “Wampum and Florals”

Sponsored by Boralex

2D Drawing

First Place: Vaughn Phillips, “Out of the Darkness”

Second Place: Natasha Thompson, “Netha”

Sponsored by Boralex

Traditional Wear

First Place: Teio Elijah, “She Makes it Beautiful”

Second Place: Isabella Thompson, “Good Intentions”

Sponsored by Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council

“The Gentle Jelly,” Carrie Hill

Quilts & Wovens

First Place: Iakonikonriiostha, “Sken:nen Tsiotasawe”

Second Place: Lynell Oakes-Cook, “New Day-Wenhniseráse’stsi”

Sponsored by Boralex

Youth Art Show

Ages 6-11

First Place: Jameson Bigtree, “Everything”

Second Place: Kashonnahawe Thompson, “Graduation Mocs 2024”

Ages 12-17

First Place: Kaleb Two Bulls, “Athere Ietsi’tsiararakhwa”

Second Place: Ansley Hill, “Smart Set: Rez Edition”