The 2023 Art Market and Juried Show, presented by Akwesasne Travel, brought nearly 1500 community members and visitors to Generations Park on Sunday, July 2 for a vibrant showcase of the arts. Heat and humidity did not dampen spirits, as attendees eagerly experienced phenomenal art works, live performances, and demonstrations throughout the day.

“Thankfully, the weather cooperated and we had a great turnout. It was an amazing day,” said Penny Peters, Akwesasne Travel manager. “We are so appreciative of the artists, performers, vendors, sponsors, and volunteers. Every single person who helped make this event happen deserves a huge thank you!”

The 2023 Best in Show prize was awarded to Karen Francis of Akwesasne for her handcrafted, beaded cradleboard, “Leo’s Pad.” Francis also won first place in the Beadwork and Quillwork category.

Jurors had their work cut out for them as some 52 artists submitted nearly 80 works across 12 categories, including a praiseworthy youth division. “Our artists raised the bar with this year’s show,” said Akwesasne Travel’s LaToya Rourke. “We had so many positive comments from visitors excited to experience Mohawk art and culture. It was a great way to show people the kinds of experiences Akwesasne Travel offers.”

Major sponsors of the Akwesasne Art Market & Juried Show include Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort, NCCS, Boralex, CKON Radio and the Akwesasne Communication Society, CAA Management, and Ontario Power Generation. Akwesasne Travel wishes to thank all the volunteers, organizers, and Tribal programs and departments who helped make this event a great success!

Juried Show results:

Best In Show, sponsored by Akwesasne Travel

Karen Francis

2D Painting, sponsored by the Family of Gray’s Homestead Farm

First place: Victoria Ransom

Second place: Bruce Boots

2D Mixed Media, 2D Abstract, sponsored by Mohawk Council of Akwesasne

First place: Kit Thomas

Second place: Ron Jacobs

New Media, sponsored by Alcoa

First place: Crystal Henry

Second place: Sabrina Sunday and Leslee Loran

Cultural Diverse Art, sponsored by CAA Management

First place: Brenda Garrow

Second place: Karennotakies Barnes

Beadwork and Quillwork, sponsored by Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort

First place: Karen Francis

Second place: Brenda Garrow

Contemporary Clothing and Accessories

First place, sponsored by Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort: Kaiahtenhtas Thompson

Second place, sponsored by Treetop Boutique: Shannon David

Fancy Baskets, sponsored by Bear’s Den Charitable Foundation

First place: Carrie Hill

Second place: Delia Terrance

Utility Baskets

First place, sponsored by Akwesasne Travel: Louis Gray

Second place, In Memory of Joseph Louis Peters: Jack Johnson

Pottery, Sculpture, Carving, Woodwork

First place, sponsored by Akwesasne Travel: Katsitsionni Fox

Second place, In Memory of Joseph and Isabel Rourke: Roger Perkins

2D Drawing, sponsored by Akwesasne Travel

First place: Vaughn Phillips

Second place: Victoria Ransom

Traditional Wear, sponsored by Akwesasne Travel

First place: Tsiahawi Perkins

Second place: Marlana Thompson Baker

Quilts & Wovens, sponsored by CKON

First place: Elisha King

Second place: Renee Adams

Youth Division, sponsored by CKON Radio

First place, age 6-12: Tsienenhariio Swamp

Second place, age 6-12: Kaleb Twobulls

First place, age 13-17: Ansley Hill

Second place, age 13-17 River Rourke

Judge’s Choice Awards, sponsored by Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe

1. Yvette White
2. Waverli Thompson
3. Kelly & Tyson Back
4. Anna “Dodie” Thompson
5. Kaiahtenhtas Thompson

 

About Akwesasne Travel:

Akwesasne Travel is the official Destination Marketing and Management Organization (DMMO) for the Mohawk community of Akwesasne. We are based within the Office of Economic Development of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe located in Akwesasne, New York on the U.S.-Canada border. Akwesasne Travel offers cultural tours featuring hands-on experiences in the ancient arts of traditional wooden lacrosse stick making, splint basketry, and herbal medicines. Our museum and cultural center tours explore the past, present, and future of the Mohawk and Haudenosaunee through storytelling, art, and artifacts. Akwesasne Travel has been named Tribal Destination of the Year by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association, and is a recipient of the New York State Tourism Industry Association’s 2023 Tourism Excellence Award.

www.akwesasne.travel

Contact Akwesasne Travel at (518) 358-4238 or info@akwesasne.travel.

Akwesasne Travel—proudly sharing the Mohawk spirit through cultural tourism initiatives.