Ohi:yo’ Art Market
Ohi:yo’ Art Market
Celebrate the vibrant work of Native American artists May 3rd
Art has always been a powerful way to tell stories, preserve heritage, and celebrate identity. On Saturday, May 3rd from 10:00am-5:00pm, the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum will bring those traditions to life as it hosts its first annual art market in the event center of the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino, located at 777 Seneca Allegany Boulevard in Salamanca. The Ohi:yo’ Art Market will showcase the vibrant work of Native American artists from across North America in a juried show that is free and open to the public.
Hayden Haynes, director of the Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center, is looking forward to this year’s Ohi:yo’ Art Market, as last year’s inaugural event was a huge success. The market will include 50 to 60 Native American artists, said Haynes, who explained the jury process: “People had to apply and send their work samples to a committee of jurors who reviewed all the work samples and applications and invited the final group of people to take part in this event.”
The art show will feature many different mediums, and a $7,000 prize will be awarded to the winner of “Best of Show.” First, second, and third place will also be awarded in each category. Last year’s categories included Basketry; Beadwork/Quillwork; Cultural Items; Innovative Arts; Jewelry; Paintings, Drawings, and Photography; Pottery; Sculpture; and Weavings and Textiles. For photos and a complete list of last year’s winners, visit https://www.senecamuseum.org/ohiyo-art-market/.
Haynes was pleased to share the return of the family makerspace, Dwahšönih, which offers visitors a place at the Ohi:yo’ Art Market to learn directly from cultural arts practitioners in direct hands-on ways. Haynes said, “In this year's lineup, basket weavers Tonia Galban and Holly John will share a sunflower weaving project. Bernadette Scott and Mason Jones will have a collaborative cornhusk braiding activity. Marissa Manitowabi will share traditional fibers and cordage making techniques. Andrea Spako will serve up delicious treats with beans, and onëö’gë:n. Kids will be able to work with clay alongside potter Cami Jones and get to prepare hides with Jodi Maracle. Courtlyn Jones and Cheryl Graham will offer language-learning and plant-centered activities in our infant space. Lauren Jimerson and Ionawiienhawi Sargent will have a visual arts-based activity for all ages.”
Art in all forms will be celebrated at the Ohi:yo’ Art Market, including horticulture, dance and film. “The Seneca Nation Gakwi:yo:h Farms are going to be on site again doing their flowers and seed sale,” said Haynes. “We’ll have our social in the middle of the day, where we have Hodínöhšö:ni:h singers do a short social dancing and a few songs.”
New this year, the art market will feature a special screening of the film, “Seeds” by Mohawk actress, writer and director Kaniehtiio Horn. Haynes noted that Horn will be present for the screening, which will be followed by a Q&A session. “Seeds” shares the story of main character "Ziggy (Horn), [who] is offered her first gig as an online influencer, promoting for Nature’s Oath, a seed and fertilizer company. When her cousin summons her back to the rez, she is forced into a battle to save her people’s legacy, finding her power along the way.” (Rotten Tomatoes). To register and reserve your free seat at the screening, visit https://forms.office.com/g/8v3kh9F7kA.
For more information about the Ohi:yo’ Art Market, visit https://www.senecamuseum.org/ohiyo-art-market/ or follow the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum on social media.
