Native Arts Expo

Native American artists from a variety of fields will come together to showcase their talents and educate the general public on the broad scope of Native American artistic expression, including the struggles they face as modern native peoples and professionals. Featuring traditional and modern storytelling and poetry, musical performances, basket weaving and a host of art and craft vendors, the expo will serve to expose both artists with traditional and contemporary indigenous perspectives. There will also be panel discussions on the challenges surrounding Native American identity, authenticity, and trademarking as well as the issue of Native artists who do not work in traditional styles struggling to gain recognition and legitimacy for their work. Traditional or not, the majority of Native Americans living today are dealing with disenfranchised tribes, cultural genocide and loss of ancestral teachings for the younger generations. Through creative expression and sharing these issues are brought to light in the art and voices of the people who are living here and now, redefining what it means to be Native American by their own terms.

There will also be a picnic style dinner that will feature pit cooked steak served with greens, acorn mush and beans. Suggested donation of $15 will be shared with the cooks and benefit the Global Harmony Series.  Guests are encouraged to bring dishes to share as well.

The complete schedule is available here. To purchase tickets online, visit Brown Paper Tickets.

There is also a special concert by Twice As Good, the Native American father/son Blues Duo who will perform in the JAMI Amphitheater at 8 p.m. after the Exp.