Pueblo Grande Museum Celebrates Its 45th Annual Indian Market, Dec. 10 and 11

This year’s featured artist is Dwayne Manuel (Onk Akimel O’odham) from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. In 2010, Manuel received his Bachelor’s degree of Fine Art from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico and his Masters of Fine Art from the University of Arizona School of Art in 2014. Manuel is known for his use of aerosol aesthetics in his art and installation pieces. He blends his use of this contemporary medium with imagery that honors his O’odham heritage and culture.

Manuel has exhibited his work at many galleries and museums around the country and has completed commissioned art for Nike, Salt River Courts, Children’s Museum Tucson, The New Arizona Prize, and The Cheyenne River Youth Project.

The annual two-day event draws nearly 2,500 art supporters and enthusiasts who come to shop their favorite collections, peruse from vendors, and watch traditional and contemporary performances and cultural demonstrations. In addition to Native American art vendors, the Indian Market will feature a main stage with entertainment provided by five-time world hoop dancing champion Tony Duncan, traditional Akimel O’odham basket dancers, and musical performances from bands Artificial Red (Randy Kemp) and One Way Sky from the Gila River Indian Community. Tribal Royalty will also be in attendance and the Ira H. Hayes American Legion Post 84 will post and retire colors on each day of the festival.  

The event is family friendly featuring the Ki:Him (O’odham word for village) where visitors can engage in many hands-on activities. Some of these activities are especially suited to children of all ages. These activities include learning how to use an authentic bow and arrow; an atlatl to throw spears; creating a clay pot; making a beaded bracelet; incising a petroglyph, making paper masks; painting miniature gourds; learning how to hoop dance and more. Visitors will also be able to watch traditional Hopi piki bread being made and taste it when it’s finished. Guests will also be able to taste cooked tepary beans and juices made from native fruits.

Each day the market will be open from 9 a.m. to 4​​ p.m. It is free to Indigenous people, active and retired military personnel, Friends of Pueblo Grande Museum members, children ages twelve and younger, and both police and fire personnel.

The Pueblo Grande Museum would like to thank Casino Arizona, Arizona Humanities, and Arizona Commission on the Arts. Each year, this event brings together people who are passionate about Native American Arts, Crafts and Culture, historic preservation and archaeology.   

Event Details

• What:  45th Annual Indian Market
• Where:  Pueblo Grande Museum, 4619 E. Washington Street
• When:  Saturday, Dec. 10 – Sunday, Dec. 11
• Time:  9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cost:  $5 (Entrance to museum included), free for Indigenous people, active and retired military personnel, Friends of Pueblo Grande Museum members, children ages twelve and younger, and police and fire service personnel.