A Voice from the Eastern Door
A Voice from the Eastern Door
Many shoppers came out to buy local and support our artists in Akwesasne.
DJ "Lonewolf" White performing with the Spaghetti Corner Boys.
Yvette White doing a live painting demonstration during the "Artisan Showcase".
Caroline Bigtree holding her prize-winning "Grandmother Moon" necklaces.
Glen Swamp working on a black ash basket as a live demonstration.
Artist Victoria Ransom, with the support of her family, was able to participate in this year's "Artisan Showcase" with her newborn son. (L to R) Victoria Ransom holding Wenndell Benedict, Dale Jock and Jace Jock (photobombing).
By: Jaclyn Hall
On Saturday, May 25th, the Travis Solomon Lacrosse Box was filled with Akwesasne's most talented and creative artists. The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe's – Tourism Group organized their second annual "Artisan Showcase" which consisted of approximately 40 different artists.
"This year we invited artists from Akwesasne, but next year we are thinking of inviting artist from all Mohawk Reservations, maybe all of the Haudenosaunee territories. We want this Artisan Showcase to grow to be as big as the Santa Fe Art Market, but we know that takes time. For this year, we added live entertainment. Next year we want to add food vendors, and live music and entertainment," stated organizer, Latoya Rourke.
Doubling the amount of artist vendors since last year's Artisan Showcase is a good indicator that it may not take too long to reach the goal of becoming one of the east coast's biggest art markets. The location is perfect for such an event with a playground right next door and other recreational activities that are available, it gives people of all ages something to enjoy. With graduation season fast approaching, it's a perfect time to get all those last-minute gifts and accessories. Some of the items made available during this year's "Artisan Showcase" were items such as ribbon skirts, shirts, moccasins, beaded jewelry and accessories, quilts, original art work and prints. Hundreds of shoppers came to check out the event. Many vendors sold out before the end of the event, which is a good sign that the event was a huge success.
While many had items and merchandise for sale, a handful of artists conducted live demonstrations throughout the event. Yvette White did a live painting thought the event, Glen Swamp worked on some black ash baskets, Don J White a.k.a. "Lonewolf" performed some original music and Sateiokwen Bucktooth did a tea tasting during the first half of the event.
Some of the artist vendors showcased during this year's annual "Artisan Showcase", were artists like Victoria Ransom, Yvette White, Eileen Montour, Caroline Bigtree, Secora Oakes, Jodie Thompson, SueAnn Swamp, Lisa David, Don J White, Amanda King, Glen Swamp, Vanesa Mira David, Charlotte King, Debbie Ransom, Lorna Smoke, Crystal Henry, Healing Arts and many more.
The event ended with a lot of happy customers and artists and with many looking forward to next year's "Artisan Showcase" and what it may have to offer.
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