American Indian art

Last weekend’s Heard Museum Indian Market and Guild Fair in Phoenix took place under sunny skies and a balmy 81 degree temperature. The event was well-attended, although the quiet buzz among artist participants was worry over the effects of the economy. Fine and decorative art sales usually suffer when the economy is perceived as weakened. The jewelers told me how the price of silver and gold and other precious materials had gone up, and their dilemma was whether to pass on these costs in raised prices or not. Having attended the Fair last year, I didn’t see a too appreciably obvious rise in prices, but this trend has to have had an effect on consumers.

Nothing stopped us collectors who swarmed the sidewalks of Central Ave prior to the opening of the gates. I sprinted to my favorite jeweler’s booth and had first choice of two delectable Navajo silver and stone bracelet cuffs. My favorite clothing designers, Virginia Ballinger-Yazzie (Navajo) and Tammy Beauvais (Iroquois), had a blanket coat and shawl just waiting for me. Serious buying completed, I could relax and enjoy the fair and the many friends and acquaintances encountered. If you want to see the result of one collector’s infatuation and determination to learn how to buy well, check out this book: Southwest Silver Jewelry.

I’m going on hiatus for a week. My destination is Phoenix, Arizona, now fully recovered from its Superbowl hospitality. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Heard Museum Indian Market and Guild Fair, always held on the first weekend in March. An important venue for the sale of American Indian art, like the famous Santa Fe Indian Market, this event draws general enthusiasts, tourists, and dedicated collectors like me. 650 of the best Indian artists in North America gather to sell an array of delectable arts and crafts.

American Indian art draws much appreciation and canny speculation. One of its joys is that you can find quality arts in a wide spectrum of price ranges, from extremely high end to surprisingly affordable. Indian art is also a good collectible investment. I have bracelets and inlay jewelry I bought nearly fifteen years ago that have quadrupled in market value. Pre-1950 Navajo and Pueblo bracelets are almost impossible to find in the antique marketplace, so today’s artists are making their own tributes to their elders’ work. I’m on the hunt for at least two of these contemporary creations, especially since prices are rising fast as demand grows. I’ll let you know later next week how my quest turns out…