Native American Art Market

Event Mission & Details

The Navajo Nation is home to world class artists. Through Sa’ah Naagháí Bik’eh Hózhóón we live our culture, create beauty, aspire toward balance, and provide opportunities to enhance and strengthen our artistic, economic, and cultural footprint. Diné College thrives on its ability to merge Diné and Western philosophy and culture in a way that is seamless, accommodating, and innovative. Centrally located in the heart of the Navajo Nation between the Chuska Mountains, Monument Valley, and Canyon de Chelly, Diné College’s main campus is surrounded by pines, lakes, and canyons. We invite visitors to reward themselves with a weekend away from the rapid city life and enjoy the fresh air, clear skies, warm sun, and calm pace. In the evening, enjoy a million-star view with mutton stew. The mission of this event is to:

1) Create a market that will attract Diné and all Native artisans.

2) Provide access to up-and-coming and world-renowned artists to showcase their authentic works of art.

3) Provide a unique experience for attendees that only Diné College can offer, by providing informative workshops that align with the college’s offerings.

This event acknowledges the teachings of our ancestors and all of those at Diné College who embody creativity, endurance, and strategy. This event will happen rain or shine.

Market Dates:

Thursday, May 16th – Receiving Day

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. MDT: Artists drop off artwork for judging at the 4th floor NHC Museum.

Friday, May 17th – Juried Competition & Reception

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. MDT: Juried Competition
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. MDT: Artists will pick up their artwork and ribbons
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. MDT: Reception at the 4th floor NHC Museum
Art Pick-Up (after reception)

Saturday, May 18th – Market Day #1

Art pick-up (early in the morning at the 4th floor NHC Museum)
10:00 a.m. MDT: Event opens
5:00 p.m. MDT: Event closes

Sunday, May 19th – Market Day #2

10:00 a.m. MDT: Event opens
5:00 p.m. MDT: Event closes

Prizes:

Best of Show: $10,000
Best of Youth: $1,000
Aspiration Award (youth category based on quality): $300
Innovative Award (youth category based on uniqueness): $300
Best of Classification (7): $2,500
Honorable Mention for each classification (8): $500
Full-ride Diné College 4-year scholarship for a high school Senior: $60,000
Transferrable full-ride Diné College 4-year scholarship to the School of Arts & Humanities: $60,000

Honorable Mention for each classification (8): $300
Full-ride Diné College 4-year scholarship for a high school Senior: $60,000
Transferrable full-ride Diné College 4-year scholarship to the School of Arts & Humanities: $60,000