2009 Prescott Indian Art Market

PRESCOTT, Ariz. - A special demonstration of the unique glass-blowing skills of Hopi artist Ramson Lomatewama has been added to the attractions for the 12th Annual Prescott Indian Art Market set for Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12 on the tree-shaded grounds of the Sharlot Hall Museum.

Lomatewama, a Hopi poet, jeweler, traditional-style katsina doll carver, stained glass artist, and glass blower, will demonstrate the art of creating glass katsinas and other traditional Hopi ceramics executed in glass. The remarkable works that he creates will be offered for sale during the weekend.

Lomatewama discovered glass blowing while teaching Hopi Culture at the Rockwell Museum in Corning, N.Y. in the late 1990s. He subsequently trained with world-renown glass artist Chihuly. Respectful of Hopi tradition that restricts males from working in clay, Lomatewama saw glass-blowing as a way to express his fascination with Hopi pottery. He began creating blown glass pottery before adding glass katsinas to his body of work.

The market features both traditional and contemporary works of art, including distinctive jewelry, exquisite ceramics, sculpture, hand-woven baskets and blankets. An all-Indian artist jury chooses participants on the basis of quality in both traditional and contemporary styles.

The 2009 Featured Artist is Upton Ethelbah Jr., also known as Greyshoes. Ethelbah is an award-winning stone and bronze sculptor renown for his flowing and stylized figures. Ethelbah draws from his Santa Clara Pueblo and White Mountain Apache heritage in creating his amazing pieces.

Stroll among demonstrators of American Indian weaving, katsina carving, silversmithing and the making of baskets.

The Children's Art Experience offers participants a workshop with leading American Indian artists (space limited; sign-up required, $2 fee). Entertainment by Native American dancers, singers, and musicians is featured in the Amphitheater. Also popular is the Navajo fry bread.

Hours for rhe Prescott Indian Art Market are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission to the market is $3 for members; $5 for non-members; children under 18 free.

The Sharlot Hall Museum is located in the heart of downtown Prescott, two blocks west of the Courthouse Plaza at 415 W. Gurley Street.

For more information call (928) 445-3122 or visit the Museum's Web site at www.sharlot.org.