Our History

Origins:

In 1956, thirty women came together and agreed to form an Auxilliary to the Heard Museum. The main purpose of this group would be to support the mission of the Heard Museum in its efforts to "educate the public about the heritage, living cultures and art of native peoples."  In addition, the organization would help publicize the museum, plan social events, conduct guided tours and prepare traveling exhibits for local schools.On a less lofty plane, the group agreed to handle the typing as well!  Founding President, Helen Shackelford, summed up the role of Heard Guild  volunteers then and now by saying : "Much needed doing, and we did it."

Important Milestones:

In 1958 the Heard Board gave the auxilliary $2,000. to start a Gift Shop.  With artists such as Charles Loloma, Grace Medicine Flower, Larry Golsh supplying tempting artwork, the seed money was quickly repaid , and an additional $1400  profit was also presented to the Board. In 1958 the first Indian Fair was conceived. It included  the fun of llama rides and hot dogs; as well as  educational demonstrations by Ida Redbird, Pee Posh, and Fred Kaboti, Hopi. Then in 1968 the Heard Guild Arts & Crafts Exhibit was created as a juried competition with early winners such as R.C. Gorman, Navajo, for painting and Adam and Santana Martinez, San Indelfonso, for pottery. Together, the early Fair and the Arts & Crafts Show form the basis of our current Indian Fair & Market.