The Guild’s American Indian Student Art Show & Sale is an annual event that is celebrating its 23rd year. Each year, American Indian students from tribes across the U.S. are invited to submit their artwork to the Guild’s annual American Indian Student Art Show & Sale. The Show features a vast array of traditional and fine art – katsina dolls, pottery, baskets, jewelry, beadwork, weavings, paintings and sculpture – as well as unique contemporary pieces in creative mediums. In recent years, more than 1,000 pieces from some 650 artists representing dozens of tribes in at least a dozen states have been received.

Each creation is priced by the student and made available for sale during the Show. Proceeds from the Show & Sale are returned to the students and also support grants and scholarships.

The goal is to give emerging young artists a venue that will allow their talents to be shown and recognized, often for the first time. Many professional artists got their start at this annual event.

Donations to the Student Art Fund are always welcome and donors can be sure that their donations are for a worthy cause: scholarships for Native American students. Click here to make a donation. If you prefer, you may send a check--made out to the Heard Museum Guild Student Art Fund--to Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004.

Schedule for the 2012 Student Art Show & Sale:

• Meet the Artists Sneak Preview – Friday, March 30, 2012 (Museum Members Only)
• Opening Night Reception - Friday, March 30, 2012 (Museum Members Only)
• Sales of Artwork - Friday, March 30, 2012 (Including Silent Auctions and Raffle Drawings) (Museum Members Only)
• Saturday, March 31, 2012 through Monday, April 2, 2012 (Public Welcome)

Student Art is Judged

Each entry is judged by a panel of passionate and knowledgeable art scholars including professional artists, college professors, curators and collectors. First, second, third, and honorable mention ribbons are awarded in each of thirteen art categories in two divisions. Best of division, best of show, and other special ribbons are also awarded. Each ribbon winner receives a cash prize. In recent years, the total amount awarded to student winners has averaged over $4,000.

Scholarships

American Indian high school seniors who have applied to a college or other post-secondary institution and who are participating in the Guild’s current American Indian Student Art Show & Sale are eligible to apply for a Guild Scholarship. Scholarships are awarded in varying amounts with a maximum award of $1,250 to each scholarship winner. Written applications for the scholarship must accompany the art work being entered in the current Show.

Note Cards

The Guild's American Indian Student Scholarships are funded through the sale of Note Cards. Each year, a set of cards is produced using images of the art created by the student artists participating in the Guild's annual American Indian Student Art Show. Click here to see the selection of Notecards currently available.

Grants

Teachers, whose students have entered work in the Guild’s current American Indian Student Art Show, are eligible to apply for grants to purchase equipment, materials and/or supplies for their school’s art program. Grants may vary in size with a maximum of $500.00 per grant and one grant per school.