Overview
One of Arizona’s most significant cultural events, the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market is a world-acclaimed festival that draws nearly 20,000 visitors and more than 700 of the nation’s most outstanding and successful American Indian artists. The 54th Annual Fair will be held March 3 & 4, 2012, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM at the Heard Museum in Phoenix. The Museum is located at 2301 N. Central Avenue (four blocks north of McDowell Road). This year the Fair is designated an Official Arizona Centennial Event, and we will pay tribute to Arizona’s 21 Indian communities.
Artists
During the Indian Fair and Market, attendees gain unique insight into Native ways and art. The focus of the Fair has been and will always be our American Indian Artists. Jewelry, textiles, sculpture, pottery, paintings, carving, and many more items are available from certified, tribally affiliated American Indian Artists. In addition, all of our Artists and a representative sample of their work have been judged for entry into the Fair.
Every year we select and feature one particular Indian Artist. This year’s Fair Signature Artist is Dan Namingha (Hopi/Tewa). Dan has been showing professionally as an artist for over 40 years, and his painting and sculptures are in museums throughout the world.
Best of Show
A major Fair event is our annual Juried Competition. Submitted works are judged in Jewelry, Pottery, Textiles, Paintings, Wooden Carvings, Basketry, Sculpture, and Diverse Art Forms. The art is judged by respected Native Artists, Museum Curators, Academicians, and Studio Owners before the Fair. All awards are celebrated at our Best of Show Reception on the Friday evening before Fair opening. This year we will award $31,250 in prizes to Best of Show, Best of Classification, Division, 1st and 2nd, and several others.
Cultural Performances and Entertainment
Wonderful cultural performances by tribal groups take place throughout the day in the Heard’s Outdoor Amphitheater. This year we will pay tribute to Arizona’s 21 Indian communities, and we know the performances increase attendee understanding of Arizona’s Indian culture.
Attendees can also enjoy exciting musical performances courtesy of Canyon Records. Entertainers include the R. Carlos Nakai Trio and several established and emerging American Indian musicians.
Food & Beverages
A wide variety of foods are available at the Fair. Indian vendors and tribes offer Indian Fry Bread, Navajo Tacos, Assorted Stews, and Piki Bread. We also have: Roasted Corn; Kettle Corn; Mexican Food; Cajun Food; BBQ Sandwiches and Riblets; Hamburgers and Fries; Fried Fish, Chicken and Shrimp; Gyros and Greek Salads; Roasted Nuts and Jerky; Flavored Shaved Ice; Gelato Ice Cream; and Fresh Cooked Donuts. Soda and water are available from all our vendors and Beverage Only Booths.
Attendees can sit and enjoy their meal and drinks at our Second Stage, where they can hear live entertainment by Canyon Records recording artists. The Second Stage is located near the Food Court on the South side of the Fair Grounds.
Merchandise
Besides the work of our American Indian artists, there are several items available to commemorate your visit to the Fair. Most of the merchandise features works from our Signature Artist Dan Namingha. This year we offer our traditional Posters and T-Shirts as well as other items.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased starting in early January. Advanced tickets are available online, by mail, or by phone up to mid February. They can also be purchased at the Fair.
Planning Your Visit
Planning your visit to the Fair should be simple. If you come by vehicle, ample parking is available along Central Avenue close to the Heard Museum. Light Rail is another convenient way to attend the Fair. If you are coming from out of town, there are several Hotels associated with the Museum. Information about parking is updated often, so please check with our web site before finalizing plans for your visit.
Fair entrance is at Central Avenue and Encanto. Please note that this is the ONLY Fair Entrance.
Reminder: The ENTRANCE to the Fair is ONLY on CENTRAL AVENUE this year.
