About the Student Art Show & Sale

The Guild’s American Indian Art Show & Sale is an annual event that is celebrating its nineteenth year. Invitations are sent to high school and junior high school art teachers, asking them to submit their students’ artwork to the Show. Since many talented young artists are not involved in their school’s art classes and are being mentored, instead, by established artists, a list of these artists is contacted and asked to submit the work of their proteges. 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.

Student Art is Judged

Each entry is judged by a panel of professional artists. First, second, third, and honorable mention ribbons are awarded in each of the following art categories:

Best of division, best of show, and other special ribbons are also awarded. Each ribbon winner also receives a cash prize. In recent years, the total amount awarded to student winners has averaged over $4,000.

Student Artists Sell Their Work

Each creation is priced by the student and made available for sale during the five days the Show is open. In recent years, students have sold pieces ranging in price from $15 to $5,000. The student receives 80% of the price paid. The other 20% remains with the Guild to help (1) fund the students’ cash prizes, (2) defray the costs of the Show, (3) provide school grants for classroom art supplies, and (4) support a workshop for participating student artists.