May 11th, 2024 marked the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum’s (SINM), first Ohi:yo’ Art Market! After months of hard work and planning the SINM museum staff was relieved to not only pull off the event, but to witness it be a success! Nya:weh to all the artists, volunteers, and visitors who celebrated today’s Native Artists at the inaugural Ohi:yo’ Art Market.
Missed the inaugural event? Celebrate the talents of many of the 2024 participating artists by visiting the Ohi:yo’ Art Market page. Read on below, for an exclusive ‘behind-the-scenes’ look from the inagural Ohi:yo’ Art Market.
The Art Competition:
While the Art Market took place on May 11th, most artists arrived the day before to enter their favorite pieces into the Ohi:yo’ Art Market’s Art Competition. The Competition allowed for artists to enter up to three of their original pieces. Artists names and tribal affiliations were held confidential as three professional judges thoroughly made their selections of winning art pieces for 9 different categories plus the ‘Best in Show’ and ‘Jurors Award’. After hours of meticulous judgement the winning pieces were ready to go ‘on exhibit’.
That evening an Artist’s Reception was held. Speeches and thanks were shared as artists, families, and friends enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and good company. After the final speech was made the curtain ‘dropped’ to unveil the winning pieces. People wandered the winning gallery in awe and inspiration of the pieces, congratulating and learning from the respective artists along the way.
The Art Market:
The Ohi:yo’ Art Market ran from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday May 11, 2024 at the beautiful and spacious Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino.
The main attraction was of course the vendors. The 2024 Market hosted nearly 50 artists as vendors. With Artists traveling far and wide there was an astonishing amount of diversity in the art represented. There truly was so much to look at and learn about from each vendor while shopping around the Market.
In addition to the vendors, the Ohi:yo’ Art Market was complete with concessions, educational booths from Seneca Nation of Indians Fish and Wildlife and Language Departments, Smoke Dancing, and ‘Dwahšönih’ family pop-up area.
Take a peek at the gallery below to see examples of the set-up at the Ohi:yo’ art market!
Smoke Dancing was held at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.. During the second performance the singers urged the community to join in for a social dance!
The ‘Dwahšönih’ family area was also a delight! Designed by CRNY artist Marissa Manitowabi, the ‘Dwahšönih’ family pop-up event was fixed with a gift shop (anchored by Courtlyn Jones), a play area, and plenty of family-fun creative activities! Visitors were encouraged to practice their own creativity through a community painting project with artist Lauren Jimerson, a quilt sewing project with artist Kira Bloxsom, and cornhusk flower making with artist Bernadette Scott. Visitors could also enjoy delicious corn mush and play with seed art at the ‘Traditional Foods and Agriculture’ booth with Angela Ferguson and learn more about basketry from artist Holly John.
Of course we had to join the community in such fun! Check out our additions to the ‘Dwahšönih’ family area below!
Quiltng Step 1- Design.
Quilting step 2- Sew.
Quilting step 3- add to the community!
A silly space squid joins the community painting project!
Seed art with Angela Ferguson.
Hearts because the community is our family!
Bernadette was a kind and personable instructor, providing guidance in making beautiful corn husk flowers!
Nya:weh again to the community and everyone involved in the Ohi:yo’ Art Market. We sincerely hope to see you again next year!
Interested in next year’s Ohi:yo’ Art Market?
Check our Ohi:yo’ Art Market page and follow us on social media for future updates!