Albuquerque - It’s Albuquerque’s oldest trading post, opened in 1907. Now, 100 years later, and with just one change of ownership, Wright’s Indian Art is marking its Centennial Anniversary with a gala weekend-long celebration scheduled for October 12, 13, and 14th, 2007. The event coincides with the final weekend of Balloon Fiesta, and everyone – young and old, resident or visitor, art collector or curious bystander – is invited to participate in what is sure to be the block party of this century!!

Friday evening’s Opening Reception will begin with a blessing ceremony by a Navajo medicine man and a welcome from Native American dignitaries. Native American flute music and singers will provide a fitting backdrop for a silent auction of commissioned works that will benefit three local Native-American organizations: 

·        Institute of American Indian Arts – the Santa Fe-based premier art school for Native-American artists.

·        Artists of Indian America – Albuquerque-based cultural, educational, performance-based interactive workshops at Native reservation schools.

·        Morning Star House – an Albuquerque community-service agency that provides social services to urban Indian women and children.

On Saturday and Sunday, an Outdoor Indian Art Market will feature stellar Native artists including Navajo jeweler Shane Henderson, 2007 IACA (Indian Arts & Crafts Association) Artist of the Year; celebrated Jemez Pueblo sculptor Adrian Wall; Isleta potter Caroline Carpio; and Navajo/Greek jeweler Naveek.  All artists will be present to sell their art and chat with buyers. As part of the entertainment: Navajo Traditional Dancers, the Women’s Healing Dance, flute music by Adrian Wall and songs in Native languages by Bonnie Jo Hunt, who will sign copies of her books and CD’s. And of course there’s delectable Native food, to be enjoyed by all.

We invite all of Albuquerque to join Wrights’ Indian Art for this historic occasion…and set the gallery on the road to the next 100 years!