Creek, added finishing touches.
And then, a haunting depiction of Chaco Canyon by Joseph Stacey, Hopi/Laguna, sent out an enticing message that Mother Earth is calling out to all of us to protect her.
“It’s to get people thinking of what’s going on at Chaco Canyon,” said Stacey referring to federal efforts to expand mineral drilling in the area.
That’s what RezArtX is all about, explained Montoya.
“We (event organizers and partners) believe in building our communities. We want to do more for our people,” he said.
“I wanted to be a part of it, come out for a good cause and help fundraise for Rezilience,” said Bowen.
“I love to engage the community. It’s an honor to be here,” added Cloud Face.
“With all the things that are going on in the world, we need to celebrate Hózho. We need to celebrate how much we love and care for each other,” said co-organizer Shawna Sunrise, Dine/ Santo Domingo.
Sunrise, a traditional weaver and filmmaker, has solid roots in organizing. Her late father, Bill Sunrise, was the long-time voice of the Indian National Rodeo Finals powwow.
“I’m taking on the legacy of what my father did,” said Sunrise.
RezArtX is a two-day event, April 29-30, this year; expanded from last year’s one-day art experience.
It’s taking place at the Nation- al Hispanic Cultural Center located at 1701 Fourth Street.
An indigenous music concert begins at 6:30 p.m. on the April 29 right after the Gathering’s closing ceremonies.
Then, RezArtX picks up early Sunday morning on April 30 with a Rio Rez Fun Run on the Bosque, followed with day- long events-more live art, art installations, poetry readings, workshops, film screenings, printmaking, fashion show, and much more.
Montoya said RezArtX is all about how art can inspire community building in urban neighborhoods and on tribal lands.
Featured art activities include a drop-in printmaking workshop with textile artist Melissa Cody, Diné, and master printmaker Jacob Meders, Mechoopda Maidu; a social justice exhibition; a hands-on project with Jodie Herrera, Native/Hispanic descent, that looks at what’s missing in com- munities and how those gaps can be filled; along with lots of children’s art activities.
Montoya said building indigenous art connections reaped partnerships with numerous organizations- Heard Museum, Institute for American Indian. Arts, Harwood Art Center, NDN Craft, Wings of America, Immastar Productions, and Pueblo of Santa Ana Department of Natural Resources.
“We’re focused on working with others,” said Montoya, who envisions RezArtX as a national and international event in coming years.
Sunrise said that participating in RezArtX is a great way to support indigenous art, keep the Gathering weekend going a little longer and have an awesome time.
“We hope everyone from the Navajo Nation and surrounding areas come out,” she said.
Entry costs $10 and children under 7 free with an accompanying adult.
The proceeds of Friday’s art auction help cover some of RezArtX expenses. Contemporary and traditional indigenous artists, musicians, singers, and dancers are invited to share their talents.
For information and application, visit rezartx.com.
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES | COLLEEN KEANE
Like other artists at the “Fun-raiser”, Vanessa Bowen, Diné, donated her time and talent to help raise funds for the expanded RezArtX coming up April 29-30 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES I COLLEEN KEANE
This striking black and white reflection of a native elder by George Alexander, Muscogee Creek, was one of several original pieces of work auc- tioned off during the “Fun-raiser” for the 2017 RezArtX April 29-30.
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES | COLLEEN KEANE
Designing wearable art is one way Laguna Pueblo potter Josephine Seymour is branching out her work. Seymour was one of several artists who participated in the RezArtX “Fun-raiser” last Friday.