Indian Market News From Blue Rain Gallery

Jun 20, 2008

Contact: Denise Phetteplace
Phone: 505-954-9902
E-mail: denise@blueraingallery.com
Images available on request

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SANTA FE, N.M. (June 20, 2008) — Blue Rain Gallery’s participation in this year’s Indian Market (August 23–24) is broader than ever before, with artist receptions and demonstrations taking place from Wednesday through Saturday. A number of notable new artists will join perennial stars like potter-sculptor Tammy Garcia, glass artist Preston Singletary, and painter Tony Abeyta to offer an expanded vision of fine contemporary Native American art.

• Artist receptions begin Wednesday, August 20, with a show at 5 p.m. showcasing paintings by Felix Vigil, Norma Howard, and David Bradley as well as pottery by Yellowbird Samora and mixed-media wall art by Sarah Sense.

• On Thursday, August 21, the 5 p.m. show will feature sculpture by Tammy Garcia, who was presented with the 2008 Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts—a rare honor for an artist in mid-career. Paintings by Hyrum Joe and Mateo Romero (the latter selected by the Market as its 2008 poster artist) will also be featured, along with pottery by Al Qoyawayma, beadwork by Sandra Okuma, dolls and beadwork by Jamie Okuma, and jewelry by Maria Samora.

• On Friday morning, August 22, a preview of pottery by Tammy Garcia, Les Namingha, and Richard Zane Smith will be held from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., followed by a lottery for purchasing the pieces. Because these artists’ work is so much in demand, the lottery ensures fairness and impartiality in making the art available to buyers.

• That evening at 5 p.m., an artist reception and show will present glass sculpture by Preston Singletary, paintings by Tony Abeyta, and jewelry by Larry Vasquez.

• Throughout the day on Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., demonstrations of glass blowing by Preston Singletary and bronze patina techniques by bronzesmiths will take place.

Tammy Garcia’s grandmother and teacher, Mary Cain of Santa Clara Pueblo, will be awarded SWAIA’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her significant lifelong contributions to the traditional art of pottery. Cain’s Indian name, Blue Rain, was the inspiration for the gallery’s name, which honors her role as a matriarch of Santa Clara’s Tafoya clan and her influence on many generations of potters.

Blue Rain Gallery has signed on as an official sponsor of Indian Market, the first time a gallery has done so, to bring owner Leroy Garcia’s marketing expertise and passion for Native arts into the mix in a more prominent and supportive role.

About Blue Rain Gallery:
Blue Rain Gallery is committed to promoting work of the finest contemporary Native American and regional contemporary artists. The gallery features an extraordinary collection of pueblo pottery, paintings, sculpture and bronze, glass art, and Southwest jewelry. Blue Rain Gallery is located at 130 Lincoln Avenue, Suite D, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501. Phone: 505-954-9902. For more information, visit the Blue Rain Gallery Web site at