The history of traders and trading posts in the American Southwest has had a profound effect on the development of contemporary American Indian art, which reflects a unique blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation.

Join the husband and wife team of Joe and Cindy Tanner, members of a trading-post family dynasty, as we visit historic and contemporary trading posts throughout northwestern New Mexico. This educational tour sheds light on the social and economic relationships that have developed between artists and traders and will introduce you to some of the most recognized American Indian artists in their fields today—from Navajo rug weavers and sand painters to Pueblo silversmiths and fetish carvers.

Learn about the history of traders and trading posts in the northern Southwest from the mid-1800s to present

Discover how traders and trading have influenced the development of various forms of Navajo and Pueblo Indian art

Explore the cultural and economic impacts of the American Indian art trade on native peoples

Discuss the future of the American Indian art trade in the twenty-first century

 

Scholars

Joe and Cindy Tanner are among the best-known American Indian art traders in the Southwest. Joe is a fourth-generation "old-school" trader and a leading authority on turquoise, with a private collection that includes one of the finest assemblages of natural turquoise in the world. He and Cindy are passionate about cultivating local native talent and have helped advance the careers of some of the most recognizable names in Southwest Indian art. Both are heavily involved in the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Art Show held each year in Gallup, New Mexico; Joe currently serves as head judge in this prestigious juried event.

In addition, we will be joined regularly by a variety of American Indian artists.

Summary Itinerary

A detailed itinerary is available in the program brochure (PDF). Itinerary subject to change.

Note: All trading post tours include visits with American Indian artists, including weavers, painters, fetish carvers, jewelers, sculptors, and sand painters. There will be opportunities for leisurely discussions with the scholars and artists and plenty of time to purchase works of art.

Sunday, June 13
Arrival in Farmington, New Mexico; introduction (D)

Monday, June 14
Farmington Museum, Fifth Generation Trading Company, Hatch Brothers Trading Post (B, L, D)

Tuesday, June 15
Navajo Reservation: Shiprock, Two Grey Hills Trading Post, Gallup (B, L, D)

Wednesday, June 16
Zuni Pueblo: Zuni art and artists (including Leekya family fetish carvers), Our Lady of Guadalupe Church (Seowtewa mural) (B, L, D)

Thursday, June 17
Tanner private gallery; Richardson's, Shush Yaz, and Ellis Trading companies (meet Navajo painter and Living Treasure Chester Kahn, creator of "Circle of Light") (B, L, D)

Friday, June 18
Gallup trading posts: Your choice, plus Tsaya Trading Post en route to Farmington (B, L, D)

Saturday, June 19
Departure from Farmington (B)

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner