ZUNI, NM (Nov. 30, 2023) — This year’s Emerging Artist Apprenticeship program at the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project came to a close this fall, and to commemorate the occasion, ZYEP offered an exciting new opportunity for the art students. It hosted a Fall Youth Arts Market at Ho’n A:wan Park on Saturday, Nov. 10 from 1 to 6 p.m.
Eleven youth artists ages 16-24 showcased and sold their work at the market, which included paintings, prints, traditional and contemporary pottery, traditionally sewn clothing and apparel, woven sash belts, stickers and other merchandise. All the artists were graduates of ZYEP’s 2022-23 apprenticeship programs, which were made possible with support from Ancestral Rich Treasures of Zuni (ARTZ) and Administration for Native Americans (ANA).
“Friday evening was a preview event, reserved for our partners and the artists’ friends and family members,” said Kandis Quam, ZYEP’s assistant arts coordinator. “Saturday was open for the public to browse and purchase artwork directly from our students. Each student decided what art they wanted to present and sell, and they handled their own booth.”
In addition, the Fall Youth Arts Market showcased the work of the three top apprentices who recently completed the Emerging Artist Apprenticeship in sewing, which was ZYEP’s final cohort of 2023. They were: Talia Wallace, Omar Tucson, and Keely Bobelu.
“The students spent three to four weeks working on their pieces prior to the art show,” said Elroy Natachu Jr., ZYEP’s arts coordinator. “We provided access to our studio, equipment and supplies so they could work on their art here at ZYEP as well as at home.”
Natachu said he hopes to be able to open up the youth arts market to all young people, perhaps in spring 2024.
“This really was a test run so we could figure out the nuances of organizing and hosting something like this,” he said. “At the moment, we’re tentatively planning to do another youth arts market during the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) event in spring, and I really would like to open it up to all youth.”
The Fall Youth Arts Market was the second major art show for ZYEP art students in just four weeks. On Friday, Oct. 13, the sewing apprentices had the opportunity to show their original work to the public at ARTZ Cooperative Gallery from 5 to 7 p.m. Ten apprentices ages 15-24 participated in the showcase.
“It was an eye-opener for them,” Natachu said with a chuckle. “They learned how long it takes to sew the garments, to iron and label them, and to get them ready for sale. They didn’t anticipate those stressful moments right before an art show!”
Natachu said it was a privilege to see how far the students came in their artistic journeys, particularly as their skills advanced.
“They had more confidence when their skills reached a point where they could express their own preferences and styles in their art,” he explained. “Then, at the show, they had opportunities to talk about their design interpretations and the cultural connections. They answered questions. I don’t think they realized how much they knew.”
While the majority of the art students crafted a single garment for the show, four participants showcased sets that included a traditional dress, back scarf and an apron. One artist showcased a traditional woman’s dress and a traditional man’s shirt.
During the show, Natachu said the students quickly realized that traditional Zuni textiles are in high demand.
“It’s hard for artists to maintain inventory,” he said. “At the show, we almost had bidding wars on some of the garments.”
Now, the students are looking toward what comes next. Omar Tuscon is planning to study fashion at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe this fall, and Keely Bobelu just started an Advanced Artist Apprenticeship in sewing at ZYEP.
“The Advanced Artist Apprenticeships started in early November,” Natachu said. “They run for 28 weeks. In addition to Keely, we have Breydon Othole pursuing an advanced apprenticeship in two-dimensional painting, and Chasidy Simplicio is completing one in woven textiles.”
The next Emerging Artist Apprenticeship will begin in January 2024. This program originally launched in March 2022, with the Advanced Artist Apprenticeship opportunity becoming available later that year.
ZYEP’s art apprenticeships are designed to empower the next generation of Zuni artists so they can pursue careers in the arts as well as help strengthen the Pueblo of Zuni’s arts economy. While that economy has been dominated for decades by outside buyers buying low and selling high, that is changing through the rise of Native co-ops, independent businesses, and art shows.
To learn more about the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project and its programs, and for information about making donations, partnering with ZYEP, and volunteering, call (505) 782-8000 or visit zyep.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest news and events, follow the nonprofit youth organization on Facebook (/zuniyouthenrichmentproject), Instagram (@zuniyouthenrichmentproject), YouTube (/ZuniYouth), and TikTok (/zyep09)
Founded in 2009, the nonprofit Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is dedicated to promoting resilience among Zuni youth so they will grow into strong, healthy adults who are connected with Zuni traditions. ZYEP fulfills its mission by providing positive role models, enriching programs, and nurturing spaces that contribute to the healthy development of Zuni youth. ZYEP strives to provide every child with the encouragement and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
