Los Angeles, CA (September 18, 2012)—The Autry National Center presents a weekend celebration of Native American arts and culture centered around its annual American Indian Arts Marketplace. Featuring over 185 Native American artists selling their works direct to the public, the weekend will also host performances, children’s activities, informative talks, and theatre performances by the Autry’s world-renowned theatre company, Native Voices at the Autry.

“Indian art has changed dramatically over the past decade, and the Autry’s Marketplace provides an opportunity to see what is currently happening in Indian Country,” said Shelby Tisdale, the Autry’s Vice President of Curatorial and Exhibitions and former director of the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico. “There is something for everyone—from the beautiful baskets, pottery, textiles, and jewelry that continue to be made using the techniques and materials passed down through the generations to some of the most innovative and contemporary works.”

The American Indian Arts Marketplace covers more than 25,000 feet of exhibition space and features top Native American artists from across the country selling pottery, jewelry, sculptures, paintings, mixed-media works, weavings, beadwork, woodcarvings, and other cultural items.

Activities for families will include performances by Native dancers, musicians, and storytellers, plus hands-on activities for children and artist demonstrations. Native American food will be available as well as a varied menu in the Autry Cafe.

Inside the museum, visitors can view past winners of the Marketplace’s Jackie Autry Purchase Award, which is given to one work of art each year. Through the generous financial support of Mrs. Gene Autry, the Autry is able to purchase one piece from a participating artist—chosen by the Southwest Museum’s curator—to be placed in the Autry’s permanent collection. The newest addition to this category is the 2011 winner, Ken Humpherville (Metís/Tsimshian), for his Eagle Bentwood Box.

The Marketplace weekend will feature the exhibition Katsina in Hopi Life, which shares the meaning and purpose of Hopi spiritual messengers. The Katsina dolls in the exhibition are drawn from the Southwest Museum of the American Indian Collection, considered one of the nation’s finest Katsina collections of its kind.

The popular American Indian Arts Marketplace to include film, theatre, lectures, and performances at the Autry in Griffith Park