Winston Publishing

Western Art Week's premier showcase of Native American artisans takes place inside the Great Western Living & Design Show. Step back in time and experience the Celebration of Northern Plains Artisans as they showcase beautiful representations of history and culture. This show got its start a few years ago with six booths of Native American artists. Today, with the support of the Native American Community Development Corporations Financial Services (NACDC FC), more than 25 artists are able to display their work in over 10,000 square feet. The NACDC FC has been working with Native American artists since 1996 to help in promoting their work. In 2016, NACDC FS approached Chuck Fulcher, President of the Great Western Living & Design show, about featuring Native artists at the show. "We felt participation in the show underscores our efforts to promote the dynamic and powerful work of Native American artists," says Angie Main, NACDC Executive Director. "So much of Charlie Russell's work is about Native American life and culture," adds Main. The event became a stand-alone show in 2018, titled the Celebration of Native Plains Artists and is located next to the Great Western Living & Design Exhibition at the Four Seasons Arena at Expo Park. The venue showcases internationally known, award-winning artists including Terrance Guardipee, Daryl Norman, Robert Martinez, John Pepion, Albertine Crow Shoe, and Sammy Jo Bird. The Celebration is a very distinct and unique space, complete with a full-size tipi, cultural artifacts, and traditional Native dancers and a performance by the Missouri River Dance Company. Flute player Troy Good Medicine DeRoche will perform on Thursday and Friday evenings and raffles will be held daily and include pieces including an original Star quilt and handmade wood carvings. MARCH 21-24 • 2019 MAIN ARENA MONTANA EXPO PARK GREAT FALLS, MT www.nacdcfinancialservices.com Terrance Guardipee Zach Lamebear March 21 Exhibit rooms open 10am-8pm March 22 Exhibit rooms open 10am-8pm March 23 Exhibit rooms open 10am-8pm March 24 Exhibit rooms open 10am-3pm Montana Expo Park 400 3rd St. NW Show Event Schedule celebration of native plains artists 30 • portfolio Celebration of Native Plains Artists A Taste of History, Culture, and Exquisite Talent By Denise Czuprynski In addition to helping artists sell their work, NACDC Financial Services provide programs, resources and education to Native American entrepreneurs and small businesses. These programs include a Native Artist line of credit and courses teaching Native American artists how to improve their business skills to support themselves as fulltime artists.

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