Meet Leading Cherokee Artists at the Open Air Indian Market on August 26

The 14th annual Open Air Indian Art Market takes place on Saturday, August 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This special event highlights artists of the Eastern Band of Cherokee who are members of Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual. The Open Air Indian Market promotes traditional Cherokee arts and crafts and provides a special opportunity for the public to meet the makers and watch live craft demonstrations.

The event is held outdoors in the Cultural District of Cherokee, NC, right outside of Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual. Around 20 artists will set up booths and demonstrate their work, giving a glimpse into their process and artform. All of the crafts on display are authentically Cherokee, handmade, and one of a kind.

If you’ve never been before, you can expect to see leading Cherokee beadworkers, woodcarvers, painters, basketmakers, and more, making and selling their wares.

Founded in 1946, Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc. is the oldest Native American Arts cooperative in the United States, with a mission to preserve and advance Cherokee arts and crafts.

After shopping the Open Air Indian Market, make sure to stop into Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc., which is home to some of the finest Cherokee art in the country, displaying the work of over 300 artist members. Only the most talented traditional and fine artists show their work at Qualla, through a juried process. Each piece inside the store is carefully selected and beautifully displayed. Not to be missed, a permanent gallery collection in the back displays Cherokee baskets, wood carvings, and pottery across the decades. Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc. is open year round.

As part of the day's festivities at the Open Air Indian Market, there will be live music during the day by AM Superstars. Members of the North American Indian Women's Association (NAIWA) will sell plates of traditional Cherokee food. A plate includes fried chicken, potatoes, greens, bean bread, hominy, fatback and beans, plus dessert and a drink, for $10. Proceeds from the food support NAIWA and help sustain their community service efforts in and around Cherokee, NC.

Market admission and parking are free.

We hope to see you there!

Date: August 26, 2017

Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: 645 Tsali Blvd. (Across the street from the Museum of the Cherokee Indian)