October 2015.pub - River Trading Post

October:December 2015
Volume 12, Issue 4
Trading Post Times
R i v e r
T r a d i n g
P o s t
R E N OW N E D S CU L P TO R / P A I N TE R J I L L S H WA I KO
J O I N S R IV E R T R A D I N G P O S T A RT I S T L I N E U P
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
A Treasure Lost:
American Indian Art
Magazine Goes Silent
2
A Special Note From a
Special Friend
2
Great Gift Ideas for the
Season
3
Buyer Beware when
Buying Directly from an
American Indian Artist
4
SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:
• 21st Annual Native American Harvest
Pow Wow. September 26 & 27.
Naper Settlement, Naperville, Il.
• Pueblo Seasonal Dances. Please check
Pueblos for dates and times.
From studying the rock
art of the Anasazi ruins,
Jill Shwaiko was touched
by the big horn sheep
petroglyphs that to her
have a language of their
own. She felt them
speaking to her in an endearing way, and set
about to develop her images into bronze and oil
pastels. Heads tipped
upward for pride, lower
for perseverance.
They have personalities
much like we do, representing both our grandeur and
frailty and humor. I believe
we are all grand in our own
ways.
The inclusion of Jill
Shwaiko’s fabulous work
is a major change to River
Trading Post since Jill
will become the first nonNative American artist to
be featured in our galleries and on our website.
Yet her work stands alone
in expressing the majesty
and awe of the ancient
Native American people.
Jill holds a BFA degree
from the University of
Wisconsin, and an MFA degree from the University of Iowa.
Jill Shwaiko in her studio/
sculpture garden.
Page 2
Trading Post Times
A TREASURE LOST: AMERICAN INDIAN ART
MAGAZINE
For forty years, the very favorite source of information about American Indian Art
was the magazine that called itself American Indian Art Magazine.
In a five year poll conducted by River
Trading Post, American Indian Art
Magazine stood head and shoulders
above other publications that are devoted to American Indian art.
Since the very first issue of the publication, owner and publisher Mary G.
Hamilton decided it was time to retire,
and to put the vaunted publication to
sleep.
The Last Cover of an
American Indian Art Treasure.
For 40 years, the publication was an
unparalleled resource for collectors and
scholars in the American Indian art
area. Mary Hamilton drew upon an
editorial advisory board of experts from
universities, museums, libraries and oth-
ers to publish the vaunted magazine.
The Autumn 2015 issue is the very last issue. The presses sadly go silent after that
issue.
Owner and publisher Mary Hamilton is a friend of ours, and we asked Mary why,
instead of ceasing publication she did not attempt to sell it to another publisher. It
was commercially successful over the years, and perhaps an attractive property to
another publisher.
When we asked Mary about the possibility of continuing the magazine though a
sale to another publisher, she answered our question.
Being an independent person, and very scrupulous at every detail of the magazine,
she was very concerned about the ability of anyone to continue the magazine that
was consistent with her 40 year vision of just what the magazine should be about.
Mary simply would not sell out at any price.
Rather than compromise the magazine, Mary Hamilton chose to put it to sleep.
We respect Mary’s decision. At the same time, the absence of American Indian Arts
Magazine creates an enormous void for everyone that studies, collects and otherwise wants to increase their knowledge of this very special art.
A Note From a River Trading Post Friend
To Share With You
We frequently receive notes from our
friends.
Recently we received one that is very special
to us and that we though we would share
with you. From a special friend who is just
85 years young.
I just had to share this with someone who understands......
I am white, Anglo=Saxon with a deep love of the
Southwest and it’s People. We lived in Flagstaff
for two years while my husband was in grad
school and I worked for a propane company. The
customers were divided into geographical areas for
service and the office staff was assigned certain
areas. My areas included Hopi & Navajo reservations. I came to know the customers and the native drivers pretty well and acquired wonderful
memories.
One Sunday we were at Shungopavi for dance and
while sitting in front of a house on the plaza two
guests appeared and sat next to us. “Tilly Tourist” had on high heels and a sun dress. As the
dance began and the Kachinas arrived she leaned
over to me and whispered “Makes you wonder if
they are even Christian.” I replied “I hope they
are not.”
I do enjoy the River Trading Post although at age
86 I have pretty well finished collections of any
kind (nothing to dust, please) I do miss my old
friends.
We were moving to Santa Fe and went to the
Hope Cultural Center for dinner after a final tour
and one of my dearest customers was also there.
When we started to leave he got up from his table,
gave me a hug and said “Next time we meet it will
be in the land of the White Buffalo.” I left in
tears.
Thanks again for providing some enjoyment to a
resident of Charleston, South Carolina!!
Nancy
We always appreciate hearing from our
River Trading Post family. This one was
very special to us, and thanks to Nancy for
sharing her very special story with all of us.
Volume 12, Issue 4
Page 3
LOOK TO RIVER TRADING POST FOR AMAZING HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS.
From the a museum classic to a stocking stuffer, River Trading Post provides a diversity of
gifts that you aren’t likely find anywhere else. Visit our gallery in Chicagoland, Scottsdale, or
on the River Trading Post website. You will find hundreds of
great gift ideas.
The finest American Indian Jewelry, crafted by the very top artists. Each piece is unique, never
duplicated. Each is an absolute original. You will find
beautiful Navajo Weavings, classic Pueblo pottery and traditional Hopi Kachina Dolls.
Visit River Trading Post Today, and discover a unique and
special gift for your loved ones.
Happy Holidays From All Of Us.
B RINGING Y OU THE F INEST A MERICAN
INDIAN A RT F OR 1 5 Y EARS.
R IVER TRADING P OST
Going on 15 years,
River Trading Post has become
renowned for its diverse collection
of American Indian art, and as the
friendliest place around for exploring and buying American Indian
art.
Scottsdale
Browse our galleries, visit our website, and we believe you will find a
treasure with your name on it.
River Trading Post
314 N. River Street
Dundee, Illinois 60118
847-426-6901
7033 E. Main Street, 102
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
480-444-0001
www.rivertradingpost.com
Dundee
314 N. River Street
East Dundee, IL 60118
Phone: 866-426-6901
www.rivertradingpost.com
Arts of Native America
YULETIDE AT A THOUSAND YEAR-OLD VILLAGE
Each December 24, as the gold and purple hues of the sunset flood ancient
Taos Pueblo, the bell of San Geronimo Church calls everyone to Vespers.
Hundreds of people crowd the frigid plaza amid stacks of fragrant pitch wood
that will be set ablaze as the sun goes down. Thus begins the celebration of
the most holy Christian day where traditional Catholicism is blended
beautifully with ancient American Indian spiritual beliefs.
Following the vespers, which are presided over by the Archbishop of Santa
Fe, a procession leaves the church led by the archbishop and followed by six
men carrying a dias that holds the statue of the Virgin Mary.
Taos Pueblo children prepare to ignite a bonfire on
At the front of the procession,
Christmas Eve
pueblo men carrying rifles shoot
live ammunition into the air to announce her arrival. Drummers follow the procession
along with throngs of people there to see the bonfires where orange flames light up the night
sky.
As one of the Taos people put it, “The beauty, mystery and power of the scene are
profound.”
San Geronimo Church, Taos Pueblo
The Taos Pueblo Community welcomes everyone (without cameras or cell phones) to the
spectacular Christmas Eve pageant.