Indigenous artists came from all over Wisconsin for the Art + Literature Laboratory’s annual Native Art Market.
On Nov. 16, the Art + Literature Laboratory, 111 S. Livingston St., brought out Indigenous artists to give them a dedicated space to sell their works. The annual market changed a little this year compared to last. Previously, the market was two days whereas this year held one dedicated day for it and used the other to have artists talk at a reception.
Artists ranged from traditional Indigenous art forms or those inspired by it, contemporary styles and non-Native art. Artists, who all have Indigenous backgrounds, found excitement to not only find a space that was for them, but with patrons equally as excited to learn about their heritage.
“People have been really interested in the art, more so than just passing through to acquire a piece of art,” said Xavier Horkman, an artist from Oneida Nation near Green Bay. “They really want to know about your art. They want to hear more from you. And I love it. I’m not only here to just sell my art, but I’m also here to have some really pleasant interactions.”
Horkman felt people were very engaged with artists at the market. Often he delved into his travels where he brings along his film camera. While not working within the bounds of traditional Indigenous works, he still felt belonging with ample space for his contemporary works as a Native artist. He sold prints of his photos and zines.
(Photo by Omar Waheed.)
Horkman came down from Green Bay with his partner Stacey Von Busch. On top of the environment being conducive to belonging, Art + Lit Lab offered them funding to make the trip possible. The two were offered a stipend to come out, including lodging and meals.
“When that’s the context of the opportunity to be able to display my art, I feel really valued as an artist,” Horkman said. “I feel like my work that I put so much dedication and thought and intention into is actually respected for the way that I respect it.”
Horkman and Von Busch felt inspired by how Art + Lit Lab valued them and have plans to make a similar venture this coming weekend in Green Bay for Indigenous artists.
The two see the actions from the Native Art Market to value artists as a cultural shift in conversations around valuing art.
“We took that back to Green Bay, and he actually went before the Oneida Nation and was awarded funding for our nonprofit to provide stipends up in Green Bay,” Von Busch said. “It’s really like the seed has been planted and now it’s blooming.”
Other artists matched the sentiment of feeling valued. Chris Sweet, Ho-Chunk, enjoyed being able to share his culture through his work with attendees. He often got into lengthy conversations about his Ho-Chunk heritage and the inspiration that pours into his work.
