Published: November 05, 2009 10:39 am      

A Native Experience

12 Native American artists from across nation featured at Walkers’ Gallery reception Nov. 13

San Marcos — Twelve Native American artists from across the nation will be honored from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 13 at the San Marcos Activity Center as part of their participation in the “Seven Directions Art Exhibit” at the Walkers’ Gallery.

In addition to their work exhibited in “Seven Directions,” each of the artists will have a booth at the reception displaying their artwork for sale. Each artist has also donated a piece for a silent drawing fund raiser to be held during the reception.

"The variety of media and styles represented — from painting, printmaking and textile sculpture, to beadwork, clothing and artifact reproduction — will make this a vibrant and inspiring celebration of Native American culture," said Linda Kelsey-Jones, curator for the Walkers’ Gallery.

Kelsey-Jones said that in the 12 years of Walkers' Gallery exhibits, “Seven Directions” will be one of the most extraordinary and professional ever.

Performances will include flute playing by Choctaw musician Aaron Pyle and native artist Virgie Ravenhawk, plus indigenous poetry by Tapilam Coahuiltecan, Ramon Juan Vasquez and Erika Gonzalez.

"We're having frybread tacos made by the Longhorn family, blue corn tamales, and other delicious Native foods," says Indigenous Cultures board member Maria Rocha. "This art reception with an incredible representation of Native American artists is absolutely unique, truly a Native experience."

The reception is free and open to the public. “Seven Directions” is sponsored by Indigenous Cultures Institute, San Marcos Area Arts Council, the Austin Chronicle and the city of San Marcos. It is partially funded by the San Marcos Minority Tourism Development Commission.

The exhibit is scheduled to run from Nov. 9 until Jan. 7.