Indigenous Visionaries: Applying to the 2021 Heard's Indian Market

Sue V. Begay

Weaving BFA Student, American Indian College Fund Indigenous Visionaries Winter 2021 Fellow

My online profile as part of the Heard's virtual market.

As part of the College Fund Indigenous Visionaries Program, we were challenged to try new endeavors, such as submitting to enter the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market 2021 Virtual Fair. 

I had attended the Market in 2017 as part of the NCA136 Navajo Cultural Arts Business Systems class. We were touring cultural arts markets on and off of the Navajo Nation. One of our stops was the Heard Market. The experience was overwhelming to say the least. So many brilliant artist at one place. At the time, I must admit, I was not familiar with them but later, as I started to really work with weavers from all over, I began to recognize their work. 

Never once did I think that one day I would be amongst them as an artist. ​Well, it happened this year.

With the encouragement from the Navajo Cultural Arts Program, my Visionaries' mentor, and one of my weaving mentors, Tahnibaa Nataanii, I completed the Heard Guild and Indian Market's application and submitted it. The application process was pretty simple – to be considered I submitted my art descriptions, pictures and paid an application fee. The hard part was waiting to hear if my art was accepted. The anticipation to receive word back as to whether or not I was accepted, waitlisted or rejected was almost too much...I didn't know if I would get it. It takes artists YEARs to get it.... but it came! I was accepted!

​Sue V. Begay from Dennehotso, Arizona got a spot at the Heard Museum!

​After I accepted and paid my booth fee, my thoughts were on how exciting and honored it was going to be placed among the super famous artists. Seriously though – Tahnibaa Nataanii, Lynda Pete, Barbara Teller Ornelas – they are my teachers, my friends and I was going to have our work shown next to theirs! I was happy to be amongst them even though it was a virtual experience.

I took off for Phoenix to drop off my juried items. The customer service and all-around hospitality of everyone working to ensure that pieces were collected respectfully made a huge impact on my experience. The person who accepted my art told me which pieces he thought were going to sell and assisted me with the pricing – I had never sold in an arena like this before so I really appreciated all of their guidance and suggestions.  My lucky stars were aligned.

My weavings waiting to be priced and submitted!

I was elated to sell two of my three weaving pieces. The personal experience is self-achieving with lots of support and encouragement from your peers. If it were not for the support of Diné College programs I would not have had the opportunity to shine with the superstars.

​I look forward to submitting again next year. I'll have to apply again and I am sure it will be an entirely unique experience to be selling there in person.

A few pieces of advice that I have for my fellow emerging Navajo artists about entering into shows like the Heard Indian Market is:

• ​Ask questions: If you need help or need guidance, contact the organization or friends who have experience in that show.
• Tell them it is your first art show: Don't be embarrassed that this is your first show. They will be proud of you and more than willing to help - accept the help when you can get it!
• Be positive: Just as you create your work with positivity, enter your pieces with positivity. Even if you don't get in - stay positive.
• Have faith in your art: Your art has faith in you so you keep your faith in your art. It will take care of you if you do.
• Be proud of your creativity: Keep those creative juices flowing - your ideas may be game changers.

The pictorial raised edge with an eagle design pillow shown below is one of my items that sold at The Heard.