ALLEGANY TERRITORY, SALAMANCA, N.Y. – As winter fades, plans are underway for a new juried art market that organizers hope will blossom into a leading destination for years to come.
The Onohsagwe:de’ Cultural Center, located on the Seneca Nation’s Allegany Territory, and Visit Seneca Nation, the Nation’s tourism development arm, announced that the Ohi:yo’ Art Market will be held May 11 at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino.
“When the Seneca Nation of Indians opened the Onohsagwe:de’ Cultural Center in 2018, part of our vision was to utilize the center as a true hub where we could celebrate and continue to grow public awareness of Native culture and traditions on a larger scale,” said Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong Sr. “The Ohi:yo’ Art Market is an exciting step along that path.”
The juried market is open to all Native artists from across Turtle Island, and the public is invited to attend. A $7,000 Best of Show award will be presented at the market’s conclusion. The name Ohi;yo’, which means “beautiful river” in Seneca language, refers to the traditional Seneca name for the Allegheny River, which is part of the Allegany Territory.
“We want Native artists and our friends and neighbors from near and far to come together and join us in Ohi:yo’,” said Hayden Haynes, director of the Onohsagwe:de’ Cultural Center. “By sharing our creativity and works with one another, we can celebrate Native culture and resiliency through artistic expression.”
The Ohi:yo’ Art Market builds on the success of a juried art show, established in 2018, which the Seneca Nation hosted for Haudenosaunee artists. By inviting all Native artists to attend and participate, organizers said they hope to establish the market as one of the premier art markets in the northeast.
Artists and vendors interested in registering for the market are asked to contact the Onohsagwe:de’ Cultural Center by email at info@senecamuseum.org.
Measuring 33,000 square feet, the Onohsagwe:de’ Cultural Center is inspired by Native oral history and designed to guide and immerse visitors with a variety of exhibits, collections, educational programs, and special events throughout. The center is currently open six days a week. For information, visit senecamuseum.org.
