Yellow Pages
The Trading Post celebrates native art and traditions
SWINOMISH — Almost 30 American Indian artists and crafts people from the Northwest and Southwest will exhibit their work this weekend at Through Native Eyes, as part of celebrating Native American Heritage Day.
The two-day event at the Trading Post at March Point, also will include hourly demonstrations of American Indian crafts and traditions, including native dancing, storytelling, carving, jewelry making and flint knapping, the art of shaping tools from stone such as obsidian.
“We have artists coming from Arizona, New Mexico, British Columbia and all throughout Washington,” said Tammy Hale, the sales associate who is organizing the event. “It’s mainly Northwestern coastal artists.”
In addition to art, Through Native Eyes will offer food, including barbecued salmon, Indian tacos, and “rez dogs,” which are hot dogs wrapped in Indian fry bread.
The Trading Post hopes that Through Native Eyes will become an annual event, Hales said. The Native American Heritage Day is the fourth Friday in September.
Formerly a smoke shop, the Trading Post has recently expanded its Native American Cultural Center and is working to reinvent itself following a raid in 2008 by federal agents who confiscated allegedly contraband cigarettes.
Although the trading post has sold native-inspired crafts in the past, owners and employees have been working to change the business’ focus to be more like a gallery in hopes of attracting customers who want to purchase native art and gifts. The business wants to emphasize native traditions and keeping those traditions alive, Hale said.
* Marta Murvosh can be reached at 360-416-2149 or .
At a glance
• What: Through Native Eyes
• When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26 and 27,
• Where: The Trading Post at March Point, 10045 S. March’s Point Rd.
• Features: 27 Native American artists from the Northwest and Southwest, hourly demonstrations in native dancing, story telling and arts and crafts, such as carving, flint knapping and jewelry making, as well as food including Indian tacos and barbecue salmon.
• Cost: None to attend. Bring money to purchase food and sarts or crafts.
• Contact: The Trading Post at 360-293-5632
