MENDOCINO CO., 10/21/24 — Contemporary and traditional artists and collectors will gather in Mendocino this week for the Native Arts Expo.
This will be the eighth gathering of Indigenous artists from North and South America since the event began in 2015.
The Expo was conceived of by Eric and Karen Wilder, who call it “an artistic celebration of the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of Indigenous communities.”
In an interview, Eric Wilder, a member of the Sonoma County-based Kashia Band of Pomo Indians, said he was inspired by his work in animation and graphic arts to create an event to help Native artists ”make a living with their art.”
Expo participants will include both emerging artists and professionals who, Wilder said, “love all art and create all kinds.” Wilder hopes that people coming to the Expo will “learn about our culture” and “the stories that go with our art,” he said “If you retell what you learn from us, then you keep our stories alive.”
Both days feature vendor booths, Indigenous dancers and performances, gallery exhibits, panel discussions, food and more. The Expo is free and open to the public.
The 2024 Native Arts Expo takes place on Fri. Oct. 25 and Sat. Oct. 26, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Mendocino Art Center, 45200 Little Lake Street, Mendocino. For more information and the event lineup, visit the Native Arts Expo website.