Folks looking to journey into San Antonio's past always have the Briscoe Western Art Museum as a strong option — especially if they're interested in the days of the Wild West. But on November 9, it'll focus on an even older facet of San Antonio's history in the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival.
Borrowing a name from the Payaya people, who used "Yanaguana" for the San Antonio River, the festival will bring together live performances, workshops, an artisan market, and more celebrating indigenous history in the area. Museum admission will also be free for the day.
The free festival from 10 am to 4 pm has something exciting for all ages. Music-lovers can look forward to live performances by traditional Native American dancers and musicians, which of course includes some drum circles and the flowing sounds of Native American flute. Some storytellers will also stop by to pass on some traditional tales, which serve not just to entertain, but to get visitors better acquainted with indigenous histories and values.
Cultural wear at previous festivals shows impeccable craftsmanship.Photo courtesy of Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival
Of course an art museum could not go without some crafts, so vendors will be bringing jewelry, pottery, beadwork, textiles, and other goods to sell. They'll also be on hand to talk about their works and even give demonstrations.
Visitors who want an even more hands-on experience are invited to participate in workshops designed for both adults and children. Some things guests can learn how to make as mosaics, leather medallions, baskets and loom-woven items, ledger art (images painted on clerical documents), and parfleche cases, like a clutch or wallet made of decorated rawhide. There will also be a community weaving basket people can work on together.
At last year's festival, guests go to try making some pottery.Photo courtesy of Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival
Among those broader categories, there will be the following activities and presentations:
- A spiritual blessing by United San Antonio Pow Wow, Inc.
- A pow wow-style drum circle also with United San Antonio Pow Wow, featuring drum group Enemy Horse giving a drumming demonstration and an explanation on dance styles
- Live music including flute by Tim Blueflint Ramel
- Chickasaw dance by Chikashsha Hithla dance troupe, featuring troupe members with Chickasaw, Choctaw, Seminole and Creek heritage
- Stories from Chickasaw storyteller Amy Bluemel
- Ledger art demonstration with artist and Southern Cheyenne tribe member George Curtis Levi
- Kachina (Pueblo spirit) carving from cottonwood roots with Hopi/Navajo contemporary artist Kevin Horace Quannie
- Pottery showcase by Caddo pottery maker Chase Kahwinhut Earles
- Jewelry presentation by turquoise expert and Diné/Navajo jewelry maker Shane Hendren
- Native American-inspired food
Visitors weaving names and intentions into a community basket.Photo courtesy of Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival
"Native Americans have played a profound role in shaping the history, culture and spirit of the American West," said Briscoe president and CEO Liz Jackson. “It's essential that we recognize and honor Native American communities today, not just for their historical significance, but for their ongoing influence on the culture and identity of the West."
Inside the museum is more Native American art, including work by contemporary sculpture artist Ed Natiya and others reaching back to 1890. These are mixed in with works of other heritages within the museum, which is currently showing an exhibition called Storytellers: Narrative Art of the West, also featuring pop artist Andy Warhol and classic Western artist Frederick Remington.
An RSVP form to attend the free event is available here. More information about the Briscoe Western Art Museum is available at briscoemuseum.org. There are also still some volunteer slots available for jobs like welcoming guests and supervising craft tables.
