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By Arigon Starr
News from Indian Country 4-08
Who needs a Super Indian? Native Public Radio
does!
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| 1st Annual National Native Public Radio Art Auction Comes to
Albuquerque April 19th. |
When Camille Lacapa, the Station and Audience Relations
manager for “Native America Calling” and Native Voice One, the
Native American Radio Service (NV1), called me about an art auction, I leapt at
the chance to contribute. As many of you know, I’m working on a graphic
novel called Super Indian, which is also the name of the ten part radio comedy
series I wrote for the Native Radio Theater project that is currently being
broadcast on Native Voice One.
It’s no secret – I’m a fan of the programming on Native Voice One. I’ve
written about their fantastic program “Undercurrents” and have been
“The Native in the Spotlight” on “Native America Calling” AND also a
“regular joe” caller. “Even though we have funding from the Corporation
for Public Broadcasting and the National Endowment for the Arts, we
have huge operating and production expenses,” revealed Susan Braine.
Susan is the Chief Operating Officer for Koahnic Broadcasting, the
parent organization for Native Voice One. Unlike most public radio
entities, Native Voice One can’t stop everything and hold the dreaded
“Public Radio Pledge Break
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Instead, NV1 has created an empowering fund raising event. On Saturday, April 19, at 6:00 p.m., the very first National Native Public Radio Art Auction will take place at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “We envision the auction as a way to capitalize on the popularity of Native Art in New Mexico and to provide an opportunity for emerging and well-known artists to showcase their work on a national level,” Susan said.
The event will be co-hosted by “Native America Calling’s” host Harlan McKosato and hilarious comedian Drew Lacapa. The featured performers are Chuna McIntyre and the Nunamta Yup’ik Eskimo Dance Company. The group has performed their traditional Alaskan dances all over the world, including stops at the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian. The auction will be called by Warren Spang from Lame Deer, Montana – a genuine Northern Cheyenne auctioneer.
Tickets for the event are $50.00 per person or a table of ten for $500.00. The gala will also provide a terrific menu and a no-host, cash bar. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is also one of the confirmed sponsors for the event.
“We’ll be sending out a huge e-mail invitation soon for the gala,” reported Susan. “This event came together quickly and we ran out of time to send out a traditional printed invitation.” The National Native Public Radio Art Auction is modeled after a successful annual event hosted by Koahnic Broadcasting in Anchorage.
A number of amazing, award-winning artists have already donated works for the live auction including Bob Haozous, son of legendary artist Allan Houser. The Wright Indian Art Gallery in Albuquerque has donated a Hopi overlay pendant from artist Roy Talahaftewa. Additionally, many traditional Alaskan Native artists have donated their work. “We’re hoping to attract the die-hard Native Art collectors in the area,” commented Susan. “Many of these Alaskan artists have never had their work showcased in the Southwest before.”
What about the Super Indian work? Yes, it’s on the auction block, too. I had the original computer art reproduced on canvas. It’s signed and can be yours!
You can see more of the artwork for the auction block at www.nativeartauction.com , plus find more information about the event.
“We’re still accepting art donations,” reported Susan. “If you’re a Native artist and would like to donate your art and be featured in our National auction, contact me.” Susan Braine can be reached by telephone at (505) 294-0795 or via email at
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“We want to showcase everything from high priced fine art to traditional crafts.”
Even if you’re not an artist you can be your own “Super Indian” and participate by contributing to the cause. You can keep Native Voice One and their programs like “Earthsongs,” “National Native News,” “Voices From The Circle” and more in production. Send a check payable in any amount to Koahnic Broadcasting in care of Susan Braine at the offices of Native America Calling at P.O. Box 40164, Albuquerque, NM 87196.
All donations are tax deductible.
For More Information:
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is located at 2401 12th St. NW Albuquerque, NM 87104, telephone 866-855-7902. They’re online at www.indianpueblo.org or www.indianpueblo.com .
Native Voice One – The Native American Radio Service is online at www.nv1.org/
Got something you want to tell me? Email me at
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