Kristine Flyinghawk, kristinef@cfra.org, 402.380.7006; Wyatt Fraas, wyattf@cfra.org, 402.254.6893; or Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, rheal@cfra.org or 402.687.2100 ext. 1025
Lyons, NE - The Santee Sioux Nation Art Show and Community Market will launch Saturday, June 4 outside the Ohiya Casino and Resort on highway 12, just east of Niobrara, NE on the Santee Sioux Reservation. The Community Market will be held again on July 2 and continue every Saturday after that featuring homemade and handmade products.
Along with fresh, locally grown produce, much more will be available. You'll find fresh baked goods including Amish goods, Indian tacos and other prepared foods, jams and jellies, and hand-made Native American arts, designs, and crafts. Authentic Native American buffalo bone carvings, inlaid jewelry, and bead work from various artists will be available for purchase. Native American beaders will also offer live demonstrations on how to make their fine jewelry.
“Beadwork is eye-straining, time consuming work that takes experience and skill in achieving the finished product,” said Veronica Erenberg, Project Manager with the Center for Rural Affairs. “The demonstrations will offer an insight into what goes into a beadwork piece and why it is worth more that one thinks.”
Erenberg adds, “Not only is the Community Market an opportunity for Santee gardeners to sell extra produce, but we also welcome beaders, arts & crafts persons, bakers, and other community members to sell homemade and handmade items.” Erenberg said she sees the market as an element of economic development and as a way to promote Santee art and artisans. “There are so many arts and crafts people who don’t get the exposure they deserve,” Erenberg said. “ This is a new avenue for them. This is promoting economic development.”
WHAT: Santee Sioux Nation Art Show and Community Market 2016
WHERE: Ohiya Casino and Resort located in Niobrara, Nebraska on the Santee Sioux Reservation, 53142 Highway 12, Niobrara, NE
WHEN: Saturday, June 4 at 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Setup time starts at 10:45 a.m. Tables and tents are available on a first come first serve basis. Vendors are encouraged to bring their own.
Market will take place again on July 2nd and continue to take place every Saturday through October.
Everyone involved in the Market looks forward to adding new food and craft vendors throughout the season.
The Public Market is part of the Santee Garden and Market Project, a joint effort between the Center for Rural Affairs and the Nebraska Indian Community College. Working together and building on grassroots interest and support, the project is bringing fresh foods and economic opportunity to Santee. The market is a result of a series of garden and market trainings happening throughout the year. Project organizers have been training the gardeners to grow food for home consumption and any extra produce can be sold at the Public Market.
"The market was launched in 2012 with 16 vendors and over 600 customers. There is ample opportunity for vendors to make a nice income every Saturday throughout the summer especially with all the tourists and casino-goers," commented Erenberg.
All vendors are welcome. Free booth space for vendors and some tables and tents provided.
