Get a glimpse of the next generation of Native American artists and craftspeople at the annual Young Natives Show, Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19, from 9 am-3 pm in the Palace of the Governors Courtyard on the New Mexico History Museum campus. Enter this free, family-friendly event through the Blue Gate on Lincoln Avenue, just south of the History Museum’s main entrance at 113 Lincoln Ave.

Children and grandchildren of artists associated with the Museum’s Native American Artisans Program (commonly known as the Portal Program) will demonstrate their own arts and crafts – giving them an opportunity to learn from their families and to continue the cultural economic development supported by the Portal.

Almost every day of the year, the Portal Program offers what can be seen as the lowest-tech and highest-interactive exhibition in the Museum. Native American artists and craftspeople display and sell their handmade goods to tourists and residents, giving visitors a chance to interact with creators who still practice traditional techniques. Each day, vendors participate in a drawing for one of the 70 available spaces. They represent tribes, pueblos, chapters and villages in New Mexico, the Navajo Nation, and parts of Arizona. The Native American Portal Artisans Committee creates and enforces rules for those who sell their work under the portal. The rules emphasize authenticity (a maker’s mark is required on all goods), traditional materials, and handmade work produced as generations of Native artisans have created it.

The Young Natives Show lets visitors see those who will someday join their ranks. Spy the next Maria Martinez and start your collection early!

For information on this event, call (505) 476-5200.

For more New Mexico information visit: www.new-mexico-visitor.com