World champion hoop dancer Tony Duncan headlines Eiteljorg Indian Market June 22 and 23

Indianapolis, IN – More than 160 Native American artists, including five-time world champion hoop dancer Tony Duncan, will showcase and sell their work Saturday, June 22, and Sunday, June 23, at the Eiteljorg Indian Market and Festival. The event, which is the largest produced by the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, will attract about 8,000 art and culture lovers from across the nation.

The festival has always boasted a colorful and enriching line up of artists, musicians, storytellers and food. But this year the museum will feature a celebrity in the Native world of dance. Five-time world champion hoop dancer Tony Duncan will wow audiences with two captivating performances. Tony’s act became world-renowned after recording artist Nelly Furtado chose him to star in her video, “Big Hoops (Bigger the Better).” He not only uses colorful hoops and his body to tell stories, but Duncan lives and breathes his art. He recently told Indian Country, “… all of life dances in a circle and we’re all connected. It’s a very exciting yet spiritual dance, there's nothing else like it.”

Other highlights for the 21st Indian Market include:

• Jewelry, pottery and Navajo rugs- Enjoy turquoise earrings, necklaces and bracelets, beadwork, flawless Santa Clara pottery, exquisite Navajo weavings, Southeastern cut shell work and more.

• Rock and Dance- Musician Shelley Morningsong (Northern Cheyenne) and her husband, Fabian Fontenelle (Zuni/Omaha), a world-renowned Northern traditional Native dancer, will perform rock, blues and Native music with a five-piece band.

• Musicians - Adrian Wall (Jemez Pueblo/Ojibwe) and Ed Kabotie (Hopi/Santa Clara Pueblo) from the group Twin Rivers will show off their charming blend of traditional and contemporary vocals that create a refreshingly genuine expression.

• Hands-on activities – Museum-based art activities for all ages to make and take home.

• Native foods - Fry bread, Indian tacos, buffalo burgers, lavender lemonade, and more!

“Indian Market and Festival is a unique opportunity to see art come to life. Native Americans are living and thriving – not just part of history,” said Eiteljorg President and CEO John Vanausdall. “We want visitors to support these artists by purchasing their works and we want our guests to also leave with an appreciation for the art, food and traditions of Indian cultures.

Time, tickets, parking and preview party

- Indian Market and Festival will be held from 10a.m. to 5p.m., in Military Park, just north of the museum in downtown Indianapolis.

- Discounted advanced tickets for the event are on sale beginning June 1 at the Eiteljorg Museum and Marsh Supermarkets or by calling 1-800-622-2024. Advance sale tickets are $8. Tickets during the market are $10 at the gate. Kids 17 and under are free.

- White River State Park underground garage next to the Eiteljorg Museum and IUPUI parking lots across from Military Park provides the most convenient and inexpensive parking for this event. Shuttles from the museum are available. Parking in the White River State Park garage will not be validated Indian Market weekend.

- The Indian Market and Festival Preview Party will take place Friday evening, June 21. This event provides an opportunity to meet the artists in an intimate social environment. The event includes the Best of Show exhibit, a showing of the award-winning work from the market, and a silent auction of works by market artists. All guests to the Preview Party get a VIP pass for the whole weekend as well as sneak peek shopping on Saturday morning. Tickets are $100 for non-members and $90 for members. Call (317) 275-1333 to make reservations.

The Eiteljorg Museum seeks to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the art, history and cultures of the American West and the indigenous peoples of North America. Through its Project New Moon campaign, the museum is attracting new audiences with dynamic new interpretations of its mission. The museum is located at 500 West Washington in downtown Indianapolis’ White River State Park. For general information about the museum and to learn more about exhibits and events, call (317) 636-WEST (9378) or visit http://www.eiteljorg.org.