More than 200 vintage and contemporary Navajo weavings from artists, consigners and the R.B. Burnham & Co. Trading Post will be featured at the 2016 Navajo Rug auction on Saturday, June 11, at the Museum of Northern Arizona, 3101 N. Fort Valley Road in Flagstaff.
A public preview of all weavings is planned from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The auction, presented by MNA and Flagstaff Arts Council, begins at 2 p.m. and is free to the public.
R. B. Burnham & Co. Trading Post will lead the auction. The Burnham family, known for its encouragement of innovation and quality in Navajo textiles and expertise in buying, selling and trading, has earned the respect of area collectors and peers nationwide.
Native art and Navajo weaving specialists will be on-site to identify handspun, hand-carded and vintage pieces, verses acrylic yarns, to ensure quality and prices. Guidance in evaluating and buying Navajo rugs, as well as detailed information on each auction item, also will be available.
Auctions allow weavers to obtain an immediate and higher return for their work.
Among rug styles featured in the auction are Two Grey Hills, Ganado, Teec Nos Pos, Ye’ii, Pictorial, Wide Ruins, Storm, Sandpainting and Eyedazzler.
“The Navajo Rug Auction features a fine art form that is the heart of our home region here in Northern Arizona. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to view hundreds of incredible weavings made by skilled artists in a fun setting,” said John Tannous, FAC executive director.
“The event provides attendees an opportunity to purchase rugs at a wide range of prices,” added Carrie M. Heinonen, MNA director and CEO.
Experts will view and select weavings for the auction at MNA Thursday and Friday, June 9 and 10. Artists and other consigners are invited to bring their Navajo weavings for consideration.
Auction items can be purchased with Visa, MasterCard, Discover, cash and checks.
A portion of event proceeds benefits MNA and FAC. Contact the Flagstaff Arts Council at (928) 779-2300 or its website; or the Museum of Northern Arizona at (928) 774-5213 or its website for more information.
Established in 1999, Flagstaff Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages the Coconino Center for the Arts. The Arts Council provides opportunities for management development to local art and cultural organizations and develops programs and activities that support artistic, cultural and scientific endeavors for the community and its visitors.
The Museum of Northern Arizona inspires a sense of love and responsibility for the beauty and diversity of the Colorado Plateau. Founded in 1928, the Museum includes an historic exhibit building with nine galleries showcasing the geology, anthropology and art of the region; research and collections facilities; the Museum Shop & Bookstore; and more than 450 public programs annually.
