Sun Shines On Akwesasne Art Market – Beaded Cradleboard Takes Best in Show

Jul 3, 2023

AKWESASNE -- The 2023 Art Market and Juried Show, presented by Akwesasne Travel, brought more than 1300 community members and visitors to Generations Park on Sunday, July 2 for a vibrant showcase of the arts. Heat and humidity did not dampen spirits, as attendees eagerly experienced phenomenal art works, live performances, and demonstrations throughout the day.

“Thankfully, the weather cooperated and we had a great turnout. It was an amazing day,” said Penny Peters, Akwesasne Travel manager. “We are so appreciative of the artists, performers, vendors, sponsors, and volunteers. Every single person who helped make this event happen deserves a huge thank you!”

The 2023 Best in Show prize was awarded to Karen Francis of Akwesasne for her handcrafted, beaded cradleboard, “Leo’s Pad.” The juried show featured dozens of submissions across 12 categories. A new youth division attracted several up-and-coming talents.

“The artists raised the bar with this year’s show,” said Akwesasne Travel’s LaToya Rourke. “We had so many positive comments from visitors excited to experience Mohawk art and culture. It was a great way to show people the kinds of experiences Akwesasne Travel offers.”

Major sponsors of the Akwesasne Art Market & Juried Show include Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort, NCCS (North Country Colocation Services), Boralex, CKON Radio and the Akwesasne Communication Society, CAA Management, and Ontario Power Generation.

List of Juried Show winners:

Best In Show, sponsored by Akwesasne Travel

Karen Francis

2D Painting, sponsored by the Family of Gray’s Homestead Farm

First place: Victoria Ransom

Second place: Bruce Boots

2D Mixed Media, 2D Abstract, sponsored by Mohawk Council of Akwesasne

First place: Kit Thomas

Second place: Ron Jacobs

New Media, sponsored by Alcoa

First place: Crystal Henry

Second place: Sabrina Sunday and Leslee Loran

Cultural Diverse Art, sponsored by CAA Management

First place: Brenda Garrow

Second place: Karennotakies Barnes

Beadwork and Quillwork, sponsored by Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort

First place: Karen Francis

Second place: Brenda Garrow

Contemporary Clothing and Accessories

First place, sponsored by Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort: Kaiahtenhtas Thompson

Second place, sponsored by Treetop Boutique: Shannon David

Fancy Baskets, sponsored by Bear’s Den Charitable Foundation

First place: Carrie Hill

Second place: Delia Terrance

Utility Baskets

First place, sponsored by Akwesasne Travel: Louis Gray

Second place, In Memory of Joseph Louis Peters: Jack Johnson

Pottery, Sculpture, Carving, Woodwork

First place, sponsored by Akwesasne Travel: Katsitsionni Fox

Second place, In Memory of Joseph and Isabel Rourke: Roger Perkins

2D Drawing, sponsored by Akwesasne Travel

First place: Vaughn Phillips

Second place: Victoria Ransom

Traditional Wear, sponsored by Akwesasne Travel

First place: Tsiahawi Perkins

Second place: Marlana Thompson Baker

Quilts & Wovens, sponsored by CKON

First place: Elisha King

Second place: Renee Adams

Youth Division, sponsored by CKON Radio

First place, age 6-12: Tsienenhariio Swamp

Second place, age 6-12: Kaleb Twobulls

First place, age 13-17: Ansley Hill

Second place, age 13-17 River Rourke

Judge’s Choice Awards, sponsored by Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe

1. Yvette White
2. Waverli Thompson
3. Kelly & Tyson Back
4. Anna “Dodie” Thompson
5. Kaiahtenhtas Thompson

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The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe.