The 2026 Akwesasne Juried Art Show drew some 500 people to the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort on Friday to celebrate an exciting display of Indigenous creativity and artistic vision.
“The art we were fortunate to experience at this show was absolutely phenomenal,” said Randi Barreiro, marketing specialist for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Office of Economic Development, which organizes the annual event. “We couldn’t be more thrilled by the artists’ talent and variety of their expressions, and how our guests raved about their favorite pieces.”
This year’s prestigious Best of Show award went to Roger Sosakete Perkins for his celestial inspired Marriage Pot depicting two spirits coming together in an organic and synergistic union. Perkins, a multi-media artist, views his work as an encompassing journey inspired by the natural world and the cosmos. His work was among 66 pieces submitted into this year’s show.
Honors were given across nine categories, the Best of Show award, and a “People’s Choice” selection to be announced at the Art Market on Saturday. All works were created by Indigenous artists and included a wide range of both contemporary and traditional pieces.
A youth art show preceded the Juried Art Show on July 16, where honors were awarded across three categories. Winners of this year’s Youth Art Show include Kahnekanonnha Kasokeo Feelin’ Fancy won 1st Place for the 6-12 age category, Kaida Thompson Every Feather won 1st Place for the 13-17 age category, and Bruno Light Heart of the Tipi won Best of Show for the 6-12 age category.
2026 Juried Art Show Winners:
Beadwork
1st Place – Kelly and Tyson Back, Gratitude of the Hunt
2nd Place – Kimberly Confer, Blue Moon Rising
Baskets -Fancy
1st Place – Holly Pyke, The Thunderers
2nd Place – Carrie Hill, Moon Cycle in Splint
Baskets -Utility
1st Place – Karòn:ies, Kanoharénion À:there
2nd Place – Joanne Jocko, EAB Emerald Ash Borer, Agrillus Planipennis
Cultural Diverse Art
1st Place – Kahionwinehshon Phillips, Tota’s Fine China
2nd Place – Shannon Lazore, Bee-utiful
Fine Art 2 Dimensional
1st Place - Mark Light, Celestial Tree
2nd Place – Jordan Thompson, 9 Clans of the Haudenosaunee
Fine Art 3 Dimensional
1st Place – Roger Perkins, Truth Bomb
2nd Place – Andrew Cook, Eagle Automata
New Media
1st Place – Ansley Hill, Morph
2nd Place – Yvette White, Untitled 26
Traditional / Contemporary Attire
1st Place – Marlana Thompson, Skywoman’s Purse
2nd Place – Teiosakentison Elijah, Roan Roan (Hummingbird)
Textile Art
1st Place – Elisha Ieshonténhawe King Ratinehtanónhnha-They Look After the Garden
2nd Place – Carolyn Cook, Purple Haze
For more information about the 2026 Juried Art Show and Art Market visit www.akwesasne.travel and follow Akwesasne Travel on social media.