AKWESASNE — (Ohiarihkó:wa/July 25, 2026) On Saturday, July 18, Akwesasne’s Generations Park was the place to be as community members, visitors, and art enthusiasts gathered for the 2026 Art Market. The annual event brought together Akwesasne's most talented artisans and community members to bask in the resilience of Mohawk culture, promising a day filled with spectacular art, live demonstrations, music, dancing, and food from local vendors. Some 50 artists displayed diverse collections of contemporary and traditional works, inviting visitors to experience Indigenous creativity, cultural knowledge, and craftsmanship.
Among the artists was Roger Perkins, Best of Show winner at the 2026 Akwesasne Juried Art Show held Friday night at Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort. Perkins showcased his collection of fire-forged Haudenosaunee pottery made with clay from the St. Lawrence River. The first-ever People’s Choice award, resulting from votes tallied at the Juried Show, was presented to Kelly and Tyson Back of Fire Loom Creations. Gratitude of the Hunt, a loom beaded portrait of a deer, was created by Kelly as a tribute to her husband’s successful hunt. The piece expresses gratitude for the sustenance provided by the deer and honors the Indigenous teachings of respect, responsibility, and reciprocity. Incorporating traditional knowledge and materials derived from the deer, the artwork reflects a connection to culture, family, and the natural world.
“It was very uplifting to see the large turnout of artists, vendors, and guests” stated Raeann Adams, assistant director of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Office of Economic Development and lead member of the organizing team. “Our community and visitors look forward to this event more and more each year. The Art Market is becoming more popular, and drawing people to Akwesasne each summer for culture, connection, and commerce.”
Tribal Council shared, “The 2026 Juried Art Show and Art Market was a stellar event this year with over 100 vendors seeing hundreds of visitors that traveled to Akwesasne from all over, including our New England neighbors from Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Last year, Last year, an estimated tens of thousands of dollars in just art was sold. We very much are looking forward to seeing the economic impact from this year’s event. Congratulations to everyone that entered this year’s Juried Show, especially our emerging youth artists, and of course to all the award winners across the many categories. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the local food vendors whose participation helped make this year's event such a welcoming and enjoyable experience for visitors and participants alike.”
The staff of the Office of Economic Development and Akwesasne Travel, extends a special niawen'kó:wa to all the artists, vendors, entertainers, demonstrators, SRMT partners, volunteers, sponsors, and especially the Generations Park crew for contributing to the success of this year’s Art Market. Much appreciation and gratitude for the community members and visitors who came to celebrate Indigenous artistry and culture, making the fifth Akwesasne Art Market a memorable and meaningful event for all.
For more information about the 2026 Juried Art Show and Art Market visit www.akwesasne.travel and follow Akwesasne Travel on social media.