RETAIL HOURS
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Open on Saturday,
November 15, 2014
10:00AM-4:00PM
The Indian Craft Shop is open Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM, and the third Saturday of the month from 10:00AM to 4:00PM. The Shop is closed on federal holidays.
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VISITING US
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A photo ID is needed for entrance to the building. During weekdays, visitors may use either the C Street or E Street entrances (E Street is closed for Metro riders). Handicap access ramps are available at both entrances. During Saturday hours, visitors must use the C Street entrance.
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Public Transportation
Farragut West (Blue and Orange Line) and Farragut North (Red Line) are the closest metro stops. It is a six-block walk, or you can ride an 80 or S1 bus to 19th and C streets. There is metered parking on the street and several parking lots within a few blocks.
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CONTACT US
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(202) 208-4056
E-mail
Website
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JOIN OUR LIST
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NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH |
The first American Indian Heritage Month was observed in 1990, but the roots of the observance date to the early 20th century. As early as 1915, efforts were made to have a day established to honor the Native peoples and there was some limited initial success in states including New York and Illinois. Since 1990 and through today, communities and organizations across the nation honor the rich heritage and culture of American Indians during November of each year. Native foods, arts, dances, Pow Wows, museums, films, music and 'Rock Your Mocs Day' on November 15, (see below) are just a few ideas to explore with your families. A visit to The Indian Craft Shop is always a great idea, too -like a touchable museum in many ways, the Shop is a place to experience beauty and also to learn through the arts about the many diverse cultures of American Indians.
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As the leaves fall from their branches and the nip in the air turns into a true chill, we know that autumn is descending into winter and it's time for the Shop's traditionally dynamic winter season of overflowing shelves and showcases!
NEW CARVINGS FROM ALASKA have arrived and include seals, walruses, otters, polar bears, hunters, masks, and a great variety of birds. Larger pieces, carved from aged whalebone and accented with walrus tusk ivory and whale baleen, make stunning tabletop sculptures. Carvings range from hunt scenes to stylized or realistic animals and fanciful creations depicting spirits and abstract concepts.
The materials used include aged whalebone, walrus tusk ivory, whale baleen, seal or polar bear fur, and occasionally feathers or antler. Details also can be added using sgraffito (a process where engravings are made into the surface of an object), with ink then added to highlight the pattern.
Traditionally found among Alaskan peoples such as the Inupiat and Yupik, these carvings are an important part of village life. Not only does the art of carving provide a very necessary income, it also serves to share the history and culture of people maintaining a traditional lifestyle in harsh environments. Learn more about the arts of Alaska and see a sampling of our selection on our online store.
After a successful fall purchasing trip, packages have been arriving daily with new and exciting treasures. NEW POTTERY FROM THE SOUTHWEST now fills our cases in both traditional and contemporary styles. Jars, vases, mudhead, koshare and storyteller figures, and even a few nativity scenes can be found from new and established artists. From finely polished pottery with intricate sgraffito designs to small and large dough bowls with traditional broad geometric patterns, there is sure to be a piece to add to your own collection or to someone else's as a gift.
JEWELRY IS ALWAYS A HIGHLIGHT! New pieces are arriving and filling our cases. Classic stamped silverwork, contemporary overlay and tufa cast jewelry, mosaic inlay, channel inlay, handmade beads in silver, stone and shell... our cases are simply sparkling with a glorious array of colors and styles. We are constantly amazed at the talent of many of the longtime artists we've represented as well ones who are newer to the Shop. We welcome Ronnie Henry's (Navajo) work, and that of Adrian Wall (Jemez), who is most known for his stone and glass sculpture but who also creates beautifully etched glass earrings.
A substantial number of NEW FETISH CARVINGS will be marching into the Shop soon to supplement our already extensive collection that includes eagles, bears, badgers, mountain lions, wolves and moles along with a variety of carvings of birds, horses, bison, lizards, snakes, beavers, corn maidens and so much more! So many animals, so many styles, so many materials, there is sure to be a new carving to add a spark to your own collection or to give as a gift to someone on your list.
OUR ONLINE STORE
You can imagine with all the new work coming in it's absolutely best if you can come into the Shop to see our complete selection. We are working to add new items to the online store and you can also check out our New Additions page. In the meantime, if you are from afar and not able to visit, please let us know if you would like images sent of any particular interest or if we can help in any way - just give us a call at 202-208-4056 or email indiancraftshop@guestservices.com and we'll be happy to help!
It's "Rock Your Mocs Day" on November 15th, a day that has been organized to encourage Native people across the world to wear their moccasins all day as a way to recognize Tribal individuality and celebrate National Native American Heritage Month. We hope everyone has a wonderful Rock Your Mocs day and we look forward to seeing all the pictures! Visit for more information and to post/view photos.
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REMINDER - OPEN SATURDAY,
NOVEMBER 15th, 2014
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The Indian Craft Shop is open the third Saturday of each month. We hope that you will be able to join us this Saturday, November 15th from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
We wish all of you a wonderful month of November and
look forward to seeing you soon.
Thank you for your continued support of the arts!
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NEWS FROM THE INTERIOR MUSEUM |
From Sunken Ships to Submerged Paleolandscapes
Wednesday, December 3rd, 1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m., Rachel Carson Room Archaeologists William Hoffman and Brandi Carrier from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Office of Renewable Energy Programs will discuss the historic preservation program and highlight recent offshore research into shipwrecks and pre-contact archaeological sites in the Atlantic Ocean.
On the Front Lines: The Impact of Climate Change in the Freely Associated States of Micronesia
Thursday, December 11th, 1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m., South Interior Building Auditorium Esther Kia'aina, Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior, facilitates a panel discussion among the Ambassadors to the United States from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau on the climate change challenges facing these Pacific island nations ranging from sea level rise to food security.
POSTERity: WPA's Art Legacy and America's Public Lands
On view April 8, 2014 - Spring 2015
From 1938 to 1941, the National Park Service employed artists via the Works Progress Administration (WPA) to produce silk screened promotional posters for national park sites. The U.S. Department of the Interior Museum has united for the first time six WPA originals and a full complement of the contemporary designs by Doug Leen which follow the tradition of the WPA poster project, for this visually stunning retrospective. Featured are nearly 50 classic posters associated with 36 national parks, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Interior Museum.
Many visitors have inquired whether the images within the Interior Museum's POSTERity exhibition are commercially available. Yes! Ranger Doug's Enterprises (www.rangerdoug.com) is the source for faithful silkscreen reproductions of WPA National Park serigraphs. Note cards and postcards are also available. Products from Ranger Doug's Enterprises are 100% made in the USA, and the company annually donates 1% of its gross sales back to the National Parks.
ART AND MURAL TOURS
Discover the art and architecture that made the Main Interior Building a "symbol of a new day" during the Great Depression. The Interior Museum Murals Tour lasts an hour and visits photographic murals by Ansel Adams and many of the over fifty murals by artists including Maynard Dixon, Allan Houser, Gifford Beal, and John Steuart Curry.
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m. and by appointment for groups over six. Reservations required for all tours by calling 202-208-4743.
Special Assistance - For those in need of special assistance (such as an interpreter for the hearing impaired) or inquiries regarding the accessible entrance, please notify museum staff at 202-208-4743 in advance of the program. Special needs will be accommodated whenever possible.
The Interior Museum - For more information
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