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JANUARY 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RETAIL HOURS
Open on Saturday,
February 21, 2015
 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

The Indian Craft Shop is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30p.m., and the third Saturday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Shop is closed on federal holidays.
VISITING US
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 closer for Metro riders). Handicap access ramps are available at both entrances. During Saturday hours, visitors must use the C Street entrance.
Public Transportation
Farragut West (Blue, Orange, and Silver 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.
CONTACT US
SOCIAL MEDIA
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HappyNewYear

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015!

 

We hope you enjoy the start of the New Year as much as we do, while reviewing the year past, purging to make room for what the new year will bring, and planning and setting goals for the future. Here at the Shop, we have been busy doing just that and right now we are preparing for our first big event, the Shop's Big Annual Sale! We also are excited this year about outreach to new artists so that we may show you the great variety of art mediums and styles that make American Indian art so exciting. We have new books on the shelf and, while spring cleaning may still be a few months away, we also thought now would be a good time to discuss jewelry care and cleaning (articles below). And, don't forget, Valentine's Day is just around the corner!

 

AnnualSaleANNUAL SALE FEBRUARY 12-21, 2015

 

The Shop's Big Annual Sale is our way of saying THANK YOU -- for your appreciation and loyalty in supporting American Indian arts and the Shop. Just about everything will be included in the ANNUAL SALE: Jewelry, pottery, dolls, basketry, fetishes, rugs, beadwork, works from Alaska, sculptures and more will be discounted 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% off (certain items, e.g., bronzes and some consignments are excluded). Items will be clearly marked in the Shop and the online store. Look for the colored dots and our coded signs in the Shop for discounts.

 

Please Note:  We are not able to hold sale-priced items, but layaways can be arranged in the Shop or over the phone. All discounted items are final sales.

 

Take advantage our limited time BIG ANNUAL SALE because all items return to their normal prices after the sale. Mark your calendars now!


Annual Sale and Online Store

The Annual Sale will be programmed on our online store! However, encourage you to visit the Shop if you are able to, as we always have the widest selection of items there.

 

Online Orders For Pick Up:

If you would like to order online and pick up in the Shop, please fill in your "Ship To" address as the Shop's address - This way, the appropriate DC sales tax will be charged and we can then credit your shipping cost back to your method of payment after the online sale goes through. In the "Comment section" of your order, let us know that you will be picking up your item(s) and we'll have them ready for you!

 

We look forward to seeing you in the Shop and 'virtually' through our

online storeand hope you enjoy the Annual Sale!

 

MittenINTRODUCING THE WORK OF KATRINA MITTEN

(MIAMI TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA) 

We constantly are expanding the number of artists and tribes we represent and we are proud to introduce to you our newest artist, Katrina Mitten (Miami Tribe of Oklahoma). Katrina has been pursuing the art of embroidery-style beadwork since she was 12. She states her "teachers are the bead workers of the past" and that she seeks inspiration in the world that surrounds her. This is evident in the textures, form and colors of the beaded medallions and accessories she creates. Turtles are often found in her art, for a few reasons: The turtle was taken on to represent her family, she says, most probably  "because of one of our Historic Leaders in my family: Mishikinakwa, 'Little Turtle', was a great war Chief and orator who is very famous in the History of my People and our Country." She also references teachings that "we are charged with the care of this land that we believe is on the back of a great turtle - Turtle Island. My teachers also say that the turtle is an animal who goes within itself and we all need to look within ourselves first before looking outward and judging others around us."



 

Visit our online store to see a selection of Katrina Mitten's work.
JewelryCARING FOR YOUR VALUABLE JEWELRY

When buying handmade art, it is an investment in the future as well as in beauty and its care is paramount to its longevity. Some easy tips can help your favorite pieces become your grandchildren's treasures. When not wearing jewelry, especially silver, it is a good idea to keep it in a sealed plastic bag, which cuts down on tarnish. You should remove your jewelry when coming into contact with harsh chemicals, such as when cleaning or swimming in a highly chlorinated pool. Never use bleach or paper towels to clean your jewelry; polishing cloths are the best option and warm water with mild soap can also be used for some pieces, but softer stones will not tolerate water well. It is a good idea to inspect your jewelry for damage or loose stones, so you might consider setting aside a snowy day in January to review all of your valuables (this also allows to you appreciate your collection).

 

It may seem simple, but placing a cuff bracelet on your wrist can be difficult, especially when you are trying it on for the first time. It is important to remember that you should never bend the bracelet, especially if it contains stones since that can cause them to become loose. Before placing the bracelet on your wrist you should first visually inspect it to see if it matches your wrist size. If it is obviously too small, you should not attempt the fit since it can damage the jewelry and cause irritation to your wrist. If the bracelet looks like it will fit, you should start about two finger lengths down from the bottom of your hand and place one end against the soft underside of your wrist. The simply roll the bracelet over your wrist until it is in place. To remove the bracelet, simply reverse the procedure.  

 

NewBooks

CHECK OUT OUR NEW BOOKS! 

 

Indian Basketry of the Northeastern Woodlands by Sarah Peabody Turnbaugh and William A. Turnbaugh - Longtime friends and supporters of the Shop and recognized for their thorough research and expertise on American Indian basketry, Sarah and Bill have published another volume as a must-have for your reference library. For more details on this and other available publications by the Turnbaughs, check our online store.


 


 

 

Contemporary Art on the Northwest Coast by Karen and Ralph Noris - showcasing the works of over 50 contemporary Northwest Coast artists, the book has beautiful photographs of the diverse arts that are complimented with commentary about culture and context, brief bios of the artists and statements from them.


 


 

 


 

 

Hopi Gold, Hopi Silver by Zena Pearlstone - chronicling the evolution of Hopi jewelry over the past 40 years with color photographs of the jewelry of 12 noted Hopi jewelers along with information on the symbolism and relationship of figures and designs to the Hopi culture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kachinas and Ceremonial Dancers in Zuni Jewelry by Toshio Sei  -- this is the third of a six book series by Toshio Sei that covers the range and style of Zuni Jewelry from the 1930s - 1960s time period. See more details and other titles by Toshio Sei. 

 

 

Native American Horse Gear by 

E. Helene Sage - covering most aspects of 19th century Native American equine tack/equipment, this book includes over 200 color photographs. It explores a variety of geographical regions and the different styles, characteristics, techniques and materials used to create equine gear.


 


 

 

 

 

See our full selection of books on the online store.

 

ValentinesVALENTINE'S DAY IS COMING
 
Remember your loved ones on Valentine's Day - you're sure to find that special gift at the Shop!

 

 

OpenSaturday

OPEN SATURDAY, February 21, 2015

 

The Indian Craft Shop is open the third Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. - the third Saturday in February is February 21st  - We look forward to seeing you!


 

 

NewsINTERIOR MUSEUM NEWS

 

THE UPCOMING U.S. CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE ARCTIC COUNCIL

February 9, 2015, 12:15pm - 1:15pm, Rachel Carson Room, Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior

Summary: The Office of Policy Analysis and Interior Museum Present: The Upcoming U.S. Chairmanship of the Arctic Council

 

For the past 18 years, the Arctic Council has served as a high-level intergovernmental forum made up of the eight Arctic countries and "permanent participant" organizations that represent most Arctic indigenous peoples. The Arctic Council is a way for the Arctic countries to discuss and cooperate on a wide range of Arctic issues, including environmental protection, sustainable development, and the well-being of Arctic peoples. In April 2015, the United States will assume a two-year chairmanship of the Arctic Council. During this time, U.S. agencies will work together to advance several initiatives within the Council. U.S. Senior Arctic Official Julia Gourley will present an overview of the initiatives being proposed as part of the U.S. chairmanship, which include climate change mitigation and resilience, advancing Arctic Ocean stewardship, and enhancing economic and living conditions of Arctic residents. The Department of the Interior (DOI) will play a key role in many of these initiatives, working together with the U.S. Department of State and other agencies. Joel Clement, Director of DOI's Office of Policy Analysis, will describe DOI's current and planned involvement in the Arctic Council over the next couple of years. To Livestream this event, please join 5-10 minutes early to avoid technical difficulties. Login is required to ask questions. Please click "join" or "login to chat" and follow instructions.

Webcast: www.doi.gov/events
 

OIL SPILL RESPONSE RESEARCH PROGRAM

March 4, 2015, 1:15pm - 2:15pm, Rachel Carson Room, Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior

Summary: Improving Detection, Containment, Treatment, Recovery and Cleanup

 

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement is the principal federal agency funding offshore oil spill response research. Since the DeepWater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, BSEE has funded a substantial amount of research related to ensuring that offshore oil/gas operators are prepared to respond to any potential oil spill. Lori Medley, Chief, BSEE Oil Spill Response Research Branch will discuss the program and key research projects.

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.

LOCATION - The Rachel Carson Room is located next to the basement cafeteria of the Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building.

 

The Indian Craft Shop | Department of the Interior | 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240
www.indiancraftshop.com | 202.208.4056