The Shopping Bag Show at Pacific Western Traders was started when one artist; Gayle Anita, an avid tracker, started painting animal paw prints on the shopping bags at the gallery. People loved them. They started to collect them. A tradition was born.
This history has produced The Shopping Bag Show. We had no idea, when we asked the artists associated with Pacific Western Traders to decorate these bags that they would respond with such variety and creativity. Wow comes to mind! Every week, more shopping bags arrive. We continue to be amazed by the diversity of the work. Some of the artists are stepping outside their regular genre and considering the material in a new light, while others apply their usual technique to the unusual media.
The range of work includes: a meticulous Mosaic Turtle by Joyce Bowling, an elegant Trompe l’oeil Antler Purse with Dentalium Necklace by Jeanne Ramos, and a beautiful Plein Air of Lake Natoma by Vicki Asp. Artists continue to bring in their shopping bag creations for the show.
Some of the other artists that have created exceptional works are: Jack Alvarez, Gayle Anita, Linda Aguilar, Frank LaPena, Stan Padilla, Melissa Leal, Tony Soares, Richard Kastl, Pauline Kothman, Sage LaPena, Benjamin Torres, and Lorraine Luna.
All of the Shopping Bags will be offered for sale through a silent auction; which will run for the length of the show, starting September 30 and ending November 4.
On the first two days of the Shopping Bag Show, there is an Indian Market and Sale
Along with the Shopping Bag Show, September 30 and October 1, there will be an Indian Market and Sale, from 10:00 to 5:00, with demonstrations, music and dance by Native American Artists.
Mary Youngblood (Grammy Award Winner) will be here on Saturday from 12:00 – 3:00 to sign her CDs and play. The Maidu Dancers and Traditionalists will be here Sunday at 2:00.
The Indian Markets are another tradition at Pacific Western Traders. Native American Artists from throughout California will gather to show and sell their work. It is a time to meet the artists and renew friendships.
The Artists participating in the Market are:
Linda Aguilar (Chumash) Horsehair Basketry
Pauline Kothman (Yurok) Abalone and Sterling Jewelry
Richard Kastl (Osage) Jewelry
Stan Padilla (Yaqui) Jewelry and Paintings
William Pink (Pala) Southern California Traditional Arts
Melissa Leal (Chumash) Steatite Carvings and Jewelry
Tony Soares, Southern California Pottery
Jeremy Peconom (Honey Lake Maidu) Traditional California Arts
Ann and Ellen Poitras (Lakota/Chippewa) Abalone Jewelry and Quilts
Dixie Rogers (Karuk) Traditional Basketry and Jewelry
Joyce Bowling (Cherokee) Basketry and Beadwork
